DRINKS
LOOSE HEAD GOODGARA LIBATIONS W H E N I T C O M E S to concocting the FROM THE COCKTAIL hour to and the Champerfect wedding cake, time plan-
pagneare toast,drinks are a key component ning just as essential ingredients of most modern weddings.They can as butter and eggs.You can get your make good food great,and they warm dream wedding cake if you plan strangers both each other andclosely the ahead and are to willing to work danceafloor. with good baker.
Select a baker Overview The key Peters Colette elements of Colette’s of a wedding Cakes barin New York include wine,beer,bubbly,cocktails City has this gem of advice: – “If you plus soda,“mocktails”and go to a place and other they show nonalyou a portfolio coholic drinks.Determine of all thesewhich fabulous drinks cakes you want butbased the cakes on these in the factors: window are hideous, 1. Budget that’sFancy,formal a good tip-off.”Find affairs may another offer premium baker.versions of all beverages all night long.But couples with limited —Byline funds might prefer serve only careful© CTWto Features
ly selected wines and beer and perhaps a signature cocktail,says Chris Tanghe,a master sommelier candidate and coowner of Elevage,a Seattle beverage consultancy.You also can limit the full open bar to just the cocktail hour,but be aware:many member of the bridal world,from editors to etiquette experts, say a cash bar is the ultimate no-no. 2. Guests: If you’ve invited a gaggle of gourmands,you may want to emphasize fine wine.A ton of college friends? Perhaps (a lot of) cheap beer is fine.“Or maybe spirits are a must because the older generation only drinks gin martinis,”Tanghe says.
Drinks & Dollars Plan for one drink per person per hour of the reception,saysToni Ketrenos,the beer and wine buyer for New Seasons Markets,a chain of Portland-Ore.-based
artisan grocery stores.If serving a special sparkling wine for the toast – perhaps a budget-friendly Spanish Cava or Italian prosecco – allot one additional glass per adult. Traditional venues usually have set prices,but you may be able to trim costs by paying a nominal corkage fee to bring in your own vino. If your venue allows you to provide all alcohol yourself,kegs are the more
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Helvetica Drink up!Dek Stock a perfect bar that keeps the party going all night long
affordable beer option at approximately $1 per 12-ounce glass of craft beer or 63 cents per glass of domestic,says Ketrenos.Smaller gatherings are better off with bottles that can be purchased in quantities. When it comes to wine,look for deals on labels from an up-and-coming region like SouthAfrica,or ask about close-out prices on the last few cases of a vintage. As for liquor,a 750ml bottle contains about 17 drinks,making it a good deal, but remember that you will also need ice,mixers and more bartenders. –Anna Sachse © CTW Features
Quirky or mismatched cocktail vessels lend immediate character to an event. Consider using old Ball Mason or POM jars, says Chris Tanghe of Elevage. Check out garage sales and thrift stores for unique glasses, goblets or teacups that guests can take home as party favors.
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