Q – Is there any trick for getting our wedding guests not to overdrink?
A – Great question about overdrinking. No one wants that.
Make sure you have an experienced bartending staff on hand. If your venue is providing the food and beverages, they will usually also provide bartenders. However, even if the venues permits you to bring in whomever you want to tend bar – don’t choose a friend or family member.
Experienced bartenders know what to look for when they are serving. They will know how much alcohol to mix in a drink, when to make drinks weaker, and when to stop serving someone altogether. It’s too easy for a friend or family member to get a bit “heavy handed” when pouring, or to look the other way when someone has had too much.
Another way to keep drinking under control is in what you serve. If you serve just beer and wine, or maybe a signature drink or two, instead of offering every type of drink possible, guests tend to not drink as much (but still enjoy themselves, and not leave feeling like something’s missing).
Another thing about bars – stop serving alcohol at least ½ hour before your reception is scheduled to end. Maybe have a coffee station later in the evening too. While it’s not just to “sober ‘em up” (many folks like coffee) – we’ve got to keep safety in mind.
Several suggestions:
– Low alcohol beer (no triple IPAs) and wine only
– Small glasses (the 8 oz solo cup, not the 16 oz)
– Make sure there is lots of water everywhere
– Have starchy alcohol absorbing food at cocktail hour
– Consider a morning or early afternoon wedding (people tend to drink less)
– Plenty of rolls & breads (more starchy alcohol absorbing food) at dinner.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Do you have a wedding dilemma or question you need answered? I’d love to help. Contact me at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net or at 937-581-3647!