Reception & Alcohol

I think the only way to ensure nobody is drunk is to not host an open bar or only do a cash wine/beer bar. This is tricky because you really shouldn’t put that on any invites, is it certain guests you are worried about? Or do you just not want anyone getting drunk?

Luckily for us our venue only allows beer and wine, so no one will be getting wasted on our day! Is there any way to discuss with the venue how they serve alcohol? Maybe you can have them only serve beer and wine, or light things that won’t ruin a good time.

Unfortunately if you hlare going to serve alcohol, you can't really control how much someone drinks. Your guests are adults and are going to do what they want. If you are that concerned, I wouldn't serve alcohol.

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Really anyone for that matter. i just know how people like to over drink at weddings to party and i dont want that, i want it to be a fun not crazy, and we are not having an open bar but we will be paying for the wine and beer that is used,

I would just make sure you hire a licensed bartender because they’ll cut people off if they need to. Other than that there’s not much you can do.

View Quoted Comment If you are concerned about anyone getting drunk I would not serve any alcohol or at least not pay for it. Otherwise you can just have the bartender or security escort people out if need be.

Thanks for the advice ladies, im going to communicate with our bartenders and make sure were on the same page, i know that probably sounds like a dumb question but yea. so thanks i appreciate it

View Quoted Comment This. Adults should be responsible enough to know how to handle themselves.

I agree with you it is a tricky call on what yo do. But just tell the bartender and let them know what to do. Most that have been doing it know the drill and what to do. If the are people you are concerned about you can tell them in private look I want you to have a good time and that does not mean at the bar most of the time. Or have a time frame for drink service with break in there. My friend did that had the bar all night but it was open for 15 min then closed for 30-45 then open I forget how it was but it was different but worked. Also make sure one drink at a time not getting 3-4 and in hand drinking but people are adults and act like kids when it comes to that

Yes, your best bet is to have licensed bartenders.

Perhaps assign a member of your BP to keep an eye out for those most likely to over-indulge, and to take them out, if need be. Your venue coordinator should also be a valuable asset, here.

I've been to events where you give your name and they check you off guest list and you get a wrist band and after a certain amount of hole punches you're cut off (bartender punches a hole in it every time they serve you), and you are told this when they put it on you when you enter the venue so you know to pace yourself.

Also HUGE TIP: tell the bartneder STRONG no shots rule

We’re not having any alcohol for that reason, but if you still want some, a bartender needs to be present to serve it. If it’s a small wedding, they’ll be good keeping track of people and can limit to just 2 drinks if you ask them to, otherwise you can put up a little sign at the bar that says the limit so people know and just hope they abide by it.

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Agree with this completely.

If you don’t want people getting drunk, then don’t have alcohol. I would be extremely off put if I got a wedding invitation that told me not to get drink too much .. I think adults can handle themselves.

Then how about only serve alcohol at cocktail hour instead of alcohol being served all night? Or limit the hours that drink will be served during the reception and say alcohol is only available until after dinner.

Voice your concerns with the (licensed) bartender. It's their job to cut people off before they get intoxicated.

You could coordinate with the bartenders, it's always their responsibility whether at a private event like a wedding, or a bar or club, to cut off guests who have had too much to drink. I'd avoid putting it on your invitations at all costs.