Bar Options

This, seriously, could be the longest post in the history of blog posts because there are SOOOO many different ways to set up your bar! One of the first questions I ask couples is, "How important is the bar?" For most people, the level of importance wanes a bit when they realize the cost of hosting drinks for 200+ people for four hours, but at least the question gives us a starting point for the discussion. All weddings have a budget and you need to decide how to allocate the funds according to what matters most to you. For some people it's floral or decor, for some it's the food and for some it's the bar.

If you are unsure what you want to do when it comes to your bar, try asking yourself the following questions:

1. If I were hosting a dinner party for 20 people at my home, I would:
a. Make sure the liquor cabinet was stocked with everything anyone might possibly ask for
b. Have a few bottles of wine and a case of beer on hand
c. Purchase a variety of sodas and let them know it's BYOB when it comes to alcohol

2. Most of the weddings I've been to within my circle:
a. Host full premium bar all night
b. Host beer, wine and soda
c. Host soda only - all other beverages are cash

3. To me, the bar is:
a. The most important part of the party
b. Necessary just to get people up and dancing after dinner
c. Something for people to enjoy if they choose to, but we could honestly have a great wedding without a bar

3. At the end of the night I want:
a. Everyone to stumble back to their rooms saying it was the best wedding EVER (even if they dont' remember most of it!)
b. My guests to have enjoyed themselves, but be ok to drive home (if they have to) and/or feel well enough to join us for brunch the next morning
c. Guests to congratulate us on having a beautiful wedding even without a hosted bar


If you answered mostly A's, you will want to host the bar all night. Ask your catering manager for an estimate early on so you make sure to budget for this, as it will be a large chunk of your overall expense.

If you answered mostly B's, you will probably feel comfortable hosting just beer, wine and soda. Draft beer (kegs) will be the more cost-effective way to go with the beer, obviously. You might also consider offering just one "signature" cocktail for those who want it. I had a bride a couple of years ago who hosted Mojitos in honor of her dad, as this was his favorite drink. It was a nice touch! She simply supplied me with tent cards to be placed at each bar to let guests know to ask for this hosted signature drink.

If you answered mostly C's, you will have more money leftover for chair covers, flowers and your honeymoon.

Of course there are variations on all these options, such as hosting the bar for just a few hours vs. the entire evening, or hosting liquor for just the members of the wedding party. Your catering manager will be able to offer suggestions and together you'll decide what works best for everyone.