Wedding Liquor Planning

If you are planning a wedding on a budget, it is often recommended to serve only beer and wine at your reception.  However, if you are set on serving liquor as well, you can save by following one simple tip.

Whether your venue/caterer is providing the liquor, or you are bringing in your own, serve house or well liquor brands versus premium or top shelf liquor brands.  By making this slight adjustment in your beverage planning, you will save hundreds of dollars!

Popular house or well liquor brands consist of: Seagram’s 7 Whiskey, McMaster’s Whiskey, Jim Beam Bourbon, Early Times Bourbon, Bacardi Light Rum, Castillo Rum, Dewar’s Scotch, Lauder’s Scotch, Gordon’s Vodka, Kamchatka Vodka, Gordon’s Gin, Gilbey’s Gin, and Pepe Lopez Tequila.

If you have a little extra money in your budget, you can go medium grade which consist of call or name liquor brands such as: Canadian Club Whiskey, Seagram’s 7 Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Bourbon, Jim Beam Bourbon, Johnnie Walker Red Scotch, Dewar’s Scotch, J&B Scotch Tanqueray Gin, Beefeater Gin, Absolut Vodka, Stolichnaya Vodka, Smirnoff Vodka, Skyy Vodka, Bacardi Light/Dry Rum, Bacardi Silver Rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Jose Cuervo Tequila, Cuervo Gold Tequila, Korbel Brandy, Hiram Walker Triple Sec, and Martini & Rossi Sweet Dry Vermouth.

Just make sure to stay away from the premium or top shelf liquor brands, which also come along with premium prices, such as: Ketel One Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Absolut Vodka, Stolichnaya Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Tanqueray Gin, Bacardi Light Rum, Meyer’s Rum, Johnnie Walker Black Scotch, Crown Royal Whiskey, Crown Royal Special Reserve, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Knob Creek Bourbon, Chivas Regal Scotch, Macallan Scotch, 1800 Reposado Tequila, Korbel Brandy, Hiram Walker Triple Sec, and Martini & Rossi Sweet Dry Vermouth.

Some caterers and liquor stores may categorize their liquors differently, so make sure to ask before planning or purchasing. 

Just remember, regardless of what you serve, your guests will appreciate the ”free” drink(s) and will just be happy to be there celebrating in your special day with you.