Alcohol is a wedding reception staple, and an open bar is usually expected. But customary doesn’t have to be ordinary. Below are a few tips on how to make your open bar a success.br /br /table align=”center” cellpadding=”0″ cellspacing=”0″ class=”tr-caption-container” style=”margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;”tbodytrtd style=”text-align: center;”a href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G6HZnrMsFXQ/TJuVC-EbdEI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/eKwnW-RoFXE/s1600/Classico-0363-diamond-engagement-ring-Verragio.jpg” imageanchor=”1″ style=”margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;”img border=”0″ height=”392″ px=”true” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G6HZnrMsFXQ/TJuVC-EbdEI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/eKwnW-RoFXE/s400/Classico-0363-diamond-engagement-ring-Verragio.jpg” width=”400″ //a/td/trtrtd class=”tr-caption” style=”text-align: center;”CLASSICO-0363 by VERRAGIO/td/tr/tbody/tableullistrongDress it up/strong/li/ulThere are plenty of ways to incorporate a a href=”http://blog.verragio.com/2010/08/wedding-tip-1-retro-chic.html”theme for your wedding/a, and when decorating your venue don’t forget the bar. If your wedding is in a tropical setting, set out some leis and palm fronds. If you’re having a fall themed wedding, colored leaves are an easy, added touch. But even if you haven’t chosen to theme the day, you can still decorate with your colors or flowers to draw your guest’s eyes. br /br /br /ullistrongDon’t Forget the Garnish/strong/li/ulThere’s no need to have the decorations stop at the bar, incorporate your colors into your drinks. Having a signature cocktail to be passed around is a fun way to keep things festive. But there’s no reason to turn yourself into a professional mixologist, keep it simple. If you’re wedding colors are cream and green, serve mojitos. If you colors involve pink then serve cosmos. You can also add a touch of your colors with the garnish. Violets, roses, lilacs, and elder flowers are all considered edible. Try adding rose petals to champagne with a hint of chocolate liquor for a drink that’s both colorful and delicious. br /br /br /ullistrongKeep the Finger Food Stocked/strong/li/ulEven before the liquor starts flowing, it’s always a good idea to have some snacks stationed near the bar, or have hors d’oeuvres passed around as soon as guests start to arrive. You don’t want your guest drinking on an empty stomach, especially when it comes to an open bar.br /br /br /ullistrongNever Drink and Drive/strong/li/ulSpeaking of drinking responsibly, always make sure that no one has to drive away from your event. If the wedding is held at a hotel, make them aware beforehand that you will need cab service for any guests at the end of your reception. Or if your reception isn’t somewhere convenient to public transportation, consider hiring a shuttle service to get guest to and from your wedding. It is also important to over-estimate the number of people you may have to transport, start early and have plenty. Better safe than sorry.