Post # 1

Member
293 posts
Helper bee
Im worried about people getting TOOOOOO DRUNK during cocktail hour.. So, I was thinking of only serving signature drinks during cocktail hour to avoid a few of my family members getting wasted too early..
Any ideas on any VERY cheap low alcohol ones? Then after cocktail hour we will have open bar all night… whatcha think? Im up for any ideas you all have..lol
Post # 3

Member
26 posts
Newbee
my fiance’ and I are serving a drink called a Lava Flow as our cocktail hour signature drink – it’s an easy, low-alc drink that can be served alcoholic or non alcoholic. Lava Flow is essentially a Pina-Colada, with pureed (spelling?) strawberries and banana swirled throughout the drink. We were quoted at 1 drink per person, $6 per person
During the reception we are having a lighter signature drink of simply berry juice, mint, lemon/lime and vodka..super cheap. Our caterer quoted the price as 2 drinks per person $6 each person. (Also along with beer and wine)
Post # 4

Member
293 posts
Helper bee
Thanks for the suggestion.. I called my bartender and told him to WATER DOWN drinks for 2 specific people… I am also having him..
*ID people who look young
*Close the bar during dinner, bridal party entrance, special dances, cake cutting.. etc.
* Pour virgin drinks for people who have obviously had waaay too much to drink
ANY other ideas are greatly appreciated!
Post # 5

Member
353 posts
Helper bee
A classic and delicious drink is Bucks Fizz, it’s basically orange juice mixed with sparkling wine. Since you’re mixing fruit juice with wine the alcohol content is pretty low, wine is much lower than spirits to start with (12% compared to 40% ish). And if you use sparkling wine instead of champagne it’s cheap as well!
Post # 6

Member
688 posts
Busy bee
@The Unsuspecting Bride: we’re having a similar signature cocktail– a pomegranate champagne. I think it’s just pomegranate juice and champagne, with strawberries thrown in to look pretty. It’s a good idea because you know they’r enot going to fill it up too much with champagne, so they’ll be pretty watered down.
Post # 8

Member
1356 posts
Bumble bee
I’m not much of a drinker so I can’t help with drink suggestions, but we had our wedding coordinator tell the bartenders no shots – during cocktail hour or reception. We’re having a cash bar anyway, but, shots are easier and quicker to get bombed on. We have some partiers coming, so both sets of parents were more comfortable without the option of shots. People can still order drinks to their heart’s content though – such as the super-alcoholic long island iced tea. 
so I guess I was trying to get at the fact that we closed off shots. sorry – I’m a rambler!
Post # 9

Member
7172 posts
Busy Beekeeper
A good bartender will cut off people who have had too much to drink. I don’t know what your state laws are – but mine told me they were legally required to do so. Perhaps your heads up on the potential problem guests will be enough.