DIY Martini Bar from Sunday Suppers

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

What is hump day without some talk about Martinis? Okay so I don't drink but when I did I was an Apple Martini girl. I found this great Martini Bar idea on Sunday Suppers. I thought this would be a great addition to an intimate wedding reception or a small engagment party.


The set-up that the wonder people over at Sunday Suppers put together was clean and very modern. I would have opted for some flowers, fruit and a little color but everyone can add their own special touch.




Sunday Suppers is a great company that marries cooking classes and dinner parties to top off a great Sunday evening. Classes are taught twice a month in a loft in Williamsbridge, Brooklyn by a chef with 14 to 20 strangers.


Here is a short bio from their website:


Snippet from Sunday Suppers


"Sunday Suppers are class-cooking-dining experience, pairing friends and food. The classes are held in a waterfront loft in Brooklyn, NY and are taught by local chefs. The food is market fresh, local and organic and the approach is to create seasonal and fresh meals together."





Click here for the entire post on this Martini Bar.



Below I thought it would be cool to add some of the DIY Martini Bar accessories that a budget bride can afford. Remember it's not how much you spend than it's about decor and layout.

Image via CB2

I found this pitcher on CB2 for $5.95 which is a great price and it holds 50 oz of liquid. In my research I have seen smaller decanters for twice as much.

Image via Dollar Tree

Found these martini glasses on Dollar Tree which are selling for a 12 for $12. Isn't that a steal and you can have them in your china cabinet for years to come.

Image from Dollar Tree

Here are some candleholders that can be use to hold your lemons, cucumbers and olives or any other fruit that you would like to add. Also selling for $12 for $12.

Dollar Tree is a great source for budget brides would are looking for vases, candleholders, etc at an awesome price.

So Budget Brides, what do you think about a Do It Yourself Bar? Which bar would you favor a margarita or martini? You know what was my favorite martini, so what is yours?

Some Images via Sunday Suppers

Alcohol & Weddings: To Have, Not To Have & Everything In Between Pt 3

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!!

In our final addition of Alcohol & Weddings: To Have, Not To Have & Everything In Between Pt 3, we will discuss signature drinks.

Image from Hostess with the Mostess

Signature Drinks
engaged couples come up with a special drink(s) that they want to share with their guests during the wedding reception or cocktail hour.

Signature drinks are a fun way for both the bride and groom to bring their special moments to the wedding. You can determine your signature drink based on your color scheme, culture, location or wedding theme.

Reduce Costs:

• instead of having your signature drink made with top shelf liquor negotiate with your venue to have them made with "well" liquor
• signature drinks to not have to be alcoholic. Maybe you may want to a fruit punch with real fruit and a splash of 7Up or a Half & Half (Sweet Tea & Lemonade)

Websites To Help You Pick A Signature Drink

Stirrings

Martha Stewart Weddings

Lastly, have fun picking your signature drink and remember to make an appointment with your reception venue or bartender to taste your pre-selected drink. They may also have some suggestions about drinks they have created themselves.

This is the last installment of our Alcohol & Weddings: To Have Not To Have & Everything In Between Pt 3. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a note at info@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com.

Alcohol & Weddings: To Have, Not To Have & Everything In Between Pt 2

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!!

Here is the part two of our Alcohol and Weddings Segment.....

**Before we begin with Cash Bars, I want to add a note about open bars. Open bars can become a liability. When discussing this option with your reception venue remember to ask them who holds the liability of your guests' consumption and any incidents that may occur while their under the influence. This may be a deciding factor for you when figuring out how long you should allow your open bar to last.**

Image from Webecoist

Cash Bar

a bar at a reception or social event where guests cover the costs of their drinks

Most people view cash bars as very tacky, since it is a wedding many people assume that the Bride & Groom should cover the cost of alcohol.

Reduce Cost:

• instead of providing your guest with hard liquor think about just providing the basics of wine and beer
• Serving champagne only is a great option. You may isolate some of your non-champagne drinking guests but most people will drink anything when presented no other option.
• Provide a signature drink that is served during the cocktail hour or throughout the reception night

An upside to having a cash bar is that you are not legally responsible for your guests consumption.

Lastly, remember to always consider your budget. When planning your wedding you have to do what's right for you as a couple. Remember that your wedding is one day. You do not have to go broke or run yourself into the ground to impress others. The neat thing about weddings is there is always room to carve out your own way.

Tomorrow, we'll discuss signature drinks. If you have any questions, feel free to send them to info@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com.

Alcohol & Weddings: To Have, Not Have & Everything In Between Pt 1

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!!

When considering the breakdown of your wedding day budget, many brides underestimate the cost of food and drinks. I have countered many couples who are not drinkers themselves who have dished out thousands of dollars to get their friends and family all liquored up.

***Blank Stare***

I definitely understand the concept of wanting your guests to have a great time and many times that includes alcohol. However, why do you have to break the bank and your budget in doing so?

Image from Real Simple Online click through for more information on the drinks above

Open Bar

a bar at a reception or social event where the host covers the cost of all consumption by their guest

Open Bars are usually the most expensive because they allow your guests to consume at will.

Reduce Cost:

• Distribute drink tickets which allow your guests to consume 1 0r 2 drinks from the bar
• Reduce open bar time to 1-2 hours
• Only have open bar during cocktail hours and limit the amount of drinks that can be consumed
• Consider the option of not supplying your guest with top shelf liquor (Top shelf liqour is the most expensive. Don't worry about what people think. When it is their day they can do it their way.)

Lastly, you don't have to get your guest all liquored up. Supply what is possible within the budget your working with and leave the rest at the door.

Tomorrow, we'll discuss a cash bar and signature drinks. If you have any questions send me a note at info@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com.