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It’s astonishing how much money drinks can take up within that budget. Thankfully it’s an easy area to cut your costs. Here are three easy ways to save on drinks at your wedding!

Have a Cash Bar

This is a bar where guests pay for their own drinks. The opposite, an open bar, means that guests can drink as freely as they like and you wind up paying the tab. A cash bar is the easiest way to save money on drinks and is not considered tacky or cheap in any way. While it used to be tradition that the bride’s family paid for everything, including drinks, things have changed and it’s becoming more and more accepted that guests pay for their own liquor.

Talk to Your Caterer

Most caterers provide drinks as well as a meal. This is especially true when it comes to things such as champagne for the wedding toasts. When selecting a caterer, ask them if they offer a package deal where you can get drinks and the food together. Doing it this way can save you a lot of money, as opposed to buying the drinks separately.

Also speak to the caterer about providing second line liquor products. Choose liquor that is not brand name and when you end up buying those drinks for your 100 guests, you will really be able to tell the difference! If the caterer is providing beer, ask that the beer come in the form of kegs, which are much cheaper than selling individual bottles.

Also speak with your caterer about the food that will be served. Ask them to cut way back on the salt. This is a healthier alternative and salt makes people thirsty. The thirstier the guests are, the more they will drink.

Have a Dry Wedding

Simply not offering alcohol of any kind may be the right solution for you. You will need to serve something else such as a signature punch but this will cost much less than serving alcohol.

Holding the reception earlier in the day will also make it seem to your guests more acceptable that there is no alcohol present.

Remember too that it is your day. You have chosen not to have alcohol for your own reasons and people should be willing to respect that. It may be a good idea to spread the word beforehand so people aren’t surprised by it but don’t feel that you need to offer any explanations. Simply say, “We thought this was the best decision for us,” and those that respect that won’t ask any more questions.

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Music can make or break your wedding reception. If you have chosen to go with a DJ, it’s an excellent choice. A good DJ can play a variety of different kinds of music and they are often quite cheaper than hiring a live band. A bad DJ can be a fiasco. Find the right DJ for you in a few simple steps.

Think about weddings you have been to where the DJ did a really great job. Ask the person whose wedding it was what DJ they chose and make sure they are the first person you call. Nothing can speak more to the quality of service the DJ will provide than seeing it yourself. If you don’t know the person that got married, or can’t think of any receptions that stand out, ask around to family and friends if they have used DJs before and compile a list of names.

Once you have called around different DJs and narrowed your list down to a few, determine how much experience each DJ has. Technology has advanced so much its easy for anyone to call themselves a DJ. Downloading music online and having some speakers does not mean you’re a DJ. Good DJs will have experience in getting a crowd to its feet, will know when it is a good time for requests, and settle the crowd down when it’s time for toasts. Ask your DJ what big events they have worked at, specifically how many weddings. A wedding is a totally different breed of event than others and you want to make sure that they will be familiar with the surroundings. When you are talking to them about their experience, ask if you can speak to past clients. They should be able to find a way for you to get in touch with them. It will give you a chance to hear first-hand what other people thought of their service.

The type of equipment a DJ uses will speak volumes about their experience so make sure you ask what they will be using. Also ask what they are prepared for in case a piece of their equipment, such as a speaker, breaks during the reception. A DJ worth his or her salt will have backup gear ready just in case.

A good DJ will also be able to read a crowd and know what they want. To do this, they must be familiar with every genre of music. Because a lot of wedding crowds are mixed, with some guests wanting to spend the night really enjoying the music and some preferring to sit at the table and listen to some of their favorite songs, a DJ should be able to blend all of this together nicely.

When speaking to the DJ about music they’ll play, include some songs that you would like to hear. The first dance song is going to be a must as will the father daughter and mother son dance tunes. Don’t give them a list of every single song that you want to hear. The DJ is the expert on this one and the party will flow more smoothly if you give them some control and allow them to work their magic. However, do give them a list of songs that you absolutely don’t want to hear. Make sure that your DJ will play the censored versions of any and all songs. Although you might be okay with expletives, some guests may not be and your goal is definitely not to offend.

Choose a DJ based on their style and how interactive you want them to be with you and your guests. Although you want someone that can be heard over a crowd when it comes time to gather the guests together, you don’t want someone super cheesy. This is entirely a matter of personal preference and you will have to ask the DJ specifically how they handle the crowd. Remember, not too much, not too little. Make sure that you like them and enjoy dealing with them. Are they easy to talk to and get along with? If they make you feel comfortable then chances are good that they will put your guests at ease as well.

Once you have chosen a DJ and you are sure they are the right person for the job, make sure that you get a contract signed by both parties. Include in the contract the date and time of the event, the name of the DJ that will be working your reception and how much many they are going to be paid, including all costs. The total on the contract should be the total that you end up paying. Most DJs will ask for a twenty-five to fifty percent down payment, payable two weeks in advance, which is standard in the industry.

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Before wedding planning you probably couldn’t imagine agonizing so much over a cake. You need to decide the flavor, the design, any decorations, the kind of icing, and then you have to pay for it all. Wedding cakes, like everything else with the word wedding attached, don’t come cheap. Try these great ways to cut the cost of your cake.

Shop around. Ask your caterer how much they charge and go to a number of different bakers for a comparison. Your caterer will probably be on the more expensive end of the scale, but if you are already spending a fair amount on their services, they may be willing to drop their price. Bakers who specialize in weddings also fall into the expensive category. Seek out home bakers, those that don’t specialize in weddings and the bakery department of your local grocery store. They may also have alternatives that you would like to consider, such as sheet cake.

Go to your favorite restaurant that serves truly divine desserts. Ask their chef if they would be interested in making your wedding cake and what they would charge. Restaurants place huge emphasis on presentation and you are sure to have a beautifully decorated cake. However, it’s an unusual request for many restaurant chefs and while they may be flattered, some may decline.

Keep your cake simple. Decorating and icing are the two biggest expenses. Keep tiers to a minimum and have the same flavor throughout. The more flavors you add, the higher your price. You can also buy the cake and decorate it yourself. This will give the cake an even more personal feel. If you don’t feel as if you’re up to the task of decorating the cake, ask your florist how much they would charge for decorations.

Consider forgoing the columns that separate the tiers. If you are keen on columns then ask your baker if they have disposable pillars that can be used in place of the regular crystal columns. If not, ask your baker if you can borrow the columns instead of buying them.

Another cake decoration that costs money is the topper. Ask your baker if they have toppers available to borrow or call a rental supply company. Why not ask friends and family to buy you one as a wedding shower present? Remember custom-made monogrammed toppers are not a necessity.

If you aren’t worried about cake cutting, you can buy a Styrofoam cake from your baker and then serve sheet cake. The best way to save on a wedding cake is not to have one at all. Several brides overlook the traditional wedding cake and instead serve a dessert that they really love. Tiramisu is a classy dessert that can feed many, as is a well-crafted cheesecake.

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Live bands can bring energy and life to a reception. Your guests will find the presence of the band memorable. Choosing a band can be one of the most fun parts of wedding planning as you can visit different bands with your fiancé and listen to their performances. Before you get swept away in the music, make sure that you pick the right band to prepare the soundtrack to your life.

First you and your fiancé must decide what type of music you want. Do you want a local rock n’ roll cover band to play popular favorites while your guests dance to the wee hours of the morning? Or do you want something chic and elegant, such as jazz, playing in the background while people mix and mingle among the tables?

Ask family, friends, clergymen, newlyweds, and site coordinators for recommended acts. Usually, if people offer an opinion of any kind, they have seen and heard them before. Once you have the names of three or four bands under serious consideration check with the venue where you will be holding the reception. Ask if there is anything you need to know about bringing in a live band, such as space, power outlets and noise restrictions.

Begin calling the bands and set up a time to meet with them to hear them play live. While experienced bands will have recorded audio readily available, you will get a much better feel for how they perform if you see them live.

Once you have heard them play and are satisfied, take a look at their play list. If you have particular songs in mind ask them if they are able to play it. If you see some songs on their play list that you definitely don’t want, be sure to voice your opinions now!

Discuss your venue. If they’ve played there before, this will be a very short discussion as they will know what’s available to them at that venue and what they will need. If they haven’t played there before tell them how big the stage is, how many outlets will be available to them and any other relevant specifications. Ask them if, and how, they are going to comply with the site specs and see if there are any problems that will be a challenge to overcome.

When you are discussing price with the band, ask if they would like to be fed. Use this to negotiate if the band is charging more than you expected. Bands for a reception can cost up to four thousand dollars so you want to make sure that you can get a deal wherever you can. They may agree to a dinner break, with provided food, in exchange for giving you a discount on the price. Many bands may see eating on the job as unprofessional and won’t agree to it.

Lastly, make a contract that clearly states everybody’s responsibilities. Include the date and time of the reception, their responsibilities for announcements, such as toasts, the type of clothing they will wear if you have specific preferences, equipment, rates, any discounts they are offering, cancellation and refund policies. Don’t hand over any cash until all parties have signed the contract.

Most people who supply their own alcohol at their wedding tend to err on the side of caution and buy too much. This is generally a good principle to follow. Make sure however, that the store where you are ordering the alcohol from will allow you to return it or you will be taking home a lot of alcohol with you. There are some general guidelines to follow so you don’t end up buying far too much or far too little.

One bottle of wine is enough for five glasses. One bottle of champagne is enough for six glasses. This will help you determine how many cases of wine and champagne you will need. Wine and champagne both come in cases that contain twelve bottles. When purchasing hard liquor, you are best to go with a 1¾ liter bottle. This contains forty 1.5 ounce servings, giving you between forty and fifty shots, depending on how strong you want to make them. The standard mixed drink has one ounce of alcohol in it so if you’re looking to cut back on the alcohol costs, there’s nothing wrong with telling the bartender to only mix the standard one ounce when making the drinks, unless the guest requests otherwise. When serving beer, you may be better off getting a keg, which holds 53 twelve-ounce servings, rather than buying individual bottles.

Typically each will have one drink an hour. On average, ¼ of the guests don’t drink at weddings. This is especially true if your guest list includes children, elderly, or women that are expecting. Use the formula of one drink per guest, per hour to determine how much alcohol you will need. If you are going to only bring in wine, based on the formula you will need five cases of wine for a four-hour reception with 100 guests.

The same formula applies to other alcohol. For the same four hour reception with 100 guests, you will generally need: two cases of beer, 1½ cases of white wine, ¾ case of red wine, 1½ cases of champagne, three bottles of scotch, one bottle of bourbon, two bottles of gin, four bottles of vodka, one bottle of rum, tequila, dry vermouth, and sweet vermouth.

Remember to take the following factors into consideration. People are more likely to drink white wine than red wine at weddings. This may be because people are afraid of spilling the red wine, or simply because there is a certain elegance about white wine. Buy enough champagne for everyone and don’t be bitter if at the end of the night, you see most of it left untouched at the tables. If you are looking to save money on your alcohol, forego tequila. This liquor is generally the less popular and the least likely to be missed. By the same token, splurge on the scotch. People sip this so they won’t costly need a refill and those that regularly drink scotch will notice if it’s not good quality.

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Bringing in your own drinks is a great way to save money on the bar at your wedding. Choose the right drinks and it can be not only economical but classy and elegant too. First find out caterer is going to charge you for bringing in your own drinks, the policies of the stores that you purchase the alcohol from and where to find the best deals. Work out these details to properly determine if bringing in your own alcohol is going to save you as much as you think.

Consider corkage

The caterer is going to be losing money by allowing you to bring in your alcohol. For this reason, they create corkage fees to cover those costs. Corkage fees are charged per bottle and can be as low as ten dollars per bottle or as high as fifty dollars per bottle. After the initial charge, the corkage fees will still be taxed and have a service charge added onto them, as will the rest of your catering services. The first thing you need to do is determine how many bottles you will need to bring in and then total up how much that will cost you. It may be more expensive than you think and you may opt just to have the caterer supply the drinks after all.

Benefit from bulk buying

Next look at how much those bottles are going to cost you. When buying wine shop around and see what kind of bulk discounts the retailers will give you. A great way to get a discount is to purchase the same brand of wine. This applies to any drinks you will be buying in bulk. While this doesn’t provide much variety, it will equate to bigger savings. Aim for a discount of fifteen to twenty percent, which can save you hundreds of dollars in the end.

When speaking with the store, ask about the store’s return policy. Most couples will buy more than they need to make sure that they have enough at the reception. Don’t only ask if you can return unopened bottles but also ask regarding the conditions that the bottles can be returned. For instance, many retailers won’t accept white wine that has already been refrigerated so you will need to discuss with your bartender what you can do to ensure that only what is needed is chilled.

Define your drinks menu

While wine and beer are both no-brainers, you may also want to provide some other drinks for those that prefer the hard stuff. There are generally eight different liquors that you should have available at your bar. These include: scotch, vodka, rum, triple sec, tequila, gin, and whiskey. These choices will allow you to have a bar that will please just about everyone.

Keep in mind you don’t need to have every drink under the sun. Those that want something obscure drinks (such as banana schnapps) will be just as happy choosing something else with this selection.

If you want to serve something that is very fruity, you don’t need to go to all the expense of buying wine coolers. Mixing white zinfandel with lemon-lime soda will make for a wonderful fruity cocktail and because white zinfandel is so cheap, it will save you money. When you are buying mixers such as lemon-lime soda, leave it up to your caterer. They are likely not to charge you an arm and a leg for these and it will save you the hassle of having to order and pick up dozens of bottles of mixer.

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Unless you plan on bringing your iPod, you basically have two choices here. Hire a live band or hire a DJ. The entertainment is going to play a huge role in your reception so weigh your options carefully. Here are some things that you may want to consider before you decide if you are going to have a band or a DJ provide entertainment at your wedding.

The first thing you need to determine is how much you have in your budget for entertainment. During a typical four hour reception, a DJ routinely charges anywhere from two hundred to one thousand dollars. A live band however, generally starts at a thousand. The only thing that remains consistent between the two is that prices will be higher depending on the experience, reputation, and equipment quality.

Take into consideration how long you want to hold your reception for. A band uses much more energy because they are playing instruments, dancing, and singing. A DJ, while enthusiastic, uses less energy and will be able to give their all from beginning to end. If you are holding a short reception, a live band may be a very good option but it’s worth reconsidering if you are planning on having a very long affair.

Talk to your reception venue staff. Ask if they have had live bands and/or DJs before. Ask how the event went with the entertainment and if the venue is big enough to house either. Discuss specifics such as entranceways, outlets, and lighting. Some bands and DJs have special requirements and if your venue can’t meet these, it might make your choice for you. Be sure to ask about sound restrictions and if they have restrictions as to what kind of music can be played and until what time.

You need to consider what type of wedding you’re going to be having. Traditionally, DJs have been used for casual events and live bands for formal ones.

Ask to see the DJs record collection and whether they plan on bringing the entire collection with them. Because DJs play recorded music, they are likely going to be able to play a much wider variety than you would get with a live band.

If you are looking for your guests to get more out of the entertainment than just the music, you may want to consider hiring a live band. If you’re planning on having a lot of elderly folks attending, they probably won’t be that interested in the music, unless it’s music that is tailored to their generation, which may not suit you or the rest of your guests. For this reason, bands can be a good choice because they will put on a show rather than just put some CDs into a stereo and let it play. While DJs are entertaining, you will usually get much more out of a live band.

Keep in mind that many bands put their own spin on things. Do you really want someone else singing your favorite songs or would you prefer to hear them know them? Before you hire a band, get them to perform the songs that are going to be important to you during your reception.

DJs will need fewer breaks than a band will. When the band breaks, they will usually play recorded music so that the reception does not go silent. However, this can often change the pace of the reception and guests will notice the difference. A DJ may need a break as well but they can often throw on a record that will play four or five songs in a seamless transition.

A band can adapt as your guests grow tired at the end or grow more boisterous after the cake cutting. A band will be able to change their tempo if your fiancé is a little off tempo during your first dance or your dad is moving before the music with the father/daughter dance. They are the ones playing the music and they choose how it moves. A DJ with recorded music does not have that option.

There are pros and cons to both DJs and live bands. Remember to take into account the style of your wedding and your personal preference when making your decision.

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Wedding music is one of those aspects where, if you take careful short cuts, you can save money without anyone ever being the wiser. Here are five ways to do it.

Hire a Live Band

Yes, hiring a band is generally more expensive than hiring a DJ. But that is not the case if you can find talented amateurs that will play at your ceremony or reception for you. For the ceremony you might consider asking a friend to play the harp or the flute. For the reception, check out local bands and see what they would charge to play at your wedding. Pay particular attention to the bands that are more available than others, as they will have a smaller fee when they are trying to get gigs and also look at bands that don’t have a lot of experience. Remember that inexperience doesn’t always equal poor quality and they are sure to be cheaper than other bands. Just be sure to have them rehearse for you before you sign them onto a contract. Negotiate with bands that you speak to. Ask if they will provide a discount if you provide them with a meal and allow them to take the number of breaks that they ask for.

Advertise

Place a small ad in the newspaper or on craigslist months before your wedding. Put in the ad that you are looking for a live band or DJ for your wedding and describe what you would need the band or DJ to do. Do not advertise what you are willing to pay for the service but instead, ask that respondents prepare a quote for you after you have spoken. By advertising what you need, you will have different bands and DJs calling and bidding for the job. This is the best way to ensure that you get the lowest price possible.

Ask a Friend to DJ for You

DJs bring a more casual feel to a reception than a live band does and this may be the perfect option for you. When hiring a professional DJ, you may be limited in the choice and amount of songs you have and they still may not be able to provide a price within your budget. Asking a friend or relative to be your DJ will save you money and allow you to have whatever music you choose to be played at your wedding. In exchange, you can tell the friend that this can be their wedding present to you, saving them money as well!

Decide If You Only Want Music

Many people decide to only have music played at their wedding reception and this is what is relied on as the entertainment. There is nothing wrong with this as it does provide a very nice atmosphere for having some cocktails, mingling, and of course dancing! But if you are looking to save money on music, you may choose other forms of entertainment that won’t cost you quite as much.

Take Charge of the Music Yourself

Make wonderful use of your iPod by loading it with all the songs you want and plugging it into a soundsystem. As you’ll be in control of the play list remember that your guests may not be into the same kind of music. Make sure that there are a few popular classics in there.

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A signature cocktail can add an extra touch of elegance to your wedding reception. It’s a good idea to reflect your wedding’s theme and colors in your cocktail, allowing it to blend in seamlessly.

Talk to your fiancé about the tastes you both prefer and choose a drink based around those. If you don’t already have your heart set on a particular one, here are seven signature cocktails for you to try.

1. Love Is In the Air

This very tart, refreshing drink has a pink hue that gives it a pretty and romantic air. For this recipe you will need: two ounces of sloe gin, two drops of raspberry syrup, two drops of lemon juice, and one egg white. Place all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour into a glass and for an added touch, drop a raspberry into the cocktail.

2. Wedding Belle Cocktail

For this recipe use: ¾ ounce of Dubonnet, ¾ ounce of gin, one drop of cherry brandy, and one drop of orange juice. Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour it all into a glass by straining it out of the cocktail shaker. Use a cherry as garnish and place it in the glass.

3. Sealed with a Kiss

An extremely rich cocktail that will leave chocolate lovers delighted! Use two ounces of any chocolate liqueur such as Godiva or Crème de Cacao, 1 ½ ounces of vodka, and one Hershey’s Kiss for every drink. Begin constructing this drink by placing a Hershey’s Kiss in the bottom of a chilled cocktail glass. Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake very well. Pour the concoction into the chilled cocktail glasses with the Kisses on the bottom.

4. Hot Romance

This tasty treat gives a refreshing kick of orange juice with the slightly tart twang of cranberry. This cocktail fits in perfectly with a summer wedding. To make you will need: 1 ½ ounce of rum, two ounces of cranberry juice and two ounces of orange juice. Simply pour each ingredient individually into cocktail glasses and stir. Garnish with an orange wedge.

5. Elegant Wedding Punch

If you would rather make large batches of punch instead of individual drinks, you can do this with your signature wedding cocktail too. You can then pour the punch into glasses at a cocktail station or place the punch on guest tables giving a signature cocktail and centerpiece all in one!

For 16 glasses of punch use ½ cup Chambord raspberry, 1 cup Triple Sec, 1 cup of brandy, 2 cups of pineapple juice, 1 liter of ginger ale, 2 bottles of dry champagne. Begin by placing the ginger ale and the champagne in the refrigerator to chill the night before the wedding. Mix all of the other ingredients together and place in the refrigerator to also chill overnight. When you are ready to serve the cocktail, combine all of the ingredients together and serve.

6. Traditional Wedding Punch

Here’s another wonderful punch that can be used as a signature cocktail. Per twenty glasses use 2 cups of vodka, 4 cups of unsweetened pineapple juice, 4 cups of unsweetened cranberry juice, 1 liter bottle of ginger ale, and two cups of sugar. Simply mix all of the ingredients together, chill and serve.

7. Wedding Cake Cocktail

This cocktail is for those with a real sweet tooth. To make use ¾ ounce gin, ¾ ounce amaretto ¼ ounce orange juice, ¼ ounce pineapple juice, ¼ ounce cream. Simply pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a martini glass and garnish with white chocolate shavings and ground nutmeg.

You want a classy affair that allows your guests to be comfortable and up for a party. At the same time you also don’t want to be in debt for the next five years just because of the drinks at your wedding. There’s a fine line and finding a balance can be difficult. Here are some smart ways to let your guests enjoy themselves without spending everything you have.

There are generally three basic bar structures at a wedding: a cash bar, a limited bar, and an open bar. A cash bar is just like having your guests order a drink at a restaurant. They will pay for whatever they order. This is the cheapest option, but remember your guests have spent the entire day with you celebrating your wonderful occasion. They have also probably brought a gift. Covering their drinks is a nice way to say thank you and make sure everyone has a good time.

An open bar lets your guest order their drink without ever opening their wallet. You are charged for whatever they take. A limited bar works on a similar concept. You pay for the drinks but the choices are limited as only a few different types of liquor available.

Beyond these structures, there are plenty of ways to tailor them to your wedding and your budget. Speak with your venue or your caterer and ask about how the bar could be set up. The best way to provide the balance between guest satisfaction and a budget in check is to have a limited bar.

One limited bar option is beer and wine only; two broad choices that are almost universally loved. In addition you could serve a signature cocktail. This not only saves money, as you won’t need a fully stocked bar, but will give your reception an extra unique flair.

Another option is to have an open bar for a limited period of time. You’ll definitely want it open during cocktail hour and maybe for two hours while the toasts are being made but shut it down after that and you won’t need to increase your drink budget at all. Keep the cocktail “hour” to forty-five minutes and then invite your guests to sit down to begin the reception. Cocktails often extend over an hour and a half or longer as people linger and mingle. Brief cocktails will cut your bar bill and let you get the party started quicker.

There are a number of ways to pay for whichever bar structure you choose. Speak to your caterer or venue about these. Commonly you will pay on consumption, meaning you will be charged for every drink your guests order. You will not be paying for drinks that won’t be ordered, but could sting your wallet if your guests are heavy drinkers. Paying per head, a predetermined fee based on how many people will be attending the reception, isn’t a good idea if you don’t expect them to drink much. It’s more suitable if you have a lot of guests that like to drink when they get together.

When you pay per hour, it’s actually per guest, per hour. The price per hour will be the highest for the first hour or so and then will continue to decrease as the night goes on. The main benefit of doing things this way is that you can offer your guests an open bar but you will know what it’s going to cost you instead of just adding up the total at the end of the night.