Emma's answers to Free drink?

Question

I'm planning to hold my reception in a marquee in my parent's garden. However, I'm not sure what to do about drinks. As the reception is being held in my home people won't expect to pay for drinks, but what alcohol should I offer? I want to give some choice, but don't want to have a fully stocked bar as it could get very expensive. Please help!

Answer

Have you thought about asking your local pub, or a mobile bar company to run a bar for you? You could pay a certain amount of money towards a free bar, and once it reaches it's free limit, guests can start paying for their own drinks.

If you decide to do this it's best to put a note in with the invites explaining what will happen. This way, guests will be prepared and will bring some money with them.

This gives people an option of drinking whatever they would like to, but doesn't stop you providing free wine, beer and soft drinks if you want to make sure guests don't have to pay for anything.

An alternative is to set up your own bar, hire staff, and buy alcohol from somewhere that gives you the option of sale or return.

Emma x