Tips From the Pros

 Providence RI Weddings Presents: Cigar Masters

How to Control Bar Costs at a Wedding Reception

Keep Bar Expenses Low But the Spirit Festive

Cozy Caterers is one of New England's distinguished catering companies, catering to the palettes of New England since 1954. Delicious, unique and unforgettable is how our client's describe our services.

Do you want a spirited celebration but can't stand the costs of a full bar? Keep your expenses from spiraling out of control by minimizing alcohol costs while keeping the reception festive and fun.

Ideas:
Choose a signature drink to serve at the reception. Many people offer just champagne, wine, beer and one signature drink. This helps keep liquor costs down by limiting what alcohol types you need to keep in stock. And because the bride and groom get to "invent" the signature drink, they can create one that is cost-effective. Signature cocktails can be tied into the theme of your wedding and enhance the atmosphere.

Offer a limited bar instead of a full bar. Hire a bartender to work from a limited selection of supplies. Your guests will still have a large number of drinks available to them, but you will save money by keeping your purchase costs and excess inventory to a minimum.

Close the bar early. In Rhode Island, caterers are allowed to serve a maximum of 4.5 hours. This will not only save you money, it will allow your guests time to sober up before they leave your event. For the last hour offer non-alcoholic beverages like soda, bottled water and sparkling water.

Another idea is to hand out drink tickets with the invitations. This allows you to compromise between a cash bar and open bar. Place two or three drink coupons into guests' wedding invitations, which they can redeem for a drink of their choice at the bar. Guests who want to drink more can pay for their own drinks after the drink tickets are used.

Tips and Warnings:
Close the bar 30 minutes to one hour before the end of the reception. This will get more guests on the dance floor.

Make sure you have transportation available for guests who have consumed too much alcohol.

Review your bar and alcohol plans with your professional, licensed caterer or venue to make sure it meets the guidelines of your contract. Some venues or towns have their own bar regulations, so be sure to find out what they are prior to your event.

Personalize your signature drink to reflect your tastes and reception theme.

Dennis Labossiere
Cozy Caterers
www.cozycaterers.com
 

Registry Ideas

"When thinking about your bridal registry don't rule out smaller independent stores. Many of us are happy to take a registry, and it offers the bride and groom an opportunity to register for unique objects not found in the stores. If you have a favorite shop it never hurts to ask!"

Lisa Newman Paratore
Homestyle
229 Westminster Street, Providence, RI
www.homestyleri.com

Cupcakes in Place of Traditional Wedding Cake

"Cupcakes are whimsical and unique for a wedding, present beautifully, and you get a variety of flavors so you can please more of your guests and most importantly, they cost a lot less than a traditional wedding cake! Order Duck & Bunny cupcakes for your wedding!"

Jessica Becker
The Duck & Bunny
312 Wickenden Street, Providence, RI
www.theduckandbunny.com

Shipping Help

"For those who are from out of town, the UPS Store can ship wedding gowns to be preserved or groom attire back to the tuxedo rental. Also, luggage (rehearsal dinner or wedding attire) or gifts can be shipped anywhere in the US."

Bradford Greer
The UPS Store Providence
68 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI
www.theupsstorelocal.com/4185

Choosing a Caterer 

"When choosing your destination and caterer think about exactly when the wedding will be and what type of food makes sense at that time of year. Most people do a tasting months in advance, meaning that the produce (and fish, meat, etc...) available may not be the same as when the wedding will be happening. Ask the caterer if they work with local farms, fishermen, ranchers or other artisan producers. When it comes to the actual tasting, ask what will be in season and how it will be different from what you are tasting now. Of course, these days, you can get just about anything shipped in from around the world at any point, but if you're having a wedding in the fall why not go for the risotto with butternut squash and sage instead of the out of season asparagus? This helps the local economy, showcases the regionality of the food to out-of-town guests and simply tastes better."

Nemo Bolin
Cook & Brown Public House Ltd.
959 Hope Street, Providence, RI
www.cookandbrown.com

Top 5 DO's and DONT'S when selecting music for your wedding reception

DOs
1. Work closely with your DJ/band to choose the right kind of music. Listen to the suggestions your DJ/band makes. They are professionals and have done this before.
2. Know your guests' ages.
3. Know your guests' musical likes and dislikes.
4. Take the time of day into consideration. Your guests are less likely to dance at a daytime event.

 

DON'Ts
1. Sit anyone in front of where the speakers will be.
2. Seat your older guests near the speakers.
3. Pick music based simply on your likes or dislikes.
4. Dismiss the DJ/bands suggestions. They know what will and will not work.
5. Invite young children unless you have something for them to do. Kids running around on the dance floor will discourage your guests from dancing.

Rick Lataille
WRIK Entertainment
75A Eddie Dowling Highway, North Smithfield, RI
www.wrikdj.com