This will ensure the hotels staff are focused solely on your needs. It is reasonable to pay a deposit to secure a booking. Try not to be presured into paying for the whole wedding in advance. THE FREE BAR - Instead of a free bar, why not place a kitty behind the bar. Once this is gone, guests pay for subsequent drinks.
Free bars are very costly.
Choose a drinks package offering a reasonable number of glasses of wine and a toast. If guests wish for more drinks, a bar is normally available.