How to Save Money on Alcohol for Your Wedding Bar

If you work it out with the venue to supply vino yourself, you'll get better wine for the same price (or less), even with a corkage fee. "Choose lesser-known wines like Orvieto, Soave, or grüner veltliner for whites, and Rioja or barbera for reds," says NYC wine consultant Lyle Kula.

We're not talking about setting up a cash bar-guests shouldn't pay for anything at a wedding-but rather editing the selection of beverages. One or two kinds of beer, a red and a white wine, and a signature sipper or simply a good vodka, gin, and whiskey is plenty.

If you do offer a signature wedding drink, don't have servers pass it around, says planner Calder Clark, owner of Calder Clark in Charleston, South Carolina. "Most people will take one but not always drink it-and that's wasted money." Instead, keep the cocktails at the bar, where guests can request it if they want one.

Considering serving wine and beer instead of an open bar to cut costs? Calculate the difference before you make that decision. "A bottle of wine contains five drinks, whereas a liter of vodka has 25," says Richard Nix Jr. of Butler's Pantry in Saint Louis.

Though Champagne technically only hails from the Champagne region of France, the sparkling wine you serve at your reception could come from Spain (Cava) or Italy (Prosecco). These worldly competitors pack a smaller price tag.

It turns out, most people don't touch their glass, literally resulting in money down the drain. Keep the bubbly at the bar for guests who want it.

Remember these words: Riedel Bordeaux glasses. "Your caterer can rent them for about $1.50 a stem," says Rebecca Feeney of Custom Event Group in St. Helena, California. "They make everything taste better, which frees you up to spend less on wine. Plus, they feel fancy."