Post # 1
Member
55 posts
Worker bee
I will be having a friend bar-tend the reception. I really want to give my wedding a nightclub feel so I want to have cocktails but I can’t afford liquor for the 80+ guests. I’m sure the men are fine with just beer. But the majority of girls don’t really drink beer so I want to offer cocktails for the ladies. More affordable since girls aren’t as likely to consume as much alcohol.
How should I go about making it known that we are offering cocktails but only for the ladies.
Should I make some kind of signs on the tables?
Let the DJ announce it?
Have the bartender go around asking the ladies if they’d like a cocktail?
Post # 3
Member
83 posts
Worker bee
I get the idea, but I wouldn’t do this. You can’t assume men won’t drink liquor, and ladies won’t drink beer. I don’t personally like the idea of having something available… but out of reach for half your guests. You might consider doing 1 or 2 “signature” cocktails instead of a full bar. That way you’d only need to have a few liquors/mixers/garnishes on hand.
Post # 4
Member
1150 posts
Bumble bee
I can’t tell you how to assign drinks.
But you say that ‘the guys drink beer’ and ‘girls drink cocktails’ so won’t it just work itself out? I guess you could call the cocktail something so super effeminate that a dude would just be embarrassed to order it.
Post # 5
Member
4887 posts
Honey bee
Say what? I really think this is a mistake. You really shouldn’t try to separate the guests in any way, let alone by gender.
If you really MUST do this, then only offer one signature cocktail that is so girly that no guy would touch it with a 10 foot pole. Something pink with feathers, an umbrella and all kinds of fruit. I wouldn’t drink that option myself, but it’s worth a shot I guess? Whatever you do, DO NOT offer drinks only for men or only for women. Big mistake.
Post # 6
Member
55 posts
Worker bee
@Mollytov: That’s a good idea. Maybe I just gotta give the cocktails a really effeminate
name and it will work itself out.
@Vonnegut1105: Beer is a must have! But like I said I still wouldn’t be able to afford liquor for the men.
Now, how do guests usually know there are cocktails available?
Post # 7
Member
55 posts
Worker bee
@KristenGotMarried: The beer is for anyone I’m just sure the men would get carried away with free liquor!
Post # 8
Member
9029 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
I dont think this is a good idea… I agree with pp posters that suggest having a signature drink only
Post # 9
Member
10367 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
I thought you were a troll when I first read your post.
This has disaster written all over it. Only serve what you can afford – for everyone!
Post # 10
Member
383 posts
Helper bee
I agree on the signature drink. It’s a controlled (strength wise) so that no one goes overboard.
Or ask your bartenders to make mixed drinks only. Nothing on the rocks, no shots. I’ve been to weddings that have this specification and didn’t think it was rude.
But i think discriminating based on sex and assuming what people will and won’t drink based on that is rude.
Post # 11
Member
963 posts
Busy bee
Can you just do beer and wine? Maybe one or two “signature” drinks. It will cut down on costs more – most everyone will be happy this way.
I think that people will jsut find a way around it…girls will be ordering mixed drinks and giving them to their boyfriends. That’s what I would do, since I’m the wine girl and he’s the vodka tonic guy.
Post # 12
Member
383 posts
Helper bee
Or, just lose the liquor if you can’t afford it. Beer and wine is all people expect. Liquor is good bonus.
Post # 13
Member
55 posts
Worker bee
Beer is a must have for the fiance, cocktails are a must have for me!
I don’t get it! And I don’t want to come off as “tacky”…How is having signature drinks different than what I’ve mentioned? I wanted two cocktails but with a girly appeal to them. If a guy isn’t embarrassed to get one…that’s fine but I’m sure w/our crowd of men they’ll just care want beer.
I guess I won’t offer cocktails just to the ladies. The better solution for me is offering cocktails with more of a feminine appeal. Done stressing!
Post # 14
Member
1150 posts
Bumble bee
@HotMomma04: Okay. Then do that. What’s the issue?
Post # 15
Member
2714 posts
Sugar bee
My Fiance chooses liquor over beer every single time. Yes, even if it is a really girly looking drink. It’s just what he prefers. If he saw the ladies walking around with cocktails, but he could only drink beer he’d probably be a bit miffed.
Either allow everyone to have cocktails (maybe just 1 signature drink for everyone) or only serve beer and wine to cut down on costs. I don’t think it’s a good idea to discriminate who drinks what based on their gender….
ETA: Just saw your update. Glad you decided to go with the signature cocktail for everyone. I think that’s a much better idea!! 🙂
Post # 16
Member
1150 posts
Bumble bee
Might i suggest you call it a ‘Hot Momma’ 😉
Member