As you know, planning a wedding is a joyous but often expensive endeavor. One of the significant costs can be the alcohol served at the reception. Fortunately, there are savvy ways to offer a delightful drink selection without breaking the bank. Focusing on beer, wine, hard seltzers and punches can help you save money while still ensuring your guests have a fantastic time. Here’s how you can make the most of these options.
1. Embrace Beer, Wine, and Hard Seltzers
Beer:
Local and Craft Options: Opt for local breweries or craft beers. Not only are they often more affordable, but they also add a unique touch to your wedding.
Kegs Over Bottles: Buying beer in kegs can be significantly cheaper than purchasing bottles or cans. Plus, it reduces waste and keeps your serving areas tidy.
Wine:
Bulk Purchases: Many stores offer discounts for purchasing wine by the case. Look for deals at warehouse clubs or online retailers.
House Wines: Select a red and a white house wine. Often, mid-range wines can be delicious and affordable. Consult with a knowledgeable store clerk for recommendations in your budget.
Hard Seltzers:
Variety Packs: Hard seltzers are available in a variety of flavors, making them a hit at weddings. Purchase variety packs to offer guests multiple options.
Cost-Effective: Hard seltzers are typically affordable and appeal to a wide range of guests, including those looking for lower-calorie and gluten-free options.
Pre-Chilled Convenience: These canned beverages are easy to serve and require minimal preparation. Simply chill and stock them in coolers or self-serve stations.
2. Create Signature Punches
Punches are a fantastic way to offer a festive and budget-friendly drink option. Here are a few wine and liquor ideas:
Sparkling Citrus Punch:
Ingredients: Sparkling wine or champagne, citrus vodka, orange juice, pineapple juice, and ginger ale.
Instructions: Mix the juices and vodka in a large punch bowl, then top with sparkling wine and ginger ale just before serving. Garnish with slices of citrus fruits.
Berry Bliss Punch:
Ingredients: Rosé wine, berry-flavored vodka, cranberry juice, raspberry lemonade, and club soda.
Instructions: Combine the wine, vodka, and juices in a large bowl. Add club soda for a bit of fizz and garnish with fresh berries.
Classic Sangria:
Ingredients: Red or white wine, brandy, orange liqueur, orange juice, soda water, and assorted fruits (such as oranges, lemons, limes, and berries).
Instructions: Mix the wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and juice. Add the chopped fruits and let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, add soda water for a refreshing sparkle.
Rum Punch:
Ingredients: 2 Cups Rum, 1 Cup Peach Schnapps, 1 1/2 Cups Lime Juice, 6 Cups Orange Juice, 6 Cups Pineapple Juice, 1 Cup Grenadine, Oranges, Pineapple - Makes 17 1/2 Cups
Instructions: Mix the rum, schnapps, and juices. Cut up fruit and add to punch. Serve in drink dispenser.
3. Practical Tips for Serving
Self-Serve Stations: Set up self-serve stations with clearly labeled punch bowls, wine, beer taps, and coolers filled with hard seltzers. This approach minimizes the need for bartenders and encourages guests to help themselves.
Reusable Glassware: Provide reusable glasses or encourage guests to keep their glasses throughout the event. This reduces the number of glasses needed and cuts down on rental costs.
Non-Alcoholic Options: Don’t forget to offer non-alcoholic beverages like mocktails, flavored water, and soda. These are affordable and ensure that guests who don’t drink alcohol have plenty of options.
4. Calculate Quantities Wisely
To avoid overspending, carefully calculate the amount of alcohol you’ll need. A general rule of thumb is to plan for one drink per guest per hour. For a five-hour reception with 100 guests, that’s 500 drinks. Divide this among beer, wine, punch, and hard seltzers based on your guests' preferences.
By focusing on beer, wine, creative punches, and hard seltzers, you can provide a variety of delicious drinks without stretching your budget. These options not only save money but also add a personal touch to your celebration. Cheers to a joyous and budget-friendly wedding!
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