COCKTAILS ANYONE?

Weddings are not just about the champagne toast anymore. In fact, there are a lot of people that just do not drink champagne and the number of times we have witnessed the un-sipped glasses of champagne sitting on the tables for the banquet staff to clean up is unbelievable. So what's the answer? Well, you could just offer champagne right before the toasts, which should be a 'passed offering'. This way, those who do not drink champagne can decline politely and you'll not be 'out-of-pocket' on the expensive bubbly stuff.

There is something to be said about the drinks you serve at your wedding however. Whether you are serving alcohol or not, there is no doubt that hosting the cocktail hour with beautifully appointed drinks will add to the excitement and celebration of the day. Selecting a single or a few signature drinks will certainly allow your guests to see both your personalities shine through the wedding celebrations.
Selecting cocktails can be a tough one if you're not used to experimenting with different drinks. That is where a licensed and experienced bar service and planner come into the picture.

We all specialize in our different lines of business. That's why you hire the specialists in their field. Why is it then, that so many couples today really think they can handle the BAR when it comes to their weddings? Why would you even dream of having an open bar which has no control over who is being served e.g. under age kids, already highly intoxicated, the gardener....OK...I'm exaggerating, but you get my point. The worse thought in the world is the accident that took place after a wedding because the driver was so highly intoxicated from drinking at that wedding and no one realized it. What an awful thought each and every year on that wedding anniversary. (True story) Not to mention the liability attached to the 'HOST' of the wedding.

So on that thought, we've established that a licensed, insured and tip certified bar service is undoubtedly the way to go. They can monitor who's drinking responsibly and they can be the 'bad guy' when it comes to cutting someone off. They can also take an ordinary wedding and turn it into an unbelievably divine event and add to the ambiance and theme of the event. They will set up your bar, clean up afterwards and ensure you don't run out of certain drinks during the course of the event. For the price of a couple of extra service staff, your guests will feel as if they are in a 5 star resort being pampered with attention as they witness the array of awesome colorful concoctions being passed.

By all means, pass the wine and beer. However, offer a couple of alternatives, including non-alcoholic beverages for those that do not partake in alcohol consumption. There are still awesome drinks that in my mind could and should be served, that should look as beautiful and enticing as the 'apple to Adam'. Everything you serve at your wedding should be gorgeously inspired by the overall theme of the event.

If you look closely on these pretty drinks on the left, you'll notice they have place cards attached to them. What a wonderful way to welcome your guests to where they'll be seated? And of course, let's never forget the good old 'on the rocks' glasses even for the south's favorite - Sweet Tea Vodka.

One thing is for sure, you'll not be limited to ideas. Put some thought behind the theme of your wedding and perhaps the colors, environment where you'll be holding the event, the time of year and most of all, your own personalities. Speak to your planner and your bartender. Allow them to help you come up with some unique ways of serving a great surprise for all your guests. Just think about the photos after the wedding.

For more information on cocktail ideas (photos), check out:
http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-images/cocktails.html

http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/cocktails.html

Also, for licensed Bar Service in the Charleston Area, check out
MIX Charleston

Cheers and Happy Planning!