Useful Bar Tips:

• You have a champagne toast and have several bottles of champagne left. After the cake cutting take half the left over punch to the bartender. Instruct the bartender to use the punch and champagne to create a make-shift mimosa. You can also use wine in place of the champagne to create some rather tasty wine cocktails or a sparkling white wine to replace champagne altogether.
• Don’t have a cash bar. I know it saves on the cost for your wedding however; it is inconsiderate to your guests and will usually look tacky.
• Plan on serving alcohol at your reception unless your religion or family traditions strictly forbid it. This is a celebration and your guest will expect the opportunity to have a few drinks. Your reception will die quickly if your guests start to depart for a livelier atmosphere.
• Find a venue that will allow you to bring in your own alcohol. You will save on your overall bar costs.
• If you are leaning toward beer and wine only you may want to add a signature drink to your budget for guests who may not enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine. Anything made with vodka tends to go over well in most cases.
• Look into purchasing the wine from a local winery. You may save by cutting out the middle man.