Do it a cheaper way in Spain and claim it's an English tradition.
We're not having an open bar at our wedding. We're providing post-ceremony mulled cider and putting a few bottles of wine on each table for the meal. Any other booze will have to be bought by the guests. I come from a long line of Irish alcoholics so this is my way of avoiding bankruptcy.
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Tue 22 Jun 2010, 9:16, 3 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

we're going to do similar for booze
we're not made of money!
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 22 Jun 2010, 9:27, Reply)

To be fair
It's Spanish tradition as well that the guests ask you how much you're paying for head (only food, not the open bar later), and give you a pressent that covers it and a bit more. But I don't want anyone spending that amount of money.

I think £30/person in enough for a more than good meal.
(Aberracion Life's getting very complicated, but a lot of fun., Tue 22 Jun 2010, 9:28, Reply)

Listen, I was wondering, CH[more letters], could you do us a favour.
I'm never sure when the right time to spark up at the wedding is, some people say I should take the opertunity at the bit where he says "If anyone has any objections, speak now, or forever hold your piece", and that's fine, I don't mind, but it's all a bit public, it would be awfully embarassing if you turn me down. On the other hand, I wouldn't want to ruin anyone's day, so can't really say before the church bit. I could wait until the First Dance bit, but ideally if I'm going to take over the role, I'd have learnt the chicken dance just in case. Also, if I leave it until you've signed the legal papers, then I guess that'll be a whole lot of hassle that could be avoided.

I was just wondering, that's all, when's the best time?
( G/PP 💩💩💩💩💩&#128, Tue 22 Jun 2010, 10:17, Reply)

Best do it before the actual vows.
Distract the bride with a cute puppy, have a quiet word, promise more puppies in the future.
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Tue 22 Jun 2010, 10:25, Reply)

Cool, and what's the rules about paying for it afterwards?
It wouldn't be fair to take over and expect him to still pay his share, but it's not fair that I pay the full price and don't get to choose things where the ball is set in motion. Sure, simple things like the song for the first dance is an easy one to change, but surely I should be able to pick what we have for the meal and all that if I'm putting..... oh', wait, it's the parents of the bride that pays, isn't it? Oh, fair enough, don't worry about that one.
( G/PP 💩💩💩💩💩&#128, Tue 22 Jun 2010, 10:33, Reply)

Nah, these days it's the couple that pays.
I suggest you quit uni, get a job and consolidate all your debts into one easy monthly affordable payment plan.
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Tue 22 Jun 2010, 10:40, Reply)