Date: July 30th, 2015
Working out how much alcohol to provide on your wedding day can be a little daunting – catering to all tastes, sticking to your budget, and not wanting to run out! Here’s a brief guide to help you out, as well as some points to consider when doing the numbers. The quantities are generous, but it’s safer to have more than you need, rather than risk running out.
| DRINK TYPE | GUESTS | QUANTITY |
| Bubbly | 100 | 48 to 60 bottles |
| Still table wine | 100 | 100 bottles white to red ratio = 2:1 |
| Beer | 100 | 200 – 300 bottles Allow four to six beers for every male guest present. |
| Non-alcoholic | 100 | 50 litres – 500ml per person. |
Top tips
Go through your guest book, making notes about the drinking habits of your family and friends – if they like to indulge or aren’t really into alcohol, then adjust the quantities accordingly. If they’re predominantly wine drinkers, deduct from your beer allowance or vice versa. Maybe some of your guests would like to stick to bubbly?
If your venue allows BYO, shop around for specials in the months before your wedding and buy in bulk to save money. Some liquor retailers have a policy that allows you to return unused alcohol as long as the labels are intact and it can be resold (so don’t immerse the bottles in ice or water!).
Consider the time of day and length of your reception. Guests are likely to drink a little more if your reception is in the evening and on a weekend. Plan for your guests to drink around two drinks per hour (some will drink more and some less to even it out).
Remember, it’s always better to buy too much than too little. You can keep what’s left over for a day-after
get-together, gifts for family and friends, or the start of your home cellar!
Posted in: Forte Food Blog
Date: October 13th, 2013
Don’t be afraid to do something a little different to decorate your reception venue. You are setting the stage for what is going to be the biggest celebration of your life and you want it to be as individual as you are. To make the event unique, tailor the decor to your theme and colour palette. The challenge is to carry one style through all the details – this cohesive approach will be the most effective in making a sensational impact.
Posted in: Forte Food Blog
Date: September 27th, 2013
Serving a signature cocktail after the ceremony is a fun way to set a buzz. Traditionally, guests are served a glass of bubbly on arrival at the reception and one for the first toast. Keep in mind that not everyone likes sparkling wine so when distributing it to the guests for the first toast , fill glasses only a third full – there will be those who only take a sip, leaving the rest in the flute.
Having a wide range of non- alcoholic beverages available is wise; include fresh juices, light punches & iced water – more importantly in the height of summer.
Posted in: Forte Food Blog
Date: September 3rd, 2013
Plated Dinner – sit-down dinner consists of a number of courses, including an entree, main and dessert.
Table Banquet – a more contemporary, casual sit-down option where dishes are placed in the centre of each table so guests help themselves. This style encourages guests to interact with each other and allows them to choose exactly what they’d like to eat, and how much.
Buffet Style – people will queue up for their meals, buffets are best suited to smaller weddings and daytime events.
Degustation Menu – where a variety of tasting plates are served to seated guests with sometimes matching wines.
Posted in: Forte Food Blog
Date: August 27th, 2013
Posted in: Forte Food Blog
Date: August 25th, 2013
Your menu sets the tone as much as your playlist or the table decor. And while a formal three-course dinner will always be in style, the most memorable celebrations are often those where couples get creative and serve food that’s imaginative and in keeping with their theme. It’s wise to plan your menu around the time of year. Fresh, seasonal produce is always the most flavoursome , especially when it’s sourced locally. Let your tastebuds dictate the menu.
Posted in: Forte Food Blog
Date: August 19th, 2013
New Zealand can today Monday, 19th August, 2013 put in practise the fact that any two people, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity can get a marriage license and this is truely a celebration today.
Posted in: Forte Food Blog
Date: August 18th, 2013
The Art of the Wedding Day ‘Order Of Events’
Words of Wisdom
One of the more common predicaments that couples find themselves facing as the wedding day approaches is how to format the festivities on the day of the wedding. If you already have your wedding booked in with us, then you needn’t worry – we’ll do this for you.
The Order Of Events will give you a great insight to the flow of the day with times and events to put you at ease in how the day/evening will unfold.
Posted in: Forte Food Blog