Post # 1
Member
243 posts
Helper bee
Hey everyone 
The venue we have chosen offers an alcohol package as part of the price per head. For this, we have one sparkling wine, one red, one white, and a beer. The venue offers rounds of shots for later in the evening, for an additonal price. The venue we have chosen is verrrrrrry pricey and as a result it would be quite expensive to add on additional beverages.
The question is – are things like shots/spirits expected at weddings? I have only really been to a couple of weddings in this country (I moved to Australia 18 months ago) and both of these were at the bride’s home with the alcohol brought in, so they had a bigger selection than we will. I just don’t want our guests to be disappointed if they have to drink wine and beer all night, but I really don’t want to spend another $1500 on one round of spirits.
Thank you!
Post # 3
Member
295 posts
Helper bee
Australian here. I’ve never been to a wedding where spirits were provided – its always “buy your own” as far as I know. I also think shots at weddings (and in general really) is always a bad idea.
Post # 4
Member
9627 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
I wouldn’t pay extra for the shots, is it possible to do a cash bar for the spirits? So anyone who wants spirits can have them?
Post # 5
Member
243 posts
Helper bee
Thanks ladies. I also think it’s a bad idea to have spirits and can’t see that it will end well on a tiny island where most of the guests are military and think swimming the harbour is a good idea 😉
I don’t want to do any form of cash bar – in our ‘circle’ it’s kind of a big no-no to do this, so if we did do it it would be for us to foot the bill.
I think just sticking with the normal package is the best idea, and not going too OTT.
Thank you!
Post # 6
Member
9627 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
Are there non alcoholic drinks provided? Just for those who don’t drink beer, champagne or wine especially.
Post # 7
Member
3371 posts
Sugar bee
@SydneyJen: I’m not Australian, but I don’t do shots, ever. And I feel left out when everyone else gets together and does them, but I just can’t (I would gag). Someone could buy me 15 shots, I wouldn’t even drink one. And I’m not alone in that, not everybody does shots.
Post # 8
Member
9516 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
“The question is – are things like shots/spirits expected at weddings?”
No.
Post # 9
Member
8369 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
@SydneyJen: The general standard at Australian weddings is beer, wine and soft drink and champagne/sparkling wine for the toasts. Some people have an open bar but that is more a really nice suprise than standard.
Post # 10
Member
178 posts
Blushing bee
From Australia here, and nope! Never had shots provided at a wedding or heard of it. Spirits are really optional, and generally those that prefer spirits buy them for themselves at the bar. If you decide to offer spirits it can be daunting because of the options… Rum, vodka, whiskey, bourbon, tequila…. and then, you have to choose the brand too!
There are weddings where some couples have decided to do a special cocktail for the wedding, but really have generally only seen Beer, Wine and Soft drinks provided (and then there are cash only bars too!)
Hope this helps
@j_jaye: +1!
Post # 11
Member
1346 posts
Bumble bee
Ive been to many weddings here in Australia from many different social & ethnic backgrounds and not one served anything but beer, wine & champagne for toasts.
We actually provided more than others did being as we had choices of beer or wine!
Post # 12
Member
710 posts
Busy bee
@SydneyJen: I don’t think your guests should / will expect shots. It’s not a frat party, is it.
Post # 13
Member
4059 posts
Honey bee
WOW! My contract specifies a maximum amount of alcohol (1.5 ounces) per mixed drink (per state regulation) and shots are absolutely not allowed. It may be a Mid-Atlantic States thing, but I’ve never seen or heard of shots, at a wedding. After parties – sure!
