This is a guest post by Mr STG (Karen’s husband)
I thought it was high time that I contributed to Smashing The Glass.
What Karen started when we got married has become a really beautiful website and the stories that I hear of connections being made through the blog make me very proud of what she has achieved. Karen has created a community of like-minded creative and dedicated people who want to deliver with a little bit more panache and who are prepared to go that bit further. How very refreshing.
Now what is it that I can contribute?
I thought at this stage I might offer up what I hope might be helpful advice as to choosing and sourcing an integral part of any celebration — the BOOZE!
First things first: a great money saving tip
Should you buy the alcohol or allow the venue or caterer to supply the booze?
This is a fundamental question. Some venues and / or caterers will want to charge corkage if you supply the alcohol but it may well prove to be a cost-effective decision to pay corkage or a fee to source and supply your own booze. I say this on the basis that with the likes of Majestic and others being more than happy to offer substantial discounts when buying in quantity. By paying a fee or corkage and choosing your bottles well, you will end up drinking far better quality for less money.
How to decide what to serve
Having decided on whether you are going to acquire the booze, now on to the selections…
This is what I suggest you do on the basis of mistakes made, lessons learnt, hospitality well received, as well as when I think I might have got it right all on my own!.
What I intend to do in keeping with STG style is suggest ideas that might be a little different and allow you, the soon-to-be-married, to stamp your own touches on your day.
So let’s start at the beginning. What do you serve your guests at a reception?