Save Money by Buying Liquor for Your Wedding

As the costs of weddings continue to rise, even in today’s economy, brides are looking for ways to plan on a budget.  One of the easiest ways to save money, is to find a wedding venue that will allow you to bring in your own beer, wine and/or liquor for your reception.

Unfortunately, it’s one extra thing that you have to worry about but in the long run it could save you hundreds of dollars, especially if your guests are more of a party crowd.

If you go this route, have your groom-to-be, his groomsmen or the dad’s go to a liquor store (preferably a discount or outlet liquor store) a day or two before your wedding day, then drop it all off at your reception venue.  That way, this task is taken care of ahead of time.

Try to find a liquor store that will refund you money, after your wedding, for unopened bottles.  That way you won’t have to find storage space at your house for numerous bottles of liquor.  Also, make sure that you work with a manager or a knowledgeable employee at the liquor store, who can help you buy the appropriate amount of liquor.

How much liquor to buy, always seems to be a big concern.  Not only for the left over factor, but also to make sure that you have enough.  Running out of beer, wine or liquor at your wedding, could for sure be a party stopper. 

The chart below represents the approximate amount of liquor recommended, based on the number of guests that you are expecting at your reception.  Typically, you will need liquor for a one hour cocktail hour and a four hour reception.

The amount that you will need, will vary on the type of your guests.  Things to consider…is it a party crowd?  Mostly older or younger guests?  What time of day is the reception?  What day of the week is the wedding?  What month is the wedding?  What are the expected weather conditions?  Beer and white spirits, such as vodka & gin, are consumed more during the warmer summer months.

Check with your venue or caterer to see if they will supply the mixers and set ups.  In the event that they do not, you will have to purchase them on your own, as well.  Popular mixers include tonic water, club soda, coke, ginger ale, and juices (orange, cranberry and pineapple).  Set ups can include lemons, limes, cherries, bottle/can openers, cork screws etc. 

Note: In the chart above, under the number of expected guests, you will see two numbers.  The first number represents the number of bottles recommended if purchasing “1 LITER“ sized bottles. The second number represents the number of bottles recommended if purchasing “1.75 LITER“ sized bottles.  These are the two most common bottle sizes. 

Happy saving!

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