Wedding Etiquette for Alcohol
A wedding reception can be a memory-producing celebration, serving as a foundation to a couple's long life as husband and wife. However, some of those memories can be soured by the behavior of intoxicated guests at the wedding reception. Following proper wedding etiquette regarding alcohol and taking a few precautionary measures can mean the difference between warm well-wishes and toasts and guests that are simply too toasted.
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Dry Reception
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Not serving alcohol at the wedding reception is acceptable etiquette. However, communicating the alcohol-free plan to guests in advance is a good idea. Also, having a morning wedding when guests are less inclined to be looking for cocktails is suggested. For afternoon and evening weddings, at halls typically serving alcohol, it may be necessary to cloak the bar or put in place a "bar closed" sign. If the couple still desires good wish toasts, sparkling cider and non-alcoholic champagne lend an air of celebration to the glass tilt without the alcohol.
Open or Cash Bar
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Having an open bar reception may be beyond the financial reach of some budgets and it is perfectly acceptable to have a cash bar. If the couple wants to offer an open bar, but cannot afford to offer a whole night of free drinking, presenting a open bar cocktail-appetizer hour before dinner is a good solution.
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Types of Alcohol
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Choosing not to offer hard alcohol at the wedding reception is also proper etiquette. The couple can offer beer, low-alcohol beer and wine selections, rather than 80 proof concoctions. A single specialty drink, where alcohol content can better be controlled, is also an alternative to a full bar. Additionally, festive virgin cocktails can be offered for those in an alcohol-free frame of mind.
Considerations
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Along with the cocktails, adequate food and alternate beverages are a must. Wedding guests are less likely to become intoxicated if they're well fed and hydrated. It is important for the couple to make all of their guests feel welcome and comfortable; offering a wide variety of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages helps to accomplish this.
Designated Drivers
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With the well-being of their guests in mind, many couples plan for the overindulgent partygoer by having their receptions at a hotel where guests are invited to spend the night. Often, hotels offer those attending the wedding discounted room rates. Another plan to keep everyone safe is to offer rides, be it by limo, taxi, bus or a pre-planned team of designated drivers.
Baby Sitters
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It's perfectly acceptable to enlist the support of close family and friends with regard to alcohol safety. Particularly if the couple knows their guest list well and can point out the attendees who might have alcohol-related issues, the better-safe-than-sorry motto is a good guide.
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- Photo Credit wedding celebration image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
