MAKING A STATEMENT
During the past few years, we have seen a trend toward brides and grooms who plan a spectacular entrance, or thrilling after ceremony event. From sky-diving, hang-gliding, sailing, or mud-bogging, each wedding is sure to last forever in the memories of the couple, and their attending guests.
 
Your wedding should be unique, and reflect your personal style and taste. And when I say 'You', I am referring to both the bride and the groom. If your fiance is not excited about the wedding plans, perhaps it's time to get him involved. Before all planning is set in stone, brainstorm ways to make your vows singularly yours, and not just the 'same old - same old'. This is your special time to be creative and work together toward creating something special.
 
Do you both like to ski? Get married at a ski resort (any time of year). Boating fans? Tie the knot at the beach or on a ship. Campers? Have your ceremony in the woods, or at a park. Bikers? Consider Sturgis, SD - last year, 187 couples tied the knot at this popular bike rally town.
 
If you want to be married in your Church, your reception (and your entrance) can be dramatic. One couple (both pilots) arrived via helicopter to their hangar reception. That location and their arrival conveyed their personal style - creating a lasting memory for all.

We received an email from Tim, asking about the cost of an open bar. A very good question, indeed!

 

1. First, let's start with our beverage chart:
http://www.weddingdetails.com/planning/liquor.cfm
 
That will give you a quantity estimate for hard liquor and wine. Once you have the quantity, then multiply by the price of the bottles you will serve.
(a trip to your local liquor store..)
 
2. The longer the party, the more beverages will be consumed. Determine when the bar will open and how long it will remain open.
 
3. Beer information from Yahoo:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080330070939AAjItWJ  Kegs sound great right up until you have to deal with it. I prefer cans or bottles myself, because you can keep any leftovers for awhile. There's something sweet about having a fridge full of beer.....
 
4. Where are you having the wedding reception? Unless it is in a private home, facilities will have a policy about liquor, if you need a bartender, insurance, etc. They might also have a set drink price.

 
5. Will the crowd have heavy drinkers?
 
6. Don't forget to have enough glasses on hand. Plastic or glass? Who will be cleaning them?
 
7.  A lighter and more economical option for your bar is a "White Bar", with vodka, rum, champagne and wine for the base stock.
 
8. Some couples purchase wine in quantity directly from the winery. In Michigan, we have quite a variety to choose from, and it is always a unique touch for out of town guests. Consider a 'private label' for your special event.
 
9. Don't forget about the cost of juice and mix for drinks.

 

10. Not everyone drinks. Be sure to provide ice water, coffee, tea, soda, and perhaps lemonade or other fruit beverage.
 
In the end, it's all about the kind of party you would like, and what you can afford. I've seen where the groom's family takes the financial burden of the bar. Every wedding is different!

Take a break from wedding planning and enjoy this funny video.  Youtube