Underage Drinkers....

hollieheidi

I have a question...I'm sure it has been addressed somewhere, but I've looked through quite a few posts and haven't found a good idea yet...We are having an open bar, only for 2 hrs during the reception and with a limited drink menu, vodka, rum, whiskey, and beer with mixers of course.  Our wedding is Irish so the siggy drink is of course, a black and tan.The problem is, although we've invited guests and their children, I know that most will not bring their children, but the consumate planner in me wants to plan "Just in case".  I will be having a bartender, but how do I tell the alcoholic drinks from the plain sodas???  I have a few sketchy almost tweens that would just love to sneak a taste, but I would prefer them not to.I thought of different cups for the alcohol, but we're offering pint glasses for the beer and smaller mixed drink cups (highballs) for the other mixed ones.  Anyone know where I can find other cups or what other cups I should use?  Our colors are black, white and royal blue.  I'd rather not the blue solo cups, but if I have too....We're still on a budget and I don't want my $$$ to go to tables full of 1/2 empty drinks that no one knows who they belong to and 20 extra opened 2 Liter bottles.  Not to mention how well the blue solos photograph......I know I sound snarky, but .....ideas puleeeze!!!Thanks guys!

DreamgazersEyes

I work for a catering company and often end up bartending at house parties with a mixed crowd. On more than one occasion I have had to verify with a host if I could serve a particular guest. If you have a planner or a maitre'd (sp?) you could tell them to pass on very strict instructions to the bartender, or you could take a moment in the beginning of the reception to thank the bartender for their work and remind them of your age limit wishes (in addition to getting a drink for yourself). As the host of the party some responsibility falls on you but ultimately it is the bartender's job to make sure that no one under 21 is drinking. You will have so much else going on that day you will not be able to control everything. YOU don't have to be able to tell the alcoholic drinks from the virgin ones. That's why parents are there. You should be able to enjoy your reception without that worry. Part of the reason young children want try cocktails is perception. They think it's fancy and grown up and they want to have that too. Putting children's drinks in plainer cups might leave you with some tantrums and hurt feelings (we are talking about children). Among all the mixers I advise having a good amount of grenadine, and cherry garnish. Shirley Temples and Roy Rodgers are wonderful drinks. Eyes light up when the grenadine is being poured - then there's the cherry on top! You can find other "mocktails" here http://cocktails.about.com/od/mocktailmocktail/Mocktail_Recipes.htm Print out one copy of a special kids drink menu If you still want to keep an eye out for non vs. alcoholic I still discourage different cups, it's too blatent. Garnish is the key here. Umbrellas, twizzlers, spiral straws, or a special fruit is the way to go. It wont matter if the adults will want them too, just make sure all the children/tweens get your special cue. As for the tweens, those who really want to try the alcohol WILL find a way no matter what you do. Having an entertaining reception where they can have fun will be the best deterrent for them.

hollieheidi

AWESOME!  I hadn't thought about umbrellas and such...the kids always like pineapple on a sword!  Much cheaper than buying extra cups....Thanks!  Keep up the good work ladies!

jenniferjo42

We are using red glasses for the bar, so we can keep an eye out for underage drinking...I hope it doesn't happen, but ya never know!

Simply Fated

Things like different colored cups and cans of soda are not going to stop minors from drinking. Even at home I tip some rum into my can of coke when I'm feeling too lazy to get a glass, lol. I promise you, those sort of things are just a waste of time, energy, and an added unneeded expense.Umbrellas and pineapples stabbed with swords might be pretty and sometimes tasty, it is not going to stop those who want to drink from drinking.Your best bet is to rely heavily on the bartenders to use their best judgment. I would definitely speak to your venue about your concerns of underage drinking... some bartenders will let underage drinking slide at weddings, despite the hefty fines. Let them know not to be lenient and if there is any question as to someone's age to come and ask you or the groom.