Weddings. So many details, so little time! And it’s got to be perfect. The dream of every bride, groom and their families is to host a flawless event that sends the happy couple on their way to wedded bliss. Behind the scenes, there’s more than a little stress and plans, lists, phone calls and decisions, and more decisions to be made, both big and small. So, unless you’re secretly eloping or sneaking away to tie the knot in Vegas, here are a few tips to help you along the way to your perfect day.
Set a budget. Then start your research. What kind of wedding do you want? Religious, non-religious? Where? Consult a wedding planner or go to a wedding fair for ideas. Bridal magazines can help you find the style of wedding that you want and give you tips on everything from dresses to flowers to menus. If you’re planning to do most of it yourself, tap into the recent experience of friends and family. Asking for help will make it easier on everyone, and will make planning the start of your new lives together fun and exciting.
Once you’ve decided on the date, budget, when and where, you can start planning the rest; like the number of guests, what you’re going to have for the meal, and of course, drinks. Typically, the beverages should be planned a month or two before the event.
Unless you are having the reception at someone’s home, you may need a Special Occasion License and possibly a Serving it Right Certificate. Enquire with the establishment when you make your booking and, if one is needed, ask a friend or family member to take care of that for you. Details are available at www.bcliquorstores.com or at any BC Liquor Store.
If your reception is in a hotel or restaurant, consult with the food and beverage manager. If you’re renting a hall, you’ll likely need to hire a bartender and stock the bar. Here are some basic guidelines and suggestions to consider:
Know your guests – not that you would invite strangers, but if you have an idea of their preferred beverage, it will be easier to decide how much and what to buy.
Provide the basics – wine is usually served with dinner and sparkling wine or champagne for the toasts. Whether the wine is served or placed on the table will determine how much you need to buy. Some couples choose only wine, but knowing what your guests prefer and what your budget will allow will help determine what else you provide.
It’s not necessary to have every kind of beverage. The basics and two or three spirits (we suggest whisky and vodka) should cover most tastes. Or you could do something untraditional and offer a martini bar instead!
You may want to include a premium gin or vodka for those who appreciate the “classics.”
Provide a selection of additional mixers for variety, non-drinkers or designated drivers and the younger set.
Add some beer and that should do the trick.
Pick a price range that fits your budget. We recommend three products for modest, medium and premium budgets. For wine, pick a red and a white with broad appeal. Select one of your personal favourites or pick up a few bottles and host a wine tasting with your wedding party to select a “winner.” Buy cases of each – you never know if you need something for the gift opening or dinner the next day, so it’s better to over-estimate. Keep your receipt; you can always return unopened product to your local BC Liquor Store.
For quantities, take the estimated number of guests and allow four to six drinks per person for a total. Consider a bottle of wine has six drinks, a bottle of spirits has 24 and a case of beer has 12. Throw in a couple of extra bottles for backup.
And the final tip – make sure there are local taxis available or book a block of hotel rooms for accommodations, so your guests can enjoy your celebration without driving.
The following suggestions include products from five categories (red, white and sparkling wine, vodka and whisky) in three price ranges – good, better and best. All are equally good choices; however, as Orwell said, some are more equal than others!
Mix and match from the different price ranges according to the number and mix of your guests. You can pick a Scotch from the ‘best’ range of whiskies, for those who truly appreciate a fine tipple, but choose most of your wines from the ‘good’ range. For a younger crowd, you may want to add some beer, cider and coolers, and focus more on mixed drinks. For an older, more sophisticated crowd, you could move up the wine to a higher price point and go lighter on the party-type drinks.
Use these examples as a starting point, talk to friends or a product consultant at your local Signature BC Liquor Store. Remember, buy more than you need – you can always return unopened product after the event.
