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Craig — Like all other aspects of a wedding, what drinks to provide and how to provide them are ruled as much by price as taste.

Wedding planner Lindsey Grannis, owner of One Fine Day Productions in Steamboat Springs, said drink is one of the four most important factors in a wedding, but it needs to be presented properly.

"Never do a cash bar," she said. "If you're inviting someone to your wedding, you don't want to ask them to bring money."

Those on tight budgets can limit offerings to beer and wine, but that's the only shortcut Grannis recommends.

"It's totally acceptable if you're on a limited budget," she said.

She estimates an open bar at a 150-guest wedding will cost the bride and groom about $1,000.

Leif Erickson, manager at Arctic Liquors in Steamboat Springs estimates a little higher -- about $11.25 per person.

Each liquor store differs in the amenities it offers. Arctic, for instance, will work up a cost estimate on a full-scale bar versus a beer-and-wine only bar, deliver the alcohol and help set up and provide cups, ice and mixers.

"We'll do the whole bar set up," Erickson said. "As much as they want us to be involved, we will."

They will even offer leads on bartenders, which couples should budget about $175 each.

Kegs are perfectly acceptable, Grannis said, and more popular than bottled beer, Erickson said.

He said Arctic often is called upon to set up a bar for a wedding.

Lennie Gillam, owner of Stockman's Liquor in Craig, generally provides kegs of beer or champagne, saying those who want to offer a full bar at their weddings often hold the event at a place that can provide it. "Generally we try to help as much as we can," he said. "If we have the staff, we can deliver and set up kegs. We do our best to help out and make it as easy as possible."

Grannis said she always recommends people buy their liquor locally.

"You're not saving much if you go to Denver or somewhere else to stock up," she said.