When you host a wedding event, you are responsible for your guests’ safety. These tips will help you plan a wedding event that guests will enjoy while staying safe and sound.
Before the Party The best way to avoid your guests becoming intoxicated and then driving is to take some practical steps to lessen the danger of alcohol abuse. Think about the refreshments you will serve and about the way that you will serve them. • Always offer food when serving alcohol. Food not only is delicious, but it also can slow the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol. High-protein foods like cheese and meats are especially good. • Measure mixed drinks. Guests are less likely to drink to excess if standard drink measures are used. If guests mix their own drinks, use self-measuring 1-ounce spouts to place on bottles of alcohol. • Serve an alcoholic punch with a non-carbonated base. Alcohol is absorbed much faster when combined with a carbonated mixer. Fruit juice or tea is preferable. • Have non-alcoholic beverages available. Some of your guests will not wish to drink alcohol or will want to switch to a non-alcoholic beverage. Persons on medication should not consume alcohol. Provide soft drinks, coffee or a non-alcoholic punch as alternatives.
During the Party Be sure your guests are aware of their eating and drinking options. • Do not have your servers or bartenders force drinks on your guests. Do not rush serve or to refill guests’ glasses. Many guests will often accept drinks they really do not want or should not have. • Observe your guests. If you or someone you designate witnesses a guest drinking too much, try to have him or her engaged in conversation to reduce alcohol consumption. Also, offer them food to slow down the rate of alcohol absorption. • Stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the event ends. During the last hour, serve coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages, but only time will help a person sober up. By serving non-alcoholic drinks the last hour, your guests’ bodies have extra time to absorb the alcohol they have consumed.
After the Party No matter the precautions, there is always the chance that some people will drink too much and become a danger to themselves and others. You or someone you designate should see to it that he or she does not drive. Here is what can be done: • Provide a non-drinking guest to take the guest home. When sober he or she can come back for the car. • Call a taxi to take your guest home. Pay for the cab yourself. Once sober, the guest may thank and reimburse you. • Take the car keys away if your guest insists on driving. Your friend may resent it, but take charge. • Call the police when all other measures fail to prevent your guest from driving. It’s important that your wedding anniversary will forever commemorate a truly special day and not some preventable accident or tragedy.
