Drinks for Reception

bc_babe1186

My fiance and I are supplying all of the alcohol for our wedding reception in June...when can we start buying everything?? Do you think beer or wine will go bad before we have a chance to open it?

I <3 Seabass

The wine should be fine. I wouldn't buy the beer this early but you could always check the expiration date before you buy it. As long as it's never been refrigerated it should be good up until the expiration date.

MyNameIsNot

If you start buying wine now, you need to store it in a cool dark place, preferably on it's side.  If you put it in a garage or somewhere and it gets up to 80 or more in the spring, it will go bad.  A basement or cellar works well.  Same for liquor. 

pulga131

Are you doing kegs for the beer?  From what I have heard from other couples, that is the most economical way to go.  In which case, its just a matter of ordering it just right before the wedding.  The wine should be fine though, especially if you can keep in a garage or baesment.  

bc_babe1186

Thanks, ladies! I've been able to stay pretty on top of things for the wedding, but this one sounds like it can wait till its a little closer!! My Mom is a wine expert so I plan on letting her handle that

As for the beer..I sort of thought about just getting a keg because I do think it would be alot easier and cheaper, but do you think it sort of brings down the classiness of the reception?? Our reception won't be THAT fancy, but I just don't know what to do in that aspect..let me know your thoughts! 

aerinpegadrak

If the beer is above a certain alcohol content (I think it's 11%?) it can be aged like wine.  We have a couple of bottles that have been in our fridge for a few months, and we don't intend to drink them for another year at least.

MyNameIsNot

For your question about the kegs: kegs are fine if you have it behind a bar and a bartender who is tapping the keg and serving glasses of beer.  (Pretty much the same as a restaurant serving beer on tap.)  If you're thinking of setting up the keg and letting people serve themselves, you'd be better to stick with bottles.