[SSS1365]

Originally posted by AXO Alum
Not to offend you or your family, but do you really think that handing out little tickets will keep things in check? I am afraid that you would end up with one guy on a scavanger hunt for all the little yellow tickets he could find. And after all, this is YOUR wedding day - not a county fair where x number of tickets will get you on the spinning top looking ride!

What I usually tell my brides is this - If you are truly concerned that things will get out of control, then you either limit the bar as to what is available (no shots for example) or simply limit the alcohol to a champagne pass and toast.

And yes, there will be some under-agers that will be drinking, believe me! It is common for many bartendars to not ID at weddings because so many people (especially women) do not carry those things with them. Plus, there is always that "favorite" cousin who is of legal age that thinks its hilarious to load the 15 year old up! (Think the beginning of the Wedding Singer!) -- actually, if you are concientious with your guest list, then you should know if people are prone to be over-indulgers. Then your wedding coordinator/director or even the head-caterer can be "informed" prior to about the person/people that could potentially cause trouble. Unfortunately, however, receptions are fast-paced and busy - even non-drinkers go to the bar for water or soft drinks -- how are a couple of bartenders supposed to know who is who?

Don't forget also that YOU are liable should someone over-indulge and have an accident (whether on premise, on the way home, or even AT home - check the statutes in your state) -- a bartendar may not know who Uncle George is, but he/she should know when someone has had enough. Make sure that the bartendar is in contact with your wedding coordinator to make sure that anyone who displays drunken behavior is offered a ride home, or a cab ride. My 2 year old cousin was killed (decapitated in fact) by a car full of young women returning home from a wedding reception - all drunk! I am a HUGE advocate of DD's, especially at weddings.

Good luck to you!

Well nothing is concrete yet, it was just an idea. I personally would like to be able to have a drink or two at my reception, and I know my fiance would as well, so just having a champagne toast is out (not to mention I hate champagne and it makes me sick). I mean it would be EXTREMELY tacky if we were drinking but not allowing our guests to. I'd be open to suggestions though... but we want a full bar (probably no shots though) without worrying about people getting wasted. The manager of the restaurant already assured us that his bartenders WILL cut people off, so that will certainly help. I might think about the idea of just having beer and wine. Of course we will still have a champagne toast (where I will just take tiny sips and that will be that). One wedding I went to had open bar until a certain time, and then it was cash bar. What are your thoughts on that?