Raising the Bar

Imagine attending a special event that you've been invited to. You've dressed in your very best and walk into a gorgeous venue where you are met with smiling and familiar faces. You make your way through the crowd, stopping a few times to mingle with friends, and find a place to sit as you take in the stunning decor. As you think to yourself how fantastic everything looks, you are greeted by a member of the serving team, offering you a Miniature Beef Wellington. Just as you oblige and pick up the small delight, the server informs you that they are $3.75 each.

While this scenario is a bit extreme, it is definitely comparable to setting up a Cash Bar at a wedding. One of the most common misconceptions about Cash Bars at Wedding Receptions is that they are completely acceptable and offer equal accommodation to your unsuspecting guests. Aside from the fact that your guests are usually unprepared, with little or no cash on their person, they are certainly not expecting to have any out of pocket expenses at an event that you invited them to. It is, without a doubt, akin to asking them to pay for their own food.

Whenever discussing bar options with brides and grooms to be, the budget usually plays a critical role in what type of beverage service they are planning to offer their guests. In fact, in my experience, open or hosted bars are usually one of the first elements to be revisited when when the budget starts to balloon. Believe it or not, there are many feasible (and budget friendly) options for beverage service that won't leave your guests holding the check.

Let's explore some of the alternatives:

Red, White & Beer

Instead of going for a full open bar, consider offering only wine and beer. Beer is usually less expensive and most of your guests will graciously accept complimentary red or white wine.

Bultered Beverages

During the cocktail hour, forgo a tranditional bar and have the venue's serving team butler pass wine and beer. Have you ever noticed how most people only take one hors d' oeuvre when it is presented to them by a server? This is mostly attributed to them not wanting to feel improper or overindulgent. The same holds true with kindly taking one beverage at a time and will help you get more beer for your buck.

Table Side Wine Service

This option allows for elegant presentation is the perfect companion to Butlered Beverages. Once your guests transition from the cocktail reception into the actual dinner reception, have the servers present them with a choice of red or white wine for each course. This continues to eliminate the presence (and price tag) of a traditional bar

What's Your Signature

Delight your guests with a a special drink selected by you! Novelty Martini? Your favorite concoction? Décor matching cocktail? These personalized beverages are awesome and the possibilities are endless! Opting for Signature Drinks rather than a full bar is a sure way to keep your beverage budget in tact.

It is important to remember that no two weddings (or wedding budgets) are the same. For most couples, your wedding will be the largest and most detailed event that you will ever plan. There are the dresses and tuxedos, the colors and the cake, the entertainment and the transportation. It is all too easy to get overwhelmed with the mounting expenses and find yourself looking for different ways to keep your budget in tact. Just keep in mind that food and beverage are two of the most pivotol areas that are directly related to making your dream day a reality. While selecting a Cash Bar for your special day may seem like a painless way to save a few grand, take a look at saving in ways that are not at the expense of your guests.


Raise the bar in 2008 and just say "no" to cash bars!!!

HTA 14th Annual Dinner

Last night, the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance held it's 14th annual dinner at the Charlotte Convention Center. Over 600 hospitality professionals turned out for this black tie affair and enjoyed an evening filled with tribute, appreciation and excitement. During his welcoming speech, HTA President, Mohammad Jenatian marveled at how much the annual event had grown from it's first dinner of about 50 guests.

Growing from 50 guests to the crowd that turned out this year did not stop the HTA or Charlotte Convention Center from flawlessly executing this splendid occasion. After a long and busy day at the office, the ladies of Embassy Suites & Culinaire International got dolled up and were on site to take in all of the action!



Avery, Erin and Allison posed with their prettiest smiles on their way out to the big event. And on the way to the Convention Center, Allison and I paused for a quick photo op.

The girls and I arrived just after 6 o'clock and enjoyed the cocktail hour and took a few pictures while we waited for the crowd to arrive. As you can see, we were all smiles. Once inside the room, we stopped and took a moment to admire the space and perfectly set ballroom for us and our 600 hospitality cohorts.

After taking our seats, we were served a beautifully presesnted three course meal featuring a dual entree and white chocolate creme brulee for dessert. The staff was extremely attentive and made sure the wine flowed freely throughout dinner. In between the live band and intense auction, Allison and I managed to take home a few prizes ourselves. Allison was surprised with a gift certificate to The Palm restaurant and I took home a bottle of wine from North Carolina's own Childress Vineyards.

The HTA's 14th Annual Dinner was truly and experience and night to remember. We took great pride in being present at an event that honored and thanked the professionals who protect, promote and serve the hospitality industry.