Reception Drinks Budget -what to do ?

Hi Selena,

I went to a wedding recently where they just toasted with the drinks they had on the table at the time (beer, wine etc.) to be honest I wouldn't have expected a another drink, I thinkmost guests are happy to get what they are given and after all you are providing other drinks and food so don't stretch yourself xx

I think its fine, I've been to quite a few weddings where drinks weren't provided (non drinking couples, couples spending the money on their day) noone's ever complained that I've heard! It also gives a chance for those people who are a bit generous to do their thing with relatives and catch up at the bar.

One way to ration alcohol without looking cheap is to do what my cousin did. Welcome glass of prosecco after the ceremony, then pay bar until people seated for dinner. At dinner, waiters went round the tables asking if people would like red or white wine, and poured a glass of whatever was asked for (there was also water on the table). The waiters did not return offering top ups, but the bar was open throughout the meal, in the same room, so anyone could pop up and get whatever they anted.

I think that's far better than 2 bottles per table of 8, where if everyone is drinking, at least 2 people will be left out of a second glass.

I'm sure everyone who knows you will appreciate that losing your jobs during the wedding planning process is far from ideal. I have learned on here this afternoon that spending money on some stuff before you've bought enough booze is a no-no. That was our ethos anyway but I guess I'm saying, if you cut back on drink, don't be booking that dove release instead.

Oh no I hope you both manage to get jobs soon. It's a crappy suituation to be in.

I think a that is fine, I wouldn't expect more. Do what you can, don't get into debt because of a few drinks.

Hi Selena

Here are some tips we've given to brides in the past to consider:

1. No need to have arrival drinks for ALL your guests. The first thing a guy will do is go to the bar and order a beer (or whatever his tipple is). Ask any bloke and that is what they will normally do. Other guests are driving so are happy to have non alcoholic drinks. Jugs of drinks e.g. Pimms/Bucks Fizz are also good if you want booze - the venue can make less and top up if needed. If you're having 50 guests etc they should only really prep 30-35 drinks (they can always do more if required)

2. Are your guests staying overnight at the venue? This makes a huge difference to a wedding budget! If no, then half of them will be driving so will no doubt save a drink (if they have one at all) for the meal. Have a soft drink option on arrival - fruit juice cocktail is lovely. Add lemonade for some fizz, fresh fruit and add plenty of ice (to make it go further ?!!) The venue can then ask each guest if they would like a splash of sparkling wine to make a bucks fizz.

3. You do not need to put two bottles on each table. Ask your venue to offer red or white to each person on the table and pour as required. Ask them to repeat the pour after the first course (or limit it to one glass if you prefer).

4. Toast - most people do not drink champagne, sparkling etc so tell your venue to 'ask' each guest if they require a glass not to pour it regardless. MAKE SURE THEY ONLY OPEN BOTTLES AS REQUIRED. Once a cork is popped you pay for the bottle whether it is poured or not so TELL them you want bottles opened as needed.

You simply do not need to provide lots of drinks - if you require any more suggestions or money saving advice feel free to send us an email Contact

Have a super day!

Thanks for your kind replies, all of our guests are close friends and close family so they know what our situation is . We originally didn't have any money for providing alcohol at all and we are using money we have recieved as a wedding gift to pay for it,so it's not a case of us being stingy-we just physically don't have the money to pay for any more alcohol. There will be food,and cake and I have made some little wedding favours and the table decs from things I have scouted around for on Ebay etc. we are not having a photographer,guest book,card box,wish tree or any of those other things so I'm hoping that our guests won't think we are being cheap.

Just a quickie while I think of it - why don't you consider having the speeches BEFORE the meal (which is a heck of a lot better for the guys anyway because they get the scary bit behind them and get to enjoy their meal!) folks can then toast you with their arrival drinks. That way you're killing two birds with one stone and don't need a further drink at the end of the meal. Just a suggestion x

Might your wedding insurance cover some costs, after losing your job?

We didn't have any specific toast drink, people used whatever was in their hand at the time.

Can you stretch a prosecco welcome drink by diluting with elderflower/black currant/etc cordial, to make a longer drink?

To be absolutely honest, if you can't afford it, don't do it. I'd look for a free drink and, if one isn't forthcoming, I'd go to the bar. People will understand.

Hey, that's not a bad idea ! Thanks, will put it to the other half :-)

re;wedding insurance-there isn't any- our wedding was already booked overseas as part of our honeymoon and is covered by our holiday insurance. This is a separate evening celebration following our wedding, so wedding insurance wasn't applicable.