For centuries, various cultures have imbibed the nectar of love - alcohol - to celebrate rites of passage such as marriage. In Ireland, traditional beverages such as mead (honey wine), poitin and more recently whisky were passed between family, neighbours and friends to mark the importance of the event. Unless a couple's religious or personal beliefs forbid intoxicating beverages, some form of alcohol is usually served on the day.

On average, at an Irish wedding, the bar tab is the single highest reception expense. The following "spirited" tips may help lower the bill. When champagne isn't champagne It's sparkling wine and is a completely acceptable substitute. Champagne is the proper name of traditionally made sparkling wine or classic methode champenoise tradition from the Champagne region of France. Only bubbly from this area may take the name. Many other countries make sparkling wine in the same fashion but are not legally allowed to call it by the French name.

To lower costs, couples should consider a good quality sparkling wine made through the traditional method for the toast. Some terms to look for are: cuvee, cuvee de prestige, blanc de noir, blanc de blancs and reserve. Grapes for all sparkling wines are harvested when they have low sugar content and the final liquid should be crisp, dry and effervescent - not sweet as this may hide an inferior quality wine.

Toasting Matters Depending on the drinking habits of your guests, allowing them to choose their own drink for the toast, rather than champagne is another way to reduce costs. Of course, if the majority of guests drink shorts it may increase, rather than lower the bill. Wine and beer make for the least expensive toasts.

Colour Me Beautiful Once you've chosen a nice sparkling wine for drinking by itself, choose a less expensive one if having an open bar before the meal. This may be mixed with other alcohols to create colourful and refreshing drinks for arriving guests. These less expensive options may include the zing of orange juice for Buck's Fizz/ Mimosas or a splash of crème de cassis to create a Kir Royale. Popping in fresh strawberries or raspberries - in season of course - adds some pizzazz to inexpensive sparkling wine.

Estimate approximately seven full glasses of sparkling wine per bottle and fourteen for mixed servings. Fruit juices and no-brand liquors (also known as "well liquors") vodka, gin, scotch - may be used to create a rainbow of mixed drinks for guests to enjoy; including Blue Whales, Pink Ladies, Mint Juleps or Tequila Sunrises. Traditional wedding punch is also a nice option. Grapes of Wrath Wine is the main drink served at most receptions.

To reduce the cost, choose wine from less trendy countries. Often nations trying to get a hold on the Irish/ European market will reduce prices to gain a toehold. The average price per bottle is £8 to £12 and, even though tax makes up a high percentage of the retail price, new producers usually try to keep within this range. Don't turn your nose up because it doesn't have a French label. Taste everything and make your decision based on your palate and reasonably priced suggestions from a trusted wine merchant or professional. Most wine shops offer the contents of a full bar on a "sale or return" basis. Corkage fees at many hotels range from £7 to £10 per bottle so it is not economical to bring in your own alcohol if the venue charges such a fee.

Service with a Smile Ask staff to serve the wine rather than placing bottles on the table but, if asked by a guest, they should not hesitate to leave the wine. After opening a minimum determined number of bottles, waiters and waitresses should only uncork the remaining bottles as needed during the meal. Unused bottles may be returned to the off-license or hotel for a refund.

Allow at least a ½ bottle of wine per person during an evening meal. For a daytime wedding estimate a third of a bottle per person. It is not usually possible to determine if the majority of guests drink red or white so both should be served. Ensure that water is available at each table during the evening.

Many people slow down, or stop, their alcohol consumption when other beverages are available. When the Party's Over An hour before the reception ends, serve soft drinks, coffee, tea and water. It is not necessary to purchase a bar extension as this adds considerably to the bill but not usually to the quality of the reception.

Margaret E. Ward is The Irish Times' personal finance columnist.