Wedding Beverage…How?….

Have you ever wondered whether to stick to the beverage package for a certain price per head provided by your restaurant or reception venue? Or to go for based on consumption? Which one is more reasonable and worthwhile? If you do take the beverage package, are you able to get a discounted price per head, or have some bargain? No idea how much people would drink but do not want to risk giving too little or much for the guest?

I went through the same concern so I knew how you feel. Thank God for my friend who has just recently had a wedding with the similar friends background as me. She advised me to take the option of based on consumption. Go ahead with a minimum of $1000 for bar tab first. If through the night the bar tab goes down to $200, request for the restaurant/venue staff to consult the best man or the floor manager (definitely not the bride or groom) if an increase is required. Should it be in the middle of the night only, certainly it is required. However if it is nearly the end of the night, it’s fine to leave it as it is. For drinks choose only wine, champagne, soft drinks, juice, coffee and tea. Do not provide spirits as they’ll be very expensive. In the end my friend increased for another $500 but ended up only paying $1100++, so it was about $15 p/head.

Most people drank a lot in the beginning of the evening but not so much in the end. Besides, your church friends won’t drink that much either. I think based on consumption might be good as many people don’t want much alcohol, so it won’t be expensive. The average is people drinking 3 drinks the whole night.

The option for a fixed price p/head really depends on the cost p/head. But if the price/head will give you a better control of your budget as it is all down on the paper and will not change. You may be able to bring your own wine/champagne if they allow you for toasting as certain family members did have such experience.

In conclusion, depending on your budget and the kind of friends you have, to work out the best situation that suits you!