After the cake has been cut and the applause for the speeches dies down, it's time to bring on the evening entertainment. You might decide to have an evening buffet, book a band or a DJ and perhaps even splash out on alternative entertainment such as a fun casino or chocolate fountain.
Of course, during all this merriment, you will doubtless have some kind of bar. The main decision you have to make is whether you would like drinks at the bar to be free, or whether guests will be expected to pay for their own refreshments. Alternatively, you might have some free drinks or put a set amount of money behind the bar.
1. How many guests will be celebrating with you in the evening?
a) under 20
b) 20-100
c) over 100
2. How strict are you at sticking to your budget?
a) Not at all. Our budget is very flexible and it doesn't matter whether we overspend.
b) Relatively. We know we might go over a little, but we're hoping our final spend won't be too different from our planned budget
c) Very. We've set our budget for a reason and we need to stick to it. We don't want to start off married life in debt.
3. When it comes to your guests, how much do you think they will drink in the evening?
a) A reasonable amount but nothing ridiculous. Quite a few people won't be drinking alcohol at all.
b) A fair amount - most of our guests will be drinking and enjoying themselves!
c) The sky's the limit!
4. What is the arrangement with the bar at your venue?
a) We're able to bring in all our own alcohol so we can choose whatever we want to have and buy it at a good price.
b) We will be paying the bar prices, but they are reasonable and not too expensive.
c) We will pay the set bar prices and they can be quite expensive.
5. Does the bar offer various options for the evening?
a) Yes, as we're buying in our own alcohol, we can either have a pay bar or ask people to pay.
b) Yes, the bar can be flexible, so we could offer just free wine or beer, or even just put some money behind the bar for free drinks until it runs out.
c) No - either our guests have to pay for their own drinks or they will all go on to our final bill.
Photo Elizabeth Zeschin
If you answered mostly a's
Splash out and treat your friends If you've answered mostly a's, you're probably having a relatively small wedding, not too concerned about your budget or, most importantly, able to buy in your own drinks for the reception. This is generally the case with marquee weddings, enabling you to have a relatively restrictive bar and, therefore, hopefully not too much of a shock if you have a free bar all evening. You're also likely to have bought drinks at a significantly lower price than you would have to pay at a venue bar. And, if you're lucky enough not to be remotely concerned about sticking to a budget, no matter what the cost of the drinks, why not treat your guests to a free party!
Mostly b's
Go for the happy medium If you've answered mostly b's, you're probably happy to splash out to an extent but also aware of sticking to a budget and slightly cautious. If there is a middle ground - a combination of both a free and pay bar, of treating your guests but not getting caught out financially - take it. One option is to provide free wine, beer and soft drinks all evening. Guests are therefore completely catered for and need only reach for their cash if they would prefer to drink spirits or champagne all evening. Your bill might add up, but you're not going to be treating anyone to expensive malt whiskey or glamorous cocktails. Alternatively, put a set amount of money behind the bar so that you have a free bar at the start of the evening. When this ‘float' runs out, it's time for guests to pay up. This is a great idea - enabling you to be generous but also to know exactly what you're spending. Finally, you could do something fun like make each guest a stylish ‘drinks token' which can be exchanged at the bar for their first drink.
Mostly c's
A pay bar is perfect for you If you've answered mostly c's, perhaps you're having a large wedding, have an expensive bar facility or would like to stick exactly to your budget. In these situations, a pay bar is the best option. There's no etiquette ‘rule' that suggests you should provide free drinks for your guests all evening, and it's perfectly acceptable to have a bar where guests have to pay for their own drinks. If you're having separate guests coming to the evening celebration only, it can be a good idea to offer them a welcome drink when they arrive - this could be one free drink at the bar, or a tray of wine, beer and soft drinks to greet them as they walk through the door.
