DIY wedding - drinks question

mermaid85

Me and OH are having our wedding reception in a marquee in my parent's garden, partly for cost, partly as this is the only way we have full control of the day. We are doing the food/decorations etc and providing wine for the day guests, and were planning on hiring a bar for the evening - this is no cost to us but pub price drinks. We had planned on putting some money behind the bar, but once it runs out, the guests paying for their own drinks. The bar we were hiring had said it was ok for us to use any left over wine for cocktails as long as it wasn't taking the mick.

However, we have just had inspiration and thought about doing it Bring a Bottle instead... would you be offended to receive this on an invite, or relieved not to have to pay bar prices for your drinks?

Most weddings I have been to you have to buy your own, this way I'm thinking could be best of both for everyone.

s23xy_c

I owuld quite like the idea of bring your own bottle

NoAngel

I think that as it's at home then this would be a reasonable request! I'd prefer to bring a couple of bottles with me and then not have to pay bar prices. Also, if you were planning on putting some money behind the bar then your money would go further buying a few drinks from the supermarket yourselves to start the party!

You'll never please everybody, so if you think it's best then go for it! Some people will probably disagree and think it's a bad idea, but I personally cannot see a problem with it!

hp3

Hi think it's a great idea, most people probably would if you were having it at home anyway but putting it on the invite includes everyone. Shame I can't so it for mine hehe!
:beer:

ellies_angel

I went to a wedding reception in a village hall and we all brought our own drinks which was great. There was wine, but for us spirit drinkers a bottle of vodka and softt drink was all we needed. They had a meal in the evening a veggie stew and lamb stew with lots of homemade chunky bread lovely!!

Tiara_2

I think it's a great idea. If I received your invite, I would be pleased not to be paying bar prices all night People often bring a bottle when they go to a party or for dinner at a friends, so why should anyone object to doing it at a wedding?

BugglyB

I think its a great idea, some things to consider:

You may want to lay on soft drinks and put that on the invite
Some people may ask about fridges - personally I drink lager and its much nicer cold, the same for white wine. Could you get some cool boxes or hire some fridges? Perhaps borrow cool boxes and have one for each table? Also do think about providing ice and glasses.

I went to a wedding recently which was bring your own booze and the brides brother bought them three barrels of ale as a present, if you have a benevolent relative who wants to contribute to the wedding but you're struggling to think of ways, this might be a nice idea.

Dekazer

I think it's a great idea. We're providing booze, but are debating what to get. We'll probably go simple and just have wine, beer, cider and lager, but I might aso chuck in a few bottles of whisky and vodka, and of course we'll have plenty of soft drinks.

I think that letting people bring a bottle of their favourite drink is a great idea - some people are really fussy and would rather bring their own Cinzano or Amaretto than have to suffer wine or beer. I'd be really happy if I received an invite that said BYOB.

Piggo_2

I think that's a really brilliant idea! People can bring what they want to - soft or alcoholic, and will save a fortune on bar prices. Equally it makes your life easier and cheaper as well on the big day! Money behind the bar can often be quite wasteful as well as people cant take advantage of it making others miss out on it.

RainbowDrops

It wouldn't bother me massively, but the issues of refridgeration, and indeed where you put the stuff during the ceremony / meal would concern me.
And someone else suggested soft drinks provisions.

Idiophreak

I'm not such a fan, I'm afraid.

It's fine for (red) wine drinkers - who can just bring a bottle, but for everyone else...it's not so great.

Weddings are supposed to be special occasions, a treat, a celebration...the idea of me sat there with a warm can of fosters I had to bring with me...it just doesn't sit very well with me. Warm white wine, not great....warm coke..I suppose you could provide ice, at least....You're providing wine, anyway - so most people will have a couple of glasses - and they'll expect to pay for anything beyond that. Guests will perceive the "value" of the day based on the amount they drank and the amount it cost...so if you're worried about them feeling the bar's expensive....just give them more free stuff

We had Mojitos at our wedding...8 large bottles of bacardi made enough for several glasses per person for 120 - the same's true of pimms...relatively fancy looking, but cheap to roll out in bulk.