Wedding Planning Articles
Wineries & Beverage Service
...."Toasting the bride"
What wedding would be complete without at least a few toasts to the happy couple? Even if you choose not to serve any alcohol at your reception, make a point of having sparkling cider on hand for toasting. And if serving alcohol, be sure to provide a selection of beverages for your non-drinking guests - iced tea, punch, lemonade, soft drinks. And always, always provide lots of bottled water.
Open or Cash Bar
Serving alcohol may add significantly to your reception costs. There are ways to help keep these costs under control. Your site may allow you to bring your own alcohol, although they may charge a fee for this privilege. Serving only beer and wine rather than mixed drinks minimizes cost. Or you may provide an open bar for only a portion of the reception (through the dinner) and have a cash bar afterwards. Calculate the costs for various options, then select the style and cost level that work for you.
Local Wineries
Among our numerous blessings here on the Central Coast are our fine local wines. Few parts of the country have such a selection at their fingertips! A very nice touch at any wedding is to have a wine bar. Have wine glasses at the bar and offer one or two reds and whites. Another option is to have wine glasses on the dining tables along with a bottle of red and white wine on each table. With this option, have wine refills available at the bar. Shopping for your reception wine is fun and easy. Go wine tasting at local wineries, select your favorites, and take it home by the cases!
Service Options
Some sites provide your bartender while many do not. There are a number of bar service options available. Bartending services offer a full range of options: from labor only to bartenders with a fully stocked bar. The expense of having a well dressed professional bartender serving your guests is not exorbitant and it adds a touch of class to the wedding and keeps your guests taken care of. Additionally, a bartender will not allow guests to over do it, which benefits everyone.
Toasting the New Couple
Toasts generally begin once all wedding guests have taken their seats and have their full plates in front of them. At this time, the Best Man will rise and make the first toast to the new couple. Nowadays, this is often followed with a toast from the Maid of Honor. The fathers of the bride and groom traditionally offer toasts and more and more, mothers of the bride and groom also say a few words. For toasting at the dining tables, be sure to have a bottle of champagne and a bottle of sparkling cider on each table to accommodate both imbibers and teetotalers.