Should I Serve Alcohol?

Whether you're a wine connoisseur, or whether a cold beer is more your style, it must be admitted--alcohol is expensive, especially when you're serving a crowd of thirsty guests. How can a penny-pincher like you keep the booze from breaking the bank?

The obvious and most absolute solution is, of course, just don't serve alcohol. But if you can't drink to that option, perhaps one of the following will fit your style. Remember, most venues require you to pay for extra security if alcohol is present at all.

1. Zero-proof substitutes. If you'd like the look of wine but not the cost, consider using sparkling grape juice instead. Generally, it runs half the price of even the cheapest bottle of wine. If you like mixed drinks, try a Margarita mix with ginger ale instead of tequila, or bottles of virgin sangria.
2. Reserve drinks for the bridal party. It's your wedding--you can choose to serve only select individuals, such as the bridal party or family of the bride and groom. In fact, there's nothing wrong with serving a little champagne just to the newlyweds.
3. Limit servings. Use small glasses, and limit one glass per guest.
4. Buy the cheep stuff. You can buy decent wine for, at the time of this writing, about seven dollars a bottle. Shop around and compare prices. Ask the manager of your local package store if you can get a discount for buying in bulk. Check the manufacturer website and find out if you can buy in bulk directly from the manufacturer.
5. Pay bar. Many venues now offer the option of a pay bar, where guests can purchase their own drinks if they so choose. However, keep in mind that this doesn't get you totally off the hook--you'll still be paying for the services of the bar tender, use of bar equipment, and the additional security that most venues require.