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 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 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 are
required in most halls in Ontario. 
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
reception doesn't supply this. When renting your place of 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.
