1) How much food should we have during the cocktail hour?
- First off - Yes, you do need to feed your guests if you are taking photos inbetween the ceremony and reception and therefore having a cocktail hour
- Think of 5 - 8 pieces or "bites" per person - one hors d'oeuvre is the equivalent of one piece. This will basically fill a small side plate for each guest.
- Keep in mind you don't have to have hand-served hors d'oeuvres - cut costs by purchasing platters and setting up a small appetizer buffet or having the platters dispersed around the venue on cocktail tables
2) Is it tacky to have a cash bar?
- No - but people bag to differ. It depends on your guests demographic to be honest. Most of your friends who are recently married or with kids will understand the pressure of having to the float the bill for a young crowd most likely to drink more. Older generations often find it bizarre to have to pay for their drinks as they may have been accustomed to open bars at weddings when they got married, and additionally may not drink as much as the younger crowd these days (that of course depends on the people! I know my grandma still enjoys numerous glasses of wine with her socializing!)
- You can do a combination host and cash bar! You don't have to choose between the two. Here are a few ideas:
- Host wine and beer for free, however you can put a price on hard alcohol. If you're worried you have too many guests who won't enjoy wine or beer, you can also host a specialty cocktail for free that represents you and your partner (name it after the place you met, or use fruit juice that will match your colour theme).
- Alternatively, you can charge for alcohol after a certain time to help avoid waste and your guests getting a little too rowdy (no one wants to be the guy that stripped on the dance floor....). You can also cut off drink service other than beer,wine, champagne and/or specialty drinks during dinner so that guests aren't drinking the hard stuff on an empty stomach.
- If guests' alcohol intake is what you're worried about, ask your venue to not pour doubles or shots. This will help with how everyone feels the next day as well!
3) What are the biggest cost saving tips?
There are plenty of places to save on the little things, but there are a few things you can do to save dramatically.
- Book your venue on a day other than Saturday. Even Fridays and Sundays are most often a little more pricey - venues can charge a premium for these days of the week as they are the most popular. Thursdays are great, especially if you've ever thought about having a very private ceremony but larger reception
- Your wedding doesn't HAVE to be in June, July or August. May through September are high season for weddings, and means you may need to book your venue at least one year in advance, if not more and will also pay more (for most venues).
- Feel like doing something different? Host a Sunday Brunch for your reception, or a stand-up reception later in the evening (with plenty of comfy seating and appetizers), let guests know though so they don't arrive hungry.
- Unconventional venues may charge less if they aren't at the top of the wedding destination lists - check musuems, art galleries, outdoor spaces, restaurants etc and keep an open mind!
4) Do you recommend having a website?
- Yes! It's not necessary, but it's a great place to post info regarding location (some people just NEED maps), even if you include it in the invitations. Also, post where you're registered, any tips for your event - ie. ceremony is on grass so be careful what shoes you choose, dinner is outside so a cardigan is recommended, there will be a cash bar, and the list goes on. Another cute way of keeping people interested in the site is posting photos of you and your wedding party and involved friends/family during the planning process. You can also post information about accomodation, things to see and do and places to eat for out of town guests.
