Drinks, Drinks, Drinks!

Rounding June, we’re in the heart of wedding season. Our weekends are quickly filling with the anticipating nuptials of friends and family. This means three things: good friends, great dancing and OPEN BAR! Er, unless you’re the fuddy duddy friend with the cash bar. Which brings me to the point of this entry:

The Battle of Open Bar vs. Cash Bar

Who will reign supreme?

(Sorry food network overload).

I am a firm believer in what goes around, comes around. Translation: You will drink at your friend’s weddings and they will drink at yours. And well, if you don’t get married—hey, you came out ahead. If you don’t already see where I’m going with this, I fully support an open bar.

Now some of you may say this is a bit presumptious and not everyone can afford an open bar. As the self-proclaimed queen of DIY and budget friendly events, I say YES YOU CAN! Penny pinch on other things such as floral, favors, even the DJ (thank you, Apple, for the iPod!) Pick up some seasonal flowers at your local market. Have a wedding planner or crafty friend (not in your wedding party) arrange the day before the event. Order pre-designed stationary from online retailers like www.vistaprints.com or if YOU are crafty enough, design your own and print them online or at Kinkos. And the list of budget helpers could go on…and on…and on. By prioritzing, you are able to budget for an open bar. And for me, the biggest priority is making sure my guests are full of great food and drunk off delicious drinks.

Many reception and event hall vendors are allowing you to BYOB. Yes—bring your own beverages. Imagine how much money that could save you! Just steadily stock up from those trusty bulk discounters over the course of a few months and you’ll barely see that cash gone (or at least we’ll avoid the heart attack when you cut that big, fat check to the catering company).

Ultimatly, with almost any budget there is a great way to provide good food and great (free!) libations to all your guests. Because didn’t Uncle Fred allow you to drunkenly bust out the robot on the dance floor last year? Maybe you should let him do the same.

Stay tuned for more DIY tips and budget helpers coming soon...