if you’re providing
the alcohol
HERE’S A SHOPPING LIST FOR
APPROXIMATELY 100 PEOPLE:
BEER: 3 cases (bottles not cans)
VODKA: 6 one-liter bottles
GIN: 3 one-liter bottles
SCOTCH: 3 one-liter bottles
LIGHT RUM: 2 one-liter bottles
BLENDED WHISKEY: 1-2 one-liter bottles
BOURBON: 3 one-liter bottles
TEQUILA: 1-2 one-liter bottles
WHITE WINE: 1.5 cases (18 bottles)
RED WINE: 1.5 cases (18 bottles)
DRY VERMOUTH: 1 one-liter bottle
SWEET VERMOUTH: 2 one-liter bottles
CHAMPAGNE/SPARKLING WINE for toast: 1.5 cases (18 bottles)
(If serving Champagne during the cocktail hour, get two cases.)
DINNER WINES RED WINE: 2 cases (24 bottles)
WHITE WINE: 2 cases (24 bottles)
wine + spirits
People have probably been partying at weddings since the discovery of fermentation. A couple of drinks— an ever-so-slight lowering of inhibitions—and suddenly Aunt Sue is killing it on the dance floor while your childhood friend sparks a romance with your friend from college. These are the kinds of moments that make receptions magical, and you can help inspire them with a little liquid encouragement. Here are some of your many options:
catered drinks
Having your drinks catered can relieve some stress on the day of your wedding, and it adds a fancy element to your reception. If a catering company is providing the alcohol, make sure they understand your preferences and you understand their prices before the wedding day. Also, if your catering plan includes wine with dinner, grab your menu and head to a Hudson Valley wine shop or winery for a consultation. You must make sure that wine pairs perfectly with your food.
signature cocktail
Your signature cocktail should be special, and it should compliment your wedding’s theme. If you’re getting married barefoot in a sundress, a simple but delicious wine spritzer may be a good idea. If your wedding is more formal, on the other hand, bartenders serving up a creative concoction in fancy martini glasses may be more appropriate.
champagne toast
It’s alright to use a really good bottle of Champagne for your wedding party and some decent but not-so-expensive sparkling wine for the rest of your guests. The toast is largely symbolic, and many people take just a sip anyway. Plus, the money you save by not providing 100 people with genuine French Champagne could be used to make them—and you—happy in more meaningful ways. Perhaps put the money you save toward more personal wedding favors or splurge on a fun photo booth.
drink station
Cover a long table with a cloth that matches your wedding theme, and set up a row of beverage dispensers. Fill them with several different mixed drinks for varying tastes—perhaps something sweet, something sour, and something fresh tasting. Add some bowls of fruit slices, and you’re good-to-go.
after-dinner drinks
Whether to serve an after-dinner Cognac or brandy is up to you. If you do, consider some aged tawny Port, Highland or Islay-style single-malt Scotch,small-batch bourbons, Cognac, amaretto, or Frangelico. A fifth contains 16 1.5-ounce shots, and a liter contains 22. Two or three choices should be sufficient for your guests’ varied tastes.
self-service
Find something fun for coolers, like perhaps vintage wagons or hay bales. Fill them with ice and an array of drinks. You could even mix a few ingredients and put them into individual labeled mason jars. No bartenders are needed here, but it may be a good idea to appoint someone as the official ice, cup, and beverage re-stocker. Get your alcoholic supplies ready a couple of weeks in advance so you don’t have to worry about it as your big day approaches.
Regardless which option you choose, arrange safe rides home or comfy couches for guests who’ve had too much to drink. Also, be sure to offer mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages. Everyone should have something tasty to drink, even if they cannot consume alcohol or after they’ve hit their limit.
BINNEWATER Kingston, 845-331-0237, binnewater.com
It is very important to keep guests hydrated for any event, large or small. Binnewater can provide New York’s finest spring water and Mountain Valley Spring Water in addition to ice for keeping those drinks nice and cool.
ESTER WINE AND SPIRITS Kingston, 845-331-1921, esterwine.com
Ester is a small neighborhood shop run by folks who are passionate about wine and spirits. They have a small yet stunning showroom with hand-selected craft inventory made by boutique distilleries and wineries from all over the world. Ester also focuses on biodynamic and natural production, which is healthy and romantic to-the-core.
STONE RIDGE WINE AND SPIRITS Stone Ridge, 845-687-7125, stoneridgewineandspirits.com
Located in historic Stone Ridge, this knowledgeable group is uniquely qualified to recommend wines for any event or menu. This year marks their 23rd year in business, and they are constantly looking for ways to improve service. Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits looks forward to assisting you with selection for your big day.
