Hi All,
Today Karra ( you saw her trying on dresses in an earlier blog ) and I were talking about all of the many many little pieces that come together to create not only a fabulous event but also create your signature event. From the venue to cuisine, to the entertainment and even the bar service if all are done well, all of these elements work together to create an atmosphere that reflects your taste and style. Over the next few days and weeks I'll talk about specific elements of your event that need your attention just as much as your "dress" does. :) Boutique Events wedding planning offers all of the services you need to create your atmosphere - we make it easy and fun!!
Since we were talking about Karra's beverage service options today I thought that is where we would start. There is no right or wrong in anything I'll be talking about but...there is what is appropriate for your event and what may be expected.
If you decide to have no liquor, no wine, no beer ... no alcohol of any kind at your event, that is your right and your prerogative. One would assume that anyone coming to your celebration will know you well enough to not expect spirits of any kind. Creating a beautiful beverage display and a signature nonalcoholic beverage is key to making this part of your day. Serving minimal alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine can be done a few ways as well. There are kegs, which if using a keg I like to dress this up a bit by using chilled mugs instead of red solo cups :) And as all us ladies can attest drinking wine out of a plastic cup is just...a no no... a lovely wine glass can make even the less the great wine taste special.
Okay so now we've come to the full bar option. One piece of advice, if you are going to have a full bar, it should be an open bar, if you can not afford an open bar then scale back and offer your guests what you can afford. These are your guests and you have invited them to come and celebrate your special day. (I'm also so against tip jars, please pay your server well enough that they don't feel compelled to need tips to make a decent wage). A full bar is probably the standard and has been for many years but you can upgrade here by having a mixologist concocting fabulous made to order drinks, right there in front of your guests. This adds that little something extra. And no...I'm not talking Tom Cruise in "Cocktail"(although that wouldn't be so bad :) )Toasting is something that is not done as much with champagne as it has been in the past. I believe it is fine to have your guests toast with what they are drinking - there are those like myself who love champagne and enjoy toasting with it, so I think you should have it offered but not pre poured. I've seen so much of it wasted that it is just wise for so many reasons to let up a little on this tradition and just go with the flow!
xo, Valerie
PS...There is always the option of saving money and providing your own alcohol and hiring staff to serve it such as www.butlersandbartenders.com - they allow you to enjoy your party!
