Drink up don't Bank up

This thought was inspired by another blog that I read (see link) by another budget bride blogger.

The topic of the blog post was about whether or not to have alcoholic beverages at your wedding or other event. Now, I'm not really going to go on about why or why not you should have it. My thing is if you can afford it, do it. As with any thing else you must do it on a scale that is with in your range. The ticket system that the budget bride mentioned is a more cost effective idea, but if you are concerned about looking tacky than just have the tickets left behind the bar and have the bar tender pull them as the drinks are served. When the tickets are depleted then the bar is closed. Please don't over do it trying to impress your guests by buying and serving top shelf liquor. Knowing that on a regular basis you drink the other stuff.
( I won't be specific). You will always hear me preaching on being realistic. You must be realistic!
Speaking of being/looking tacky. So many brides and grooms are so concerned with how they are going to look if they choose a less extravagant element for their event. Nobody wants to look ghetto. Well of course you don't want to do that. Forties would most likely not be appropriate for a wedding, UNLESS of course that's what you want, if so more power to you, but you just have to (again) be realistic. You're mostly going to know the guests at your wedding or event. So stop and think "what do these people normally drink"? You'll most likely realize that it's usually not $200 bottles of champagne. Soooo why start now? Especially when it's on your dime.

• Check out the label on the back of your favorite drink, their are often some simple cocktail recipes found there. If its something that can be made ahead of time, perhaps you can mix it and pour it into a pitcher and have the bartender ( if there is one) just pour garnish and serve.
• Visit http://www.foodnetwork.com/search/delegate.do?fnSearchString=cocktail+drinks&fnSearchType=site
• Look for the website on the bottle of some of your fav drinks, they may have some recipes using that particular brand
• If you are using a venue thats allows outside catering, you have the option of bringing in your own bartender. If you're the partying type, use the social butterfly within you to yout advantage. Introduce yourself to the local bartender at your favoriter hangout spot. You may meet someone with the necassary skills that's looking to earn some extra cash.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!