He proposed and you’ve told the inner circle. Then, you were stopped short by your parent’s question: “What is your budget?” What does “budget” even mean? What you have in your savings account? Or the over-all, big picture? Well: Yes, a combination of the two. Some considerations are who you want there and what kind of a wedding day you picture. After those decisions are made, you consider how much you are willing to spend on that picture. To save money, you can eliminate large guest lists, expensive destination weddings or live music. And you can consider the alcohol. There are many ways to approach the alcohol at a wedding, while still staying within a strict budget. Here are a couple of ideas:
- You could serve only beer and wine
- You could only have a champagne toast
- You could skip the signature drink
Most people expect to celebrate at a wedding – helping you celebrate your once-in-a-lifetime, dream-come-true moment – but there are ways to make it less expensive and less stressful. ABC Consulting says that there is such a thing as Alcohol Etiquette – and it might look like this:
- If you are considering a cash bar, don’t. It is your party and you invited them. Offer one thing to drink and when that is “gone,” make sure there is a backup (a bar that is open and serving in the building) plan.
- Sticking to beer & wine, only, definitely saves money. Skip the hard stuff.
- Fill champagne glasses 1/3 full. (Many of these will remain on the table untouched, anyway; no sense throwing away money)
- Or don’t use champagne – use a bubbly wine, instead.
- Sticking to ONE drink (a signature cocktail that means something to you and your fiancé or to the area) definitely saves money (and bartender costs).
- Don’t let your guests wait in line for a drink – but use this equation: one bar and two bartenders for every 100 guests to make sure you aren’t spending too much on staff standing around. And if you do use more than one bar – put them on opposite sides of the room in plain sight.
- If you don’t drink (and aren’t opposed to drinking), please offer your guests the ability to celebrate.
- If you don’t drink and are opposed to it – skip it but offer something gimmicky: specialty sodas or flavored waters or offer a coffee bar with all the toppings: syrups, creams, etc., instead.
Whether you are celebrating in a barn, at a community building or in a field, you must have an alcohol license to serve alcohol. Make sure your big day is above the law. Our simplified application has been designed for you to conveniently complete, pay, and submit your One-Day Alcohol Application online for your upcoming special event. Apply for your one-day license, here.
Application Processing – ABC Consulting processes any alcohol licensing for you. You can rest assured that all the documents needed for Virginia ABC approval will be reviewed by our experts before presenting the package. Our experts will find and correct any issues before submitting the application to Virginia ABC Authority. This results in a quicker license approval. You will not be surprised to know that documents needed for approval are not always indicated on applications. We know what is needed for approval. We are also the first to know of changes in the approval process. Please submit as early as possible. Currently, applications can be submitted 7 days before your event. Our team of former Special Agents will be reviewing your application for the most common errors that result in license issuance delays and/or denied licenses.
For 10 years, ABC Consulting has been offering a complete line of education and consulting services and we’d love to help you get your license in time for your big day. How can we help? 800.785.0161
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