@SagLdy: Here are a few suggestions from an almost married bee...
1. Find a locally owned liqour store. We are using one that gives us points for every purchase. Meet the owners, chat, chill, have a conversation. They will get you the best deal... if they are nice.
2. Heavy apps... be really clear with your guests that dinner will not be served. DON'T schedule the wedding over dinner time!! we just went to my cousins wedding. Had to get there at 2 for pics... ceremony then reception went over dinner time and all they had was some sushi and fish on a stick. They were trying to save money too but we were starving and it made for a crummy evening. So be clear with your guests that dinner is not served, do an afternoon... like 2pm but don't make the whole thing last longer than 4 hours...
3. individual champagne will cost you more. Buy the champagne (or procecceo) you like and get champagne stoppers, like these - http://shop.schramsberg.com/Catalog/PRT_2CS_Big_20091023_133349.jpg or these http://www.webstaurantstore.com/champagne-stopper/champagne-stopper.jpg - they should clamp around the lip of the bottle.
4. Signature drink... go to your favorite bar, with a bartender who is good at mixology. Even bring your own strawberries if they don't usually use them. Ask him to play around with a drink. Offhand, I think a strawberry moijito - muddle the strawberries with the mint - or something with cointreau, vodka, and bubbly water would work. :)
I'm also getting married in DC, and we've been told several times to check out Ace Beverage or Schneider's (on Capitol Hill), as both will take back and refund you for the liquor that you don't use. We also like Sherry's in Woodley Park, as the staff there is very friendly.
With respect to what kind of liquor to buy, I would go with vodka. You could also ask the folks at the liquor stores if they have suggestions for a strawberry-based vodka drink, and they may have some good ideas.
As for heavy apps, I second the idea that you should be clear with your guests about what to expect. We are having an all-passed appetizer format for our reception, but will be having more than enough food that the guests will be full (the guests actually will end up with more food by weight than at your typical buffet or plated meal, since we can spend more money on the food, and less on things like plates and flatware). We are planning to let them know that we are having a tapas-style reception at several different points (on our website, reply card, etc.) so there are no surprises.
If you are looking for ideas about what to serve, I would consider Costco's options. We are planning to have a dessert bar instead of a traditional cake, and I noticed that they have lovely desserts (including large chocolate Capitols!), so I'm sure that they have a lot of options for appetizers, too. If you're catering it yourself, I'd focus on foods that can be served at room temperature or on ice, rather than items that need to be served warm.
Good luck!
@thdpr: Thanks so much for the links, I will definantly check 'em out. And I have built a friendly relationship with the owner & co-workers at a local liquor store, I'll bat my eyes and see what happens ;)
@AZ2DC: TY also, another person also suggested Costcos so I will be heading there, and a few ppl have sent me great idea's for what to serve.
Yeah after thinking about it( w/all of the wonderful Weddingbee's advice) I will push it up to around 12-1 o'clock. I had originally planned for the evening but that wouldn't work w/my menu plan at all. you all are great.
You must log in to post.
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| AlwaysSunny | 42 |
| sharontobemarried | 24 |
| Birdi | 21 |
| Chelwilly | 18 |
| leecy87 | 17 |
| pengoala | 14 |
| orangecountylicious | 13 |
| hiheel | 11 |
| FutureMrsHall15 | 11 |
| TheVampiresMistress | 10 |
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| AlwaysSunny | 3 |
| sherryberry | 2 |
| julies1949 | 1 |
| misschickpea | 1 |
| dannielle89 | 1 |
| Jamieg | 1 |
| MrsPaulsBabyBallerina | 1 |
| mepayne | 1 |
| jkfroud | 1 |
| clairebear000 | 1 |
I am trying to cut cost everywhere!!! It’s only going to be around 50 people at our wedding and we are on a small budget ($2000-$2500) and it’s a lot of DIY which also cuts cost. I think I finally found a reasonably priced venue in PG county not far from DC where we live (Waiting for a price quote) which is beautiful so there no need for lots of decorating; mainly Eiffel Tower Vase w/ostrich feathers for the tables (I found a site to get it in bulk), we’re going to hook up an iPod to the audio already installed & we’re doing a cupcake tower instead of a traditional cake. I do need help from you guys on a few things. I still need a very reasonably priced photographer, a good price on liquor (also if anyone know of a delicious signature drink preferably w/strawberries please post ingredients) I only want Corona, Heineken, mimosa’s (so the small individual champagne usually sold in 4pk, doesn’t have to be Chrystal or Moet), Remy or Hennessy, Malibu cocoanut rum & suggest a white liquor (I don’t drink white personally). And heavy appetizers, we cannot handle the cost of catering! So if anyone has used or knows a nice menu or have ideas we can use for heavy appetizers please let me know. Thanks all!!!!