How can I discourage over-drinking at my reception?

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Tasty Drinks
Anyone have any good tips on preventing guest over-drinking at our reception?

A dry wedding isn't what we're aiming for, but we have a few family members who tend to party a little too hardy for our tastes. We're still in the early stages of planning, but our wedding will include dinner and our bar will probably be at least partially open, since we have a lot of friends who are low on cash.

Any ideas?

-shanghaiellen

Our best suggestions would be to only serve beer and wine, and have a bartender who's comfortable cutting folks off if necessary. We also love the Tribesmaid who gently informed her guests, “Our wedding will have an open bar. It will also be heavily photographed, so any drunken shenanigans will be well documented and thoroughly mocked for years to come. Proceed with caution.” Obviously, if you have family members who are wrestling with alcoholism or early stages of recovery, your mileage may vary with these gentler techniques.

We'd love to hear from readers — how are you handling the balance between “Woo-fun!” and “vomitous drunk mess” at your reception?

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