Wedding Connections - Planning Guide - Refreshments & Bartending

Refreshments & Bartending

Choosing wedding refreshments for your wedding day.

The choice in wedding refreshments is a wide and exciting one. There are so many that it may be best to step back a moment and make your decisions in pieces and sections.

How many quests will be attending? Are you considering a theme of some sort?
What drinks will be served?

A bride may choose to give favors to guests that will provide refreshments for later.

It can be argued that the refreshments are one of the most important parts of the reception. After all, when your guests are happy, you're happy.

The amount of people who will be in attendance is a big factor both in budget, and in style. There are no set rules when it comes to what refreshments should or should not be served, It's important not to overdo things for a small reception. On the other hand, you don't want your guests to go hungry. Wedding receptions are often long, and guests will be looking forward to something they can eat and drink while making conversation. All of these selections are generally left to the bride and groom. If the families do not drink alcohol and the refreshments will more than likely be punch, juice and soda based. It's polite to always give a non-alcoholic alternative whether or not alcohol is being served.

A professional bartender might be hired and there are few different bar choices you have:

Open Bar - This would seem the best option but for the bar tab at the end of the night. However, an open bar gives the guests the most possibilities.

Limited Bar - You choose a selection of drinks with your caterer/bartender. You may choose to limit the number of drinks each guest is aloud. Limiting the times that your bar(s) are open is also an option.

Juice and Coffee Bar - A good idea with or without serving alcohol. After all, someone needs to drive. These drinks are sometimes served later, after the toasts have been made. If that's the case, sparkling cider should be served alongside Champaign.

It's important to be content with your decision in that it's your day. However, keep in mind that, ultimately, the refreshments are meant for your guests. By no means does this mean that you should ask your guests their different tastes and distastes. It only means to keep the guests in mind. Often, taste can bring back the memories of your wedding to your guests and yourself. Be as unique to your guests and yourself. Be as unique as you wish to be when making these choices. The possibilities are endless.

Why hiring a professional bartender can save your wedding day.

With all the planning and even when utilizing the help of a wedding or event planner, choosing the appropriate staff can sometimes be an after thought or even delagated to the caterer or people you don't know you well or know what your expectations are.

First there is the issue of service. A good bartender can make drinks and serve beverages. But an EXCELLENT one can make the guest have fun and enjoy themselves even while waiting in often long lines right after the service ends to get something to drink. An experienced bartender will also make each quest feel as special as the bridal party while working to avoid potential problems.

At almost every wedding, there's always at least one or two guests who seem to feel it is their goal to drink as much"free" booze as they possibly can. Sometimes, it's innocent and just the result of the festive atmosphere. Other times, it can be someone who is bored, not a close friend or relative (the occasional wedding "crasher)) or even someone who will make a scene and attempt to upstage the bride and groom.

In any case, it is the bartender's role to do everything in his/her control to see to it that this type of guest doesn't steal the day or worse cause embarrassment or worse to them self or others. One way to monitor those who seem to be over indulging and either reduce the quantity of alcohol in each successive drink (often they don't even realize this) or to reduce the size of the beverage poured.

Another is to make sure you have plenty of water available both on the tables as well as at the bar to help offset the effect of alcohol consumption. Although, many people are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of drinking and driving and have a designated driver, all you need are one or two who do not to create a problem. I recommend having tubs of bottle water for guests to take along as well as offer near the end of a reception to assist those who have had a bit too much to drink.

Second is the issue of liability. There are two areas here. First, the host can be legally liable for anyone who drinks on private property and goes on to drive or otherwise commit a crime while under the influence. The last thing you want to deal with is an accident or even death caused by someone drinking too much at your event.

So, when you're planning your wedding reception, where alcohol will be served, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Talk with your wedding planner and caterer as well as friends and family who have used bartenders and get their recommendations on who they used: How was the service? Were there any problem guests and if so how was it handled? What were the guests comments on the service?

2. Meet the prospective bartenders face-to-face if at al possible to discuss their experience, your specific event requirements and beverage service and any potential "problem" guests that will be attending and how to handle them including who to look for if someone gets out of line.

3. Discuss the details including what will be served, what size stemware/barware will be utilized and who will have access to serving alcohol before, during and immediately after the bartenders service. Most brides decide not to serve any alcohol before the ceremony which can lead to disruptions and unruly behaviour at the most inopportune moment during your ceremony.

4. Most important, hire a professional bartender that has the experience in dealing with a wide variety of situations often unique to private parties and receptions where there is no "bouncer" to deal with those who have had too much to drink.

By doing your homework, asking the right questions and hiring an experienced bartender, you will avoid embarrassing guests and potentially an expensive and potentially dangerous legal issue at what should be one of the happiest days of your life.

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