Here are some practical tips if you are serving alcohol on your big day:

Be proactive and make arrangements for the safety of your guests ahead of time. Appoint a designated watcher, such as a groomsman to keep an eye out for any overindulgent wedding guests or any underage drinking. Advise your bartenders and wait staff to be observant also.

You want your guests to have fun and enjoy themselves, but think twice about an open bar. Consider a cash bar or a table-by-table service. If guests pay for their own drinks, they are likely to drink less. If you are worry you might look or feel cheap inviting guest to your celebration and not offer free beverages, then consider a limited open bar such as before dinner only, or consider serving free champagne or a wine-mixed punch.

Remember to keep the snacks coming. Food slows the rate of alcohol absorption, so have plenty of munchies on hand throughout the night. Also be sure to have water and non-alcoholic beverages to keep guests hydrated. A new South Dakota beverage trend is serving water in personalized water bottles at the reception. These make great wedding favors on the tables. Contact Water Billboards to have your very own customized water bottles labels made.

At the end of the night, remind your guests that rides and rooms are available, have your DJ make an announcement. Some hotels even reserve shuttle buses for wedding guests to and from the reception.

Following these tips will help start your marriage with only happiness and happy memories of your wedding celebration!