You do not have to serve alcoholic beverages at a wedding. Just because someone expects something doesn't mean it is a necessity. You simply must provide the guests with refreshments, and nonalcoholic beverages are perfectly fine.

Bar Lingo

When the time comes to select the type of beverage service you would like, it is helpful to know the options that are available. Consider your guest list, style of reception, and your budget to determine the style of beverage and/or bar service you will offer the guests.

FIRST DECISIONS:

• Open bar versus cash bar. There is no argument here. Your guests are your guests and should not be asked to pay for anything.

• A full bar provides a complete selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For example, guests will be able to select mixed drinks, wine, or sodas at their pleasure.

• A soft or limited bar provides nonalcoholic beverages. However, many soft bars now include beer and wine, lighter alcoholic fare.

• A dry house is a beverage service that does not serves alcohol.

Chances are good that the caterer will ask your preference on the quality of bar you would like to provide.

• A house bar consists of lower-priced brands the venue or caterer typically serves.

• A premium bar is stocked with higher-end brand-name selections.

• A deluxe or top-shelf bar serves top-of-the-line liquor.

Bar Options

The following suggestions are some of the more popular ways couples “stock their bars.” Select a beverage plan that fits your budget and review and discuss it with your caterer and/or location manager to formulate a plan that works for everyone involved.

• Serve a sparkling wine instead of champagne.

• Rather than serving champagne or sparkling wine for the toasts, let guests toast with what they are already drinking.

• If you know your guests are not drinkers or you are having a weekday or morning wedding when alcohol consumption is usually less, have a consumption bar (where you pay per drink) rather than purchasing the site's bar package.

• If you are offering hard liquor, offer house brands rather than premium brands.

• Serve a champagne punch, as it is fairly light in terms of alcohol, and people aren't likely to pound down glass after glass.

• Try a fully stocked open bar for the first hour of the reception. Then switch to a soft bar with wine and beer and nonalcoholic drinks.

• Try an open bar for the first hour of the reception. This will get things off on the right foot and many brides feel this fulfills their responsibility. This is a popular “trend,” but strictly speaking, breaks the laws of etiquette.