Alcohol Sales At Your Wedding: What's Allowed?

Alcohol at weddings is a tricky topic. If you choose to have a dry wedding, some people may have a problem with it. If you have a cash bar, some people may have a problem with that. If you have an open bar, you'll spend a lot of money, but your guests won't complain. If you're selling alcohol at your wedding, you'll need a license to do so. You can get a personal license to sell alcohol, which costs around £20. If you're not looking to profit off of the alcohol, you can sell it at cost price, so your guests don't feel like they're paying too much.

Dry wedding

A dry wedding means a wedding without alcohol. This is a great option for couples who don't drink, have religious or cultural restrictions, or live a sober lifestyle. While some guests may be disappointed by the lack of alcohol, there are several benefits to hosting a dry wedding, including a reduced cost, a wilder crowd, and a safer, more mindful celebration.

If you're planning a dry wedding, here are some tips to make it a success:

Choose the right venue:

Select a venue that sets the right tone for your event and complements your theme. Some unique and interesting venues, such as recreational parks, nature preserves, or amusement parks, may prohibit alcohol, making them ideal choices.

Be upfront with your guests:

Let your guests know about your decision to host a dry wedding in advance. You can include a note on your wedding website or inform your closest family and friends so they can spread the word. This will help manage expectations and avoid any surprises on the day.

Consider the timing:

A daytime or brunch wedding can be more suitable for a dry wedding, as guests may be less inclined to drink during these hours. A morning or early afternoon ceremony followed by a fancy coffee bar or a high tea reception can be a sophisticated and elegant alternative to an evening reception.

Get creative with beverages:

Just because there's no alcohol doesn't mean you can't have fun with drinks! Offer a variety of non-alcoholic options, such as Italian sodas, fruity agua frescas, lemonade, sweet tea, or bubble tea. Create a signature mocktail with cute monikers, and don't forget to include some delicious food options to go along with the drinks.

Offer interactive activities:

Engage your guests with alternative activities to keep them entertained. Consider karaoke, photo booths, giant lawn games, or trivia. A silhouette or caricature artist can provide both entertainment and memorable favours for your guests to take home.

Choose the right entertainment:

Invest in high-quality music or entertainment to get people moving and create a festive atmosphere. Work with your DJ or band to select songs that will appeal to your crowd and keep the energy high. A live musician or two can also add a special touch to the celebration.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you can choose what's best for you and your partner. By planning ahead and considering your guests' experiences, you can have a fun and memorable dry wedding that aligns with your values and preferences.

Cash bar

A cash bar at a wedding is where guests are expected to pay for their drinks and tips. This can be done either via cash or credit card. This is a great option for couples who don't intend to drink and don't expect many of their guests to drink either.

The main advantage of a cash bar is the cost savings for the couple. It is one of the biggest expenses at a wedding and can be a significant financial burden. By having a cash bar, couples can stay true to their values and still allow their guests the option to drink. It also frees up funds for other priorities such as flowers, favours or entertainment.

However, there are several disadvantages to consider. Firstly, it goes against the core tenets of hospitality. When inviting someone to a celebration, it is generally expected that the host will cover the costs. Secondly, cash bars can interrupt the flow of the evening as guests will have to wait in line to pay, similar to a club. It can also create an awkward experience for guests who may not have cash on hand.

If you decide to have a cash bar at your wedding, it is important to communicate this to your guests in advance. This can be done via the wedding invitation suite, wedding website, or through word of mouth. It is also crucial to ensure that your venue and vendors can support a cash bar, as it requires electronic sales systems and processes for handling multiple transactions.

To minimise the potential negative impact of a cash bar, you could consider providing a limited selection of drinks or only offering beer and wine. Alternatively, you could have a consumption bar, where you pay for a certain number of drinks, after which the bar becomes a cash bar. This way, guests still feel treated without breaking your budget.

Limited service

If you want to serve alcohol at your wedding but are on a budget, a limited service is a great option. Here are some ideas on how to go about it:

Provide champagne for toasting and no other alcohol

This is a good option if you want to keep costs down but still want to offer your guests a drink to celebrate with. You can ask your catering staff to pour only a small amount in each glass for toasts, so you don't end up with half-full glasses being poured out at the end of the night.

Serve only beer and wine

This option is less expensive than a full bar. You can also provide non-alcoholic options like soft drinks, tea, and coffee.

Provide drink tickets to your guests

You can give each guest two or three drink tickets so they can get a set number of drinks for free, and then pay for any additional drinks. This way, you can control the cost while still offering your guests a range of beverage options.

Offer signature cocktails in addition to soft drinks

Signature cocktails can be a fun and personalised option for your wedding. You can create a special concoction or choose each of your favourite cocktails, giving your guests a glimpse into your personalities. This option can be more expensive than simply serving beer and wine, but it may be a good middle ground between a limited and open bar.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you can choose the option that best suits your budget and preferences. By offering a limited service, you can provide your guests with a range of beverage options without breaking the bank.

Consumption bar

Deciding on the type of bar for your wedding is one of the most important and complicated decisions to make in your wedding budget. A consumption bar is a great option if you want to offer your guests free drinks but don't think they'll drink a lot.

A consumption bar means that you pay the bar tab after the wedding, based on how much your guests consume. You should discuss individual drink costs ahead of time so that you can estimate the bill. This is a good option if you have a diverse mix of guests, some of whom may have 6-8 drinks, while others may have none.

There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on a consumption bar:

• Guest list: Consider whether you will have an even mix of drinkers and non-drinkers, and if there will be any children.
• Comfort level with the bill: With a consumption bar, you won't know the total cost until the end of the night.
• Average consumption: Guests typically consume an average of 3-4 drinks at a four-hour reception.
• Cost control: To control costs, you can offer a limited selection, such as beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full assortment of liquor. You can also consider closing the bar during dinner or thirty minutes before the end of the reception.
• Compared to an open bar, a consumption bar can save you money if your guests don't drink much.
• A cash bar may be tempting to save costs, but it's not usually a guest favourite as they are already spending quite a bit to attend your wedding.
• A package bar, where you pay a per-person price, may be preferable if you have a group of heavy drinkers and don't want any surprises.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your guest list and your comfort level with potential costs. You know your guests best, so trust your gut when choosing the bar package that suits your wedding and budget.

Open bar

If you're planning your wedding, you may be wondering what to do about alcohol. One option to consider is an open bar. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're thinking of going down this route:

The Pros of an Open Bar

An open bar can enhance your guests' experience and make your wedding more of a celebration. It's a polite gesture to host your guests for the evening, especially if they've already spent money on travel and gifts. An open bar means your guests don't have to worry about bringing their wallets or queuing at the bar to pay for drinks. This can lead to shorter lines at the bar and a more seamless, enjoyable experience for your guests.

The Cons of an Open Bar

The main con of an open bar is the cost. Serving alcohol can quickly escalate your wedding budget, especially if you're serving premium liquor or Champagne. You'll also need to factor in costs for rental glassware, ice, labour, gratuity, and possibly insurance.

Tips for Managing Costs

To keep costs down, you could offer a modified open bar. For example, you could serve only beer and wine, or provide signature cocktails for the cocktail hour and switch to beer and wine later in the evening. Another option is to start with a consumption bar, where you pay for alcohol up to a certain amount, and then switch to a cash bar once you've reached your budget.

Communicating with Your Guests

If you decide to have an open bar, it's a nice gesture to mention this on your wedding website so your guests know they don't need to bring money. However, it's not required, and some people prefer not to announce it in case it's seen as bragging.

Managing Guest Consumption

To prevent guests from overindulging, it's important to hire an experienced bartender who can regulate drinks. Work with the bar staff to set restrictions, such as limiting shots or setting a maximum number of drinks per person.

Alternatives to an Open Bar

If an open bar doesn't suit your budget or preferences, there are other options to consider. A cash bar, where guests pay for their own drinks, is one alternative. However, some people consider this tacky or poor hosting, especially if it's not communicated in advance. Another option is a limited service bar, where you might provide champagne for toasting, beer and wine only, or a certain number of drinks per guest before switching to a cash bar. A dry wedding, where no alcohol is served, is another option, particularly if you have religious or health reasons for avoiding alcohol.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to have an open bar at your wedding depends on your budget and what you think will work best for your guests.

Frequently asked questions