Open Bar vs. Cash Bar
The proper etiquette at a wedding
is to offer an open bar, but realistically this
is not always feasible for couples to pay for. Most wedding
guests understand
The likely hood of people drinking responsibly tends to be a little
more likely if they’re paying for the alcohol they are drinking.
They tend to be a little more conscious of the number of drinks
they are drinking throughout the evening. Some couples offer 2
or 3 tickets with each dinner plate and after the tickets are
used they have to pay for anything extra.
Liquor Licence
Check with your wedding
reception hall or venue to see if they will be supplying your
liquor licence your will you need to apply for one yourself. If
you will need to obtain one for the wedding reception,
visit your local liquor store for more details. They will be able
to help you decide on the amounts of liquor you will need for
the number of wedding guests you are inviting.
Also it’s very important that the liquor licence is posted
at the wedding reception. Although it is rear,
the liquor board does have the right to visit and ensure that
everything is in order at your reception.
You will need the Special Occasion Permits for Receptions and
the cost should be around $75.00 depending on which province you
live in. The applications for the licence should to be submitted
30 days before your wedding date, but check your provinces liquor
board or Alcohol and Gaming Commission for specific guidelines
for your province.
Bartenders
Smart Serve certified bartenders may
be required in your province. 
Some
wedding reception halls supply the bartenders
while at other halls you will have to hire your own. Always ask
for credentials and references when hiring bartenders. Having
Smart Serve certified and experienced bartenders will help keep
things safe and in control. You may have to register for your
own special occasion permit or liquor licence if your place of
wedding reception doesn't supply this. When renting
your place of wedding reception, ask if you will
need to obtain your liquor licence or if they supply it. Talk
to your local liquor store for liquor licence details.
Brides and Grooms Make Bad Drunks
I want to take a moment and address the
subject of drinking on your wedding day. Although
it is a great cause for celebrating it’s very important
that you have a clear head throughout the entire day and night.
First, did you know if your officiant suspects that you are in
any way impaired before for the ceremony, he or she has an obligation
not to perform the wedding ceremony. Secondly, at your wedding
reception you will be making speeches, dancing, and taking to
friends and family and everything will be recorded on video for
ever. The last thing you want is to look foolish on your wedding
day and then be reminded of your foolishness every time your wedding
video is played in the years to come. You don’t only want
to be clear minded and have your balance intact. You will also
want to remember everything that happens. Don’t ruin your
wedding for yourself or your new spouse. If you have to partake
in drinking alcohol, dilute your drinks dramatically, stop completely
after having a couple, or better yet, pass it by completely just
for your wedding day. Your wedding is not the
evening to be indulging; you have a responsibility to you, your
spouse and your wedding guests to act responsible and reasonable.
You also want to be about to enjoy
your on your wedding night. It’s not very
romantic to have your spouse passed out on you on your honeymoon
night. Believe me, you’ll never regret being sober on your
wedding day or night.
