Alcohol Question...?

Question

My fiance and I are paying for our own wedding and the guest list is at 150 people (really can't make it any smaller) and we can't afford a huge bar tab. I was wondering if it would be tacky or rude to pay for beer and wine but not hard liquor for the reception. I was going to put something on the invitations to the effect of...Beer and wine provided, cocktails available. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I don't think it'd be out of the question. In my opinion, I would just leave out the cocktails all together. This way it eliminates any awkwardness for anyone involved. After all, the point of your wedding is not to get the guests drunk, but rather have them there to celebrate your new beginning!

If you're afraid of not catering to everyone's liking, then perhaps when providing the beer and wine, you can just make sure to offer a variety of beer and wine. It's very common to provide at least two to three different types of beer, and at least three different types of wine. Then of course, also have a selection of soft drinks and water for those not wanting to drink.

Congrats on your upcoming wedding and I'm sure it'll be a success!

Answer 2

Wine and beer are perfectly fine. Don't put that on the invitation though. All you need to say is where the reception is and what time. Food and drink should be provided at no charge despite what some people say. As with any other party, you dont make your guests pay you for the glasses of wine they have in your home so the same applies for a wedding.

Answer 3

My husband and I only provided beer and wine for a couple of reasons. 1. it was an early reception (1pm) 2. it's a money saver and 3. people get stupid on hard liquor. It was a very special day for us and we wanted everyone to have fun and not have any issues. We didn't even have liquor as an option to purchase as a cash bar. And the reason we didn't is because well see reason number 3 plus I find it to be tacky to ask for your guests to pay for drinks. When you hold a party you don't ask for a cover charge or charge them to eat or drink. They are your guests. So I believe it is perfectly acceptable to only have beer and wine. If they don't like it... they can go find a bar down the street. It's your day and you do it your way.

Answer 4

I have been to two weddings - at one, all of the guests had to buy their own alcohol and at the other only beer, wine, and soft drink was supplied. I heard no complaints from either about the drinks. I actually never considered or expected that spirits would be payed for at a wedding. I don't think people really care what the situation is, after all everyone knows how expensive a wedding is these days. I'm sure most people feel honoured just to be invited to celebrate your special day. Goodluck!

Answer 5

We toyed with the same idea, ultimately deciding against the hard alcohol. When meeting with the caterer, we were told, Beer and Wine, expect $20 per head, if you include Hard Alcohol then it is $23 for the cheap stuff, $25 for the expensive stuff. So a two hundred person wedding would cost you $600-$1,000 more for hard alcohol. Our other (and main concern) was we wanted people to be able to loosen up, but not go over board (which was a big problem at a few of my friends weddings).

Answer 6

It is fine to just pay for beer and wine. The important thing is that you are offering alcohol for complimentary. Most people are fine with beer and wine anyway. On the reception card, you don't even have to mention that it's just beer and wine, although it's a nice thought (so that the hard liquour drinkers know to bring some $$$).

Answer 7

This question would have to be taken in the context, cultural norms in your place. In our place, most of the weddings I've attended just provide the wine for the toast, guests just drink soft drinks or water if they prefer. I'm sure your friends would understand knowing that you're paying for the whole wedding. I agree, it's not good to start your new life with a debt. So, just spend what you can afford. You've got enough to worry about with just the wedding preparations.

Answer 8

we have been to a great many weddings, and the unruliest guests are always at the weddings with a free bar. even those who 'only have beer and wine'.
having guests pay for their own drinks pretty much ensures 99% of your guests will stay sober. and that is a blessing.
in our end of the world when there is a wedding, intially there are two punch bowls, one with alcohol, and one without.
then each table is provided with a bottle or two of wine, for dinner. [generally one red, one white.] everything else is at the bar, with a bartender in charge, and guests pay for their drinks.
i honestly would not provide free beer, or additional wine.
again, in our end of the world, pretty much everyone expects to pay for their drinks.
i don't think your invitations need say anything about it.
it is not rude, it is not tacky, it is a wise decision, especially in this day and age when guests try to sue their hosts because the guest got drunk, drove and had an accident.
really think about it.
good luck to you both in your new life!

Answer 9

Wine and beer hosting is fine, I wouldn't offer a cash bar also. It's not necessary to put anything on the invitations. Have the DJ announce "bride and groom are hosting wine and beer. You might want to consider an alcohol free punch also.

Answer 10

I've never been to a wedding where the alcohol was free, perhaps in the UK people are more than happy to pay for their own drink, it's not considered tacky here. And at a party most people would bring a bottle of their own to drink anyway, so there is nothing wrong with people paying for a few drinks.