How to Stock the Bar

I'm currently in the middle of helping several of my 2010 clients calculate their estimated alcohol needs for their wedding receptions. This is a huge task in itself, as every crowd is different; however, I recently stumbled upon this very helpful article from The Knot and wanted to share. Below are some excerpts from the article.

Drink Up

How much liquor will you need for 100 guests? Talk to your bartender; in the meantime, here are some averages:

• Beer: 5 to 6 cases
• Whiskey: 1 liter
• Bourbon: 1 liter
• Gin: 2 to 3 liters
• Scotch: 2 liters
• Light rum: 1 liter
• Vodka: 5 liters
• Tequila: 1 liter
• Champagne: 1 to 1 1/2 cases
• Red wine: 2 cases
• White wine: 3 1/2 cases
• Dry vermouth: 1 bottle
• Sweet vermouth: 1 bottle

{Knot Note: Ask if your beverage catering service will take back any unused alcohol.}

The Open Bar

An open bar is the most gracious approach -- no guest should pay for anything at the wedding -- but it's also the most expensive. Guests can order any drink on the planet, and you'll have to pick up the hefty tab when the party's done. Because there’s no limit, people may drink like guppies. Know anyone who tends to imbibe too much? Tell the bartender in advance.

The Limited Bar

You offer a selection of drinks -- beer, wine, and mixed vodka drinks, for example -- and set specific consumption times, such as the cocktail hour, the toasts, and an hour after dinner. Consider hiring waiters to pass drinks on trays rather than letting guests go up to the bar. You'll have to pay for the waiters, but you'll probably save money on alcohol, and fewer guests will go overboard. If you limit the amount of time the bar is open, make sure the waiters circulate during dinner to refill glasses of water and soda.

The Cash Bar

Don't have a cash bar without a great reason (there really isn't one). After all, you don't invite people to your house for dinner and then charge them for the butter. Trust us on this one. It's not a good cost-cutting solution and is way too controversial.

A Dry House

If you, your families, and most of your guests don't drink alcohol, skip it. Serve sparkling water, soda, and nonalcoholic mixed drinks instead. If you want some bubbly for toasting, go for some token champagne or sparkling cider.

Resources: Leslie Lamb, beverage catering director of Gordon's Fine Wines & Liquors, Waltham, MA

Content courtesy of The Knot.

iPhone Application :: BRIDES Dressing Room

BRIDES Magazine recently launched a new iPhone and iPod Touch application: BRIDES Dressing Room. I downloaded this app on my iPhone this past weekend and absolutely love it! This is a great tool for the professional bride who is on the go, allowing you to sort through gowns by designer, price, and even silhouette. Not only does the application allow you to sort through hundreds of photos, but it even allows you to search local retailers for specific gowns.

Description from Brides.com: Planning a wedding on the go just got a whole lot easier. Browse through hundreds of wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses, search for a retailer near you, and even schedule an appointment! It's available for download from the App Store.

Photo & content courtesy of Brides.com

Say Farewell with Sparklers

I'm all for big dramatic farewells at the end of a reception, especially when it creates the perfect photo opportunity like sparklers can! Sparklers are one of my favorite ways for couples to make their grand exit at the end of the night. We've all seen the throwing of rice, birdseed, bubbles, and confetti, so why not change it up a bit?! If you're thinking of using sparklers for your grand exit, it's important to check with the venue ahead of time to find out what their policy is for sparklers. Additionally, I also suggest telling your photographer ahead of time as well. This is definitely a photo you wont want to miss out on!

Photo courtesy of The Knot.

Wedding Gowns with Pockets

The title of this post may have you a bit confused, but you read correctly, wedding gowns are being made with pockets! This trend was actually introduced by J. Crew a few years back, but has recently been making it's way to the rest of the bridal gown market. At first I wasn't keen on the idea, but then I thought about it and asked myself, why not have pockets in a wedding gown?! There is something about the look of pockets on a wedding gown that is cleverly stylish. Pockets are also the perfect place to store your much needed wedding day necessities, like lip gloss or tissues. While pockets may not be for every bride, they just might be the perfect thing for another bride.

What do you think? Would you purchase a wedding gown with pockets?

Photo courtesy of The Knot.

DIY Door Monograms

I love these quick & easy DIY Door Monograms courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings. They instantly add a splash of color to any doorway and are fairly inexpensive to make. Materials can be purchased at your local craft store, such as Michael's or Joann Fabrics. For instructions on how to make these for your wedding, read below.

"Personalize the entrance to the ceremony or reception in an instant with store-bought wooden initials. To display, loop wide satin ribbon around each letter. Knot ribbon at least one foot above letter, leaving ends long enough to create a bow (for letters that aren't easily looped, hot-glue ribbon to letter's back, and tie into a knot); hang on an over-the-door hanger. Tie ribbon ends into a bow and trim with pinking shears. Attach self-adhesive felt pads to backs of letters to protect door."

Photo & content courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.

New TV Show :: Wedded to Perfection

Incase you haven't heard, TLC recently debuted a new wedding television show, 'Wedded to Perfection'. 'Wedded to Perfection' {my new obsession, by the way!} follows the owners & husband-wife team of Fête, a NYC event planning and design firm. The show gives viewers an inside look of what it takes to plan some of the most high-end weddings in NYC. Trust me when I tell you that the weddings Fête designs and plans for their clients are absolutely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Incase you missed Friday's debut episode, check out a sneak peek of the show here. 'Wedded to Perfection' airs Friday evenings at 10 p.m. ET.

Donating your Flowers

Today's post was inspired by a recent post that I read on the fabulous Elizabeth Anne Designs blog. I absolutely love it when my brides choose to donate their flowers to a local nursing home or hospital. It's such a small thing that one can do to brighten someone's day. As a wedding planner, I've unfortunately thrown away far too many beautiful flower arrangements at the end of the night. With many guests traveling from out of town, and the bride & groom leaving the next morning for their honeymoon, it's often times very difficult to find ways to enjoy the flowers after the reception. If this situation applies to you, I encourage you to find a local organization to donate your centerpieces to. Nursing homes, hospitals, churches, or local charities will all be very appreciative of your donation! Whichever route you choose, be sure to call that organization ahead of time to find out what their process is for accepting donations.

Photo courtesy of InStyle Weddings.