Great Alternatives - An Alcohol Free
Reception
June 22, 2009
Many
couples are opting for an alcohol free reception, some to
save money; others just do not want the headache of liability.
And yes, you are responsible for the actions of your guests.
That means if you serve any type of alcohol and one of your
guests is stopped for driving under the influence or heaven
forbid, they are in an accident you can be sued. It is called
third party liability and that is why liability insurance
is required by most facilities.
Unfortunately,
many people invited to a wedding are under the impression
that they are entitled to food, drink and entertainment
and overlook the fact that they are there at the bride and
groom's pleasure. Wedding guests are entitled to zip. How
much or how little is provided is entirely up to the bride
and groom. Shame on the guest who has the nerve to complain
they got chicken instead of prime rib and punch instead
of merlot. With all this in mind, here are a couple great
alternatives to serving alcohol.
Coffee & chai, now before you go rolling your eyes and
give that "oh crap," sigh, read on. I am not talking
about stately cups of coffee and tea served in little china
cups with cake and biscuits. I am talking about a bar stocked
with a variety of flavored syrups, coffees and teas. Serve
iced, whipped, or frapped in Grande' wine glasses; rimmed
with sugar; garnished with an assortment of chocolates and
spices and a served with candy coated spoons.
Believe me, this is not only an elegant look, it is deliciously
refreshing. A perfectly wonderful choice if you are having
an afternoon reception of light hors d'oeuvres or desserts.
As always, it is in the presentation. From Irish Cream to
Banana Fanna there is such an enormous selection of syrups
available your coffee drinks will make Starbucks jealous.
Flavored syrups are not just for coffee and tea however,
these same syrups are also used to make Italian Ice. For
a formal look serve your ice in martini glasses and garnish
with fresh fruit or crystallized edible flowers and a spoon.
Trust me; there is nothing attractive about slurping up
a melting drink not to mention the embarrassment of colored
ice on your face or clothing.
Frozen Punch this is an old standby that can use a little
tweaking. You have heard of the virgin (alcohol free) daiquiri,
margarita and such. Well, here is your chance to shine,
don't tell a soul you are not serving alcohol. Make up two
punch bowls and label one for the kids the other something
like Brad and April's Wedding Daiquiris and I swear you'll
have people telling you how much they like the punch but
they're feeling a little tipsy. Again, it is all in the
presentation.
What ever you decide to do, remember this is your day, your
party and you can do what you want. So fasten your seat
belt Emily Post we're in the 21st century and we're not
looking back!
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