Luzerne County Weddings

In 2005 I have experienced first hand the following, shall we say, interesting beverage—food selections. Not to say that any of them were wrong, we’ll just illustrate how it could have been handled better with a minimal cost increase.

7 course meal complimented by the house wine on all the tables
A wine upgrade for all the guests presumably to enhance the 6 course dinner, diminished by a standard bar selection, of which included brands of liquor with names best reserved for tour guides of Siberia.
Upgrading the gin selection, whiskey, and rum; all other selections were left the same.
Choosing a variety of anheuser-busch products; guests had a choice of Budweiser, bud lite, and Michelob.

Now, generally most reception halls price their beverage in a package format along brand lines. Thus your standard package might include a choice of two domestic beers, two to five wine selections, and “call” brand liquors. A premium package would be an upgrade from this, perhaps including an import beer and brand liquors. However, the wine selections probably would remain static. A top shelf package is self-explanatory; however, the wine selections may remain static. Wine selections generally do not change, because wine is something that is extremely difficult to match to individual preferences on a large scale. Regardless, halls are generally very responsive to your need for a better bottle of vino, especially if you are willing to take a better alcohol package.

Ok, let’s revisit the situations mentioned above, and see if we can’t get all of our guests a better drink to compliment what were all unbelievable culinary delights. In situation number one, we had a seven course meal with a seven course price tag. The meal consisted of appetizer, salad, intermezzo, pasta, soup, entrée, and dessert. There is an added “corkage” fee to supply every table with a bottle of wine, however, had this guest perhaps upgraded their bar package at a minimal additional cost relative to what had already been spent, a wine upgrade would have followed at no charge. What hall would have argued?

In the second scenario, we have the opposite of the first. The wine choice had been changed, but for whatever reason the bar was left as is. Nothing goes better with a great glass of cabernet, bordeaux, or merlot than a sub-par after dinner drink. Again, had this person asked, I am sure, that given the money spent, a bar upgrade could have been handled rather affordably.

In the third scenario, this person upgraded all of the house selections based on the preferences of their immediate family, bridal party, and groomsmen. However, if some thought had been given to what encompasses a liquor package, they would have realized that they probably paid close to the exact amount as the premium package, and were left with one less import beer and a few less liquor selections. Sometimes, as the saying goes, you can be penny-wise and dollar-foolish. Don’t be!

The humor of the fourth situation is obviously indicative of one’s own tastes. If you as the bride and groom have a special request (i.e. a mix of bud, Michelob, vodka, whatever), most savvy event planners will accommodate this request at no charge. You are after all their guest. Certainly a wedding party of 200-300 people didn’t share the same exact preferences.

Alright, now you have a little ammunition to get a great price on your reception and get a better product. Congratulations and happy Valentine’s Day!