There are many ways to limit your booze budget without exposing your financial reasons for doing so. Hosting an event earlier in the day, before 2pm is a perfectly appropriate reason to offer limited bar choices. A reception at this time would be delightful with hors devours of mini French toast and quiche, small crisps with cream cheese and lox and bacon wrapped asparagus. It would only be reasonable to drink champagne, beer and wine at an affair like this. If budget allows, you can incorporate gourmet Bloody Mary’s, fresh orange juice Mimosas and Bellinis. No one would ever guess that this elaborate and elegant choice was inspired by financial limitations.

Working within a theme is the best way to create an event tailored around your choice of cocktail. For example, you host an event inspired by your favorite regions of Italy. Tuscan food, Neapolitan dessert can be enjoyed while listening to Opera! Your guests can dance to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin; those classics are always a huge hit! The wine choice becomes deliberate versus what you had settled for. It is all about the feel of your event and not about the choice of the beverage. The possibilities are endless when you open up your imagination!