Let’s start with the what not to save money on – if you need an alcohol license, get one. That isn’t a place to cut corners. It is only a couple of hundred dollars, but it could quickly spoil your day, if you aren’t licensed. In Virginia, it is YOUR responsibility to be licensed in order for you and your guests to consume alcohol.
If you are planning your special day anywhere other than your home or an establishment with an alcohol license and wish to serve alcohol, you may need to apply for (and obtain, in time!) a one-day alcohol license — otherwise known as Banquet License, in Virginia.
Your caterer cannot obtain this license for you. Your event planner cannot obtain this license for you. Your mobile bartender cannot obtain this license for you. The license MUST be in your name (or someone within your wedding party) and listed as the person who will be the responsible person, at the event.
License approval takes approximately 14-20 days. The VA ABC Authority, Enforcement Division, is responsible for investigating and approving such licenses. Supporting documentation is requested during the investigation process (things like wedding invitation, venue rental agreement, guest list, etc.).
To avoid paying for an alcohol license, choose a wedding venue that has an alcohol license. Qualifying venues must have an open-to-the-public restaurant or operate as a Winery, Brewery, or Distillery. If your venue is a winery, and you wish to offer beer or mixed drinks, then you will need to obtain an alcohol license. If your venue is a brewery, and you wish to offer wine and mixed drinks, then you will need an alcohol license. Bottom line: in most cases, a one-day license (AKA Banquet License) will need to be obtained.
ABC Consulting recommends that you apply as early as possible to ensure your license is approved, prior to your wedding date. Your license is only good for one day and if you plan to have a two- or three-day event (i.e. rehearsal dinner, bachelorette party, or brunch the morning after the wedding) you will need to apply for additional licenses, for each event.
As you are planning the wedding, the budget has to be worked for your reception and your alcohol. In order to choose what to drink, you need a figure. Here are some options on saving money:
1) a single-pour champagne toast (the least expensive way to go)
2) serve only beer and wine (another low-cost solution)
3) a Signature Cocktail (all the rage, right now, and definitely more affordable than other options)
The way to save money is never a cash bar – when you invite people to your wedding, you should offer food and drinks. But you can be trendy AND save money with the very trendy Signature Drink (and only one drink offered – along with water/soda – can save a lot of money). The Signature Drink inspiration can be a memory, a location, a view, or something to do with the season that you get married. This special drink means something to the season, to you as a couple, to your family or to the state that you are getting married in. Here are some ideas:
- Champagne Punch
- Fruity Cocktails over crushed ice
- Hot Cider
- Jello Shots
- Margaritas
- Mojitos
- Mulled Wine
- Rum Punch
- Whiskey Lemonade
Your wedding should contain the happiest memories of your life – and it shouldn’t bring years of debt with it. Make sure your day is not only magical, but safe and legal, too. If you have questions regarding alcohol licensing visit this link.
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