You’ve heard about SIGNATURE DRINKS for wedding receptions - but did you know this little concocction can actually help you trim some money on your liquor bill for the night.

A signature drink is like a novelty item for your guests, especially if you work to find something that is a little different then what they’ll find anywhere else.

In a hotel, a signature drink will most likely cost you more than any other standard bar items, but how it can save you money, is how you pare it. To save money on your bar bill, offer a limited bar with a signature drink.

At most venues, you can choose which liquor is available to your guests - if you restrict your beverage service to pop, punch, beer, wine and a signature drink, your guests will USUALLY drink fewer drinks in the night, therefore cutting your consumption.

Choose a signature drink that matches the colors of your wedding, or includes your favorite alcohol or embellishment. Something that reflects your personalities. Even offer a HIS and HERS drink choice.

For our recent client cocktail reception bash (see blog entry below this one), we offered guests a WOO WOO which went great with the various shades of pink used throughout the decor.

Woo Woo
1oz vodka
1/2 tbsp peach schnapps
top with cranberry juice
shake over ice in martini shaker and serve in a martini glass

So don’t be afraid to limit the offerings of your bar service for your reception, but offer your guests something a little different to drink through the night, to help them celebrate your marriage.

Jolyn
Lead Wedding Coordinator
Nuance Occasions

Late Lunch is often served in the late evening hours, often between 10:30pm-11:00pm depending how early dinner was served.
One way to help control your budget, is to speak to your caterer about your late lunch costs. When negotiating your catering contract, ask about the possibility of having your late lunch costs applied to only70-75% of your guaranteed guests.
Realistically, by the time the late lunch is served, some guests will have left, and not all guests are going to eat late lunch. Having the late lunch fee reduced, can save a couple hundred dollars depending on your caterer, fees and guest list size.

So speak with your caterer, and explore the options of reducing some of your late lunch fees - it never hurts to ask, the worst they can say is ‘no’.