This post was guest-written by Ken Johnson.
Alcohol is part of almost any wedding. It’s part of the cost (open bar or not), part of the value system of the families (do you support alcohol consumption?) and might even be tough for some attendees who don’t drink.
All that said, almost any good party includes the option to have a drink. This is a celebration right?
You want your guests to enjoy the wedding. You’ve spent a ton of time and probably money on the big day. Everyone looks great. The focus is on the bride and groom. You’re both the center of attention – but most of the guests are not spending significant time with you. There’s just not enough of the bride and groom to go around.
So what are the guests doing? They’re reconnecting with friends and relatives and there’s a good chance that they’re spending stretches of time waiting patiently (during the ceremony, pictures, cutting the cake, etc.).
This situation can go two ways, from mild frustration to using the opportunity to get the party going. That means people that don’t normally hang out together need to have some fun. Alcohol is a great “social lubricant” in these situations. Sure you run the chance that Uncle Joe has too much and says something off-color but that beats the alternative of everyone sitting on their hands. In social situations like this a drink or two helps. Want the ladies to line up to catch the bouquet? Want the guys to dance? Want the in-laws to stay civil? Open up the bar! [ETA: don't forget to order enough hors d'oeuvres: 6-8 servings of food per person per hour of the cocktail reception.]
Having a drink has become a ritual in our culture. The wedding toast, the bridesmaids having a cocktail celebrating the bride, the groomsmen talking about their man taking the plunge, the older folks stretching out and recalling old times… picture them all without alcohol – you can’t.
What about those guests that like to drink a bit too much? As long as they’re not driving and not getting obnoxious, don’t worry about it. If anyone does get out of hand you’ve got all your friends and family to help encourage them to settle. Everyone at the wedding wants it to be “your day” and you’d be amazed at how many little things magically get taken care of by others.
So relax, have a drink and enjoy the day.
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