How to do alcohol with out breaking the bank

You and your partner are the hosts of your wedding. As good hosts you provide everything without putting the bill to your guests, i.e., do not charge your guests for drinks at your private wedding. You can still plan alcohol affordably in multiple ways: 1) You can purchase from a store and return any unused. 2) offer beer and wine only. 3) limit times for which alcohol is available, e.g. offer wine at tables only. 4) have cocktail hour and wine during dinner only. 5) have a dry wedding.


I would not suggest drink tickets or having a large guest list with not enough food and drinks for everyone invited. Both are tacky, so try to plan and revise your budget in this year to accommodate well. Remember charging at your wedding creates an uncomfortable pay for entry at your wedding. Most guests will be giving you gifts and spending their time with you already. Good luck.

Another option is having a brunch or day wedding where guests may drink less. Venues may be cheaper at this time as well. I'd check with your chosen venue if you can bring in your own alcohol before planning. The venue may also have provisions that require a licensed bartender. However, if you do have a less formal backyard wedding, self- serve beers in silver coolers are comfortable and pretty, but you'd still have to reserve money to hire staff to keep spaces clean from bottlecaps/ empties and take garbage out.