Which is better value - a bar tab or drinks package at our wedding?

I would suggest a drinks package, this is cost effective as you pay an amount to cover drinks for a certain amount of time unlimited, a bar tab could become expensive as each drink is accounted for. 

Hey there, 

first of all congratulations! I always think a drinks package works better. I find a bar tab to work well at Christmas parties, work functions etc. A drinks package is more formal for a wedding :)

We recommend a drink package as it gives our couples one less thing to worry about on their day.
It also allows you to factor this into your budget from the get-go, without any last-minute changes.

Bonjour!! That is a good question.

In our experience, it is best to work with packages. That way you know the price you are paying before hand, and you have the piece of mind of knowing that everyone will be catered for.

On the other hand, if you know exactly what brands you want to serve, at Excuse My French we have the option of having your drinks on consumption (excluding cocktails). We charge a management fee and get your drinks of choice to be served during the event. At the end we return whatever didn't get consumed and you pay retail price only for the opened bottles.

What a great question! We honestly believe that a drinks package is far more economical than a bar tab. We are often asked if a bar tab option is available for weddings, and we do not offer it for a variety of reasons. It can be a stressful day, and it can be made even worse when we have to advise the Bride & Groom that their bar tab is rising throughout the event. In some instances, a bar tab can exceed what the beverage package total would have been. Even guests that do not drink alcohol can consume juice and soft drinks to an equivalent value of guests drinking alcoholic beverages. Juices and soft drinks are often only a few dollars less than a Beer or Wine, and sometimes they are more quickly consumed that people drinking alcoholic beverages. Isn't it better to know that everything on the day has already been fully paid and the bar is flowing? Our unlimited beverage packages are an easy way to know that you have nothing else to pay at the end of the day so you can do your tunnel exit, jump in your getaway car and go enjoy your honeymoon night!

In my experience a drinks package is good as you are more settled at the wedding knowing your guests are catered for through the night. Also depending on the venue you choose mobile bar companies can help estimate your drinks if your guests do not drink that much and they provide mixers in their packages so you only buy the alcohol. 

Goodluck. 

We tend to suggest a drink package just to eliminate a 'to-do' on your special night. Bartenders will have to keep you in the know with spends / reaching limits etc. 

Drink packages are always great for budgeting as well, all your spending is done and you can just relax! 

You know your crowd better than anyone, if you think they aren't big drinkers then you can switch to a bar tab. If you have a few wild cards that are there for a good time, drink package is the way to go :-) 

A bar tab helps if you have a few people driving home, so their beverage consumption isn't as high. A package helps with your budget as you know prior what the cost will be. You can always speak to the venue about setting a limit on the tab then it will become a cash bar.