My sister is using ostrich feathers as center pieces in her October wedding. I love flowers and I had
doubts but they are absolutely fabulous I LOVE them.
Especially coupled with these crystal trees. They are a bit pricey but beautiful.
Alcohol is standard at most weddings; however, it is one of the most expensive and important components of
the reception. I have worked as a bartender at several weddings and have made a few observations:
1. Guests expect to drink. They expect drinks to be free. Some guests expect to consume extraordinary
amounts of free alcohol to "celebrate" your big day.
2. Cash bars are always, always, always, always, always tacky. If you need to save money it is much better
to limit drink options to beer and wine or to a limited number of cocktails. You may create your own signature
drink that matches your wedding colors or add a festive alcoholic punch.
3. Support your bartender's right to cut people who have had too much off. Legally, a licenced bartender
cannot serve alcohol to someone who is clearly intoxicated. Pressuring them to continue serving a rowdy guest
creates an awkward situation. You can also use your bartenders as a tool to control over-consumption. They can
steer potential problem drinkers to weaker or non-alcoholic drinks.
4. Liability could be an issue depending on the state in which you live. At a small wedding drunk driving
incidents are less likely to be an issue, but insurance is a very good idea. If your reception is at a hotel,
B&B or an inn, idealy all your guests will stay overnight, but if not consider having taxi numbers (if not
a driver) standing by.
Setting up the Bar
This a great website full of handy tips on the amount of glassware, bar tools, liquors, etc.
http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/how-many.htm
My newfavorite thing is http://southerncharmwinery.com/wine_selection Crimson
Passion :) If you live in North Carolina go for the tasting!
Drink Recipies
Gin & Tonic: 1 1/2 oz gin, fill glass with ice and tonic. Garnish with lime. (also works with vodka)
Gibson: 1 jigger gin, 1/2 oz. vermouth, strain into Cocktail glass.
Old Fashioned: 1 1/2 jiggers of Bourbon, 1 packet of sugar, dash of Bitters, 1 orange slice, 1 cherry.
Muddle sugar, cherry and orange. Add ice and bourbon. Stir.
Whiskey Sour: 1 1/2 oz. whiskey in 8oz. glass. Add ice, 4 oz. sour mix, and top with club soda. Garnish with
orange slice & cherry.