{Editor's Note: the first part of this post is a piece that I originally wrote for the Create My Event blog and was first published this past August.}

Alcohol is easily one of the most controversial topics when it comes to a wedding. Is a tip jar okay? What about guests who may not drink? And how can you keep the budget from getting out of hand? Here are some tips on keeping your plans from getting tipsy.

1) Create a signature drink. Whether it's the drink that was poured when he proposed or a crowd pleaser with a catchy name, offer your guests a beverage that's uniquely you. Served alongside a house wine and beer, it's an instant conversation starter and is a fun and classy way to lower your alcohol expenses.

2) In addition to your signature drink, create a non-alcoholic one for guests who may choose not to imbibe. Often the non-drinkers are left with a choice of flat water and Sprite. Make sure you have a good assortment for them as well.

3) Many times people will take a sip or two of the champagne after the toast and then return to their beverage of choice. Eliminate this waste by skipping the champagne and allowing guests to toast with whatever they have in hand.

4) Ask the bartender to price on consumption rather than per person. By using this method, you will only pay for what is actually used and bottles won't be opened until they are needed.

5) If you are having a full bar, ask the bartender to refrain from serving shots of hard liquor. This will keep some of your wilder guests from getting drunk faster and lessens the chances of a chaotic scene later on.

6) To ensure you have enough alcohol on hand, a good rule of thumb is to plan on two drinks per person. Some people will drink more and others less. In the end, this ratio typically balances out.

7) Tip jars can be confusing to guests and are tacky. As the host, let the bartender know that you will be taking care of the gratuity and ask them to keep the jar hidden.

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Some definitions:

Host Bar: The alcohol and beverages served are paid for by the hosts of the wedding (you or your parents or whoever is footing the bill). This can include an open bar or a limited, signature bar.

Open Bar: Also known as a full bar, this is a host bar and guests have an option of a range of alcohol and libations. Open bars are typically charged on consumption or at a flat rate per guest.

Signature Bar: This is a term I made up (though I'm sure someone somewhere has probably used it before) because it sounds nicer than limited bar. At a signature bar, guests may choose from certain drinks. More commonly this includes a choice of red or white wine, beer and one or two signature drinks.

Cash Bar: This is where the guests pay for their own alcohol. Just say no to this option, as it is a huge breach of etiquette to ask your guests to pay for anything at your wedding. If an open bar is out of your budget, then a) cut your guest list and/or b) opt for a signature bar.

{Photo by David Molnar Photography}