To booze or not to booze? That is the question. On one hand, we want to be gracious hosts and make sure that all of our party guests are having a great time. On the other hand, serving unlimited amounts of alcohol can cost quite a bit.
How can you cut alcohol costs but still keep your guests happy?
Here are five things you can do which won’t cause you to take out a loan.
1.Don’t offer it. To many people, this seems like an unthinkable solution. After all, guests need their alcohol right? Some people have valid reasons for not serving alcohol. Perhaps the bride and groom simply don’t enjoy drinking. Perhaps there are guests who are recovering alcoholics and the host want to be considerate of these people. But you don’t have to have a specific reason why you’re not serving alcohol. It’s your party and there’s no rule that says you have to serve alcohol. If you are treating the guests, then they have no right to complain about what is served to them.
2.Offer a cash bar. A cash bar allows your guests to purchase alcohol if they want it. Often, non-alcoholic drinks are free. This method seems fair because it allows guests who want to drink the option of drinking, but keeps you from getting stuck with the bill. However, some people view this as being a bit rude. It depends on the nature of your friends and family and what is considered normal with you.
3.Serve beer and wine only. Beer and wine are often the cheapest choices when it comes to alcohol. By serving only beer and wine, you will keep people happy (most people enjoy one or the other), but also keep your own costs down.
4.Serve a punch. Another way to cut costs is to serve a punch. Many venues offer an alcoholic punch as a way to keep alcohol costs down. This is a great option if your guests are not beer and wine lovers.
5.Create a signature drink. Venues will often provide lower rates if only one type of alcohol is being served. They can do it because it is easier for the bartenders to make just one kind. Creating a “signature drink” can be a way of expressing the two of you as a couple. Having a beach part? How about serving Mai Tais? Is the city more your thing? Try a Cosmopolitan!
Remember, the choice to serve alcohol or not is a choice that only you can make. You know your guests and your own budget the best and it’s your job to find a way to keep both happy.
