Rhiannon Hendricks
When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important considerations is the type of bar you will have at the reception. While some couples opt for a cash bar, where guests pay for their drinks, others prefer the more gracious approach of an open bar, where guests can enjoy a variety of beverages without incurring any charges. An open bar can be expensive, but it adds a touch of elegance and ensures that guests with varying preferences are accommodated. In the case of brewery weddings, there may be limitations on serving liquor due to licensing restrictions, and some guests might prefer wine or cocktails. However, breweries often offer a range of craft beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic options, providing a unique and enjoyable experience for wedding guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brewery wedding open bar | Due to licensing restrictions, breweries can only serve their own alcoholic beverages on-site. |
| Guest preferences | Some guests may prefer wine or hard liquor over beer. |
| Cost | An open bar is the most expensive option, but it ensures guests don't pay for drinks. |
| Drink options | Breweries typically offer craft beers, ciders, hard kombucha, and hard seltzer. |
| Alternatives | Couples can bring their own wine (with a corking fee) or hire a mobile bar/champagne truck. |
| Guest expectations | An open bar typically includes a full range of drinks, but some guests may be satisfied with just beer and wine. |
| Signature drinks | Venues may offer signature cocktails or drinks during cocktail hour or with meals. |
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What You'll Learn
- Open bars are the most expensive option but ensure guests don't pay
- Breweries may only be licensed to serve their own beverages
- Guests may expect a wider range of drinks than just beer and wine
- Limited bars are cheaper but may not include spirits or cocktails
- Consumption bars are paid for after the wedding based on actual consumption
Open bars are the most expensive option but ensure guests don't pay
When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important decisions is the type of bar you will have. There are a few options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One popular option is an open bar, where guests can order any drink without paying. While this option ensures your guests don't pay for their drinks, it is also the most expensive option for the host.
An open bar can be a great choice if you want your guests to have a wide selection of drinks and not worry about any limits. It is seen as a gracious approach and can be especially suitable if you know your guests will be drinking quite a bit. However, it is important to consider that with no limits, some guests may overindulge. To mitigate this, you can hire a professional bartender who can help manage drink quantities and save you money in the long run.
The cost of an open bar can be influenced by the types of drinks you offer. Beer and wine are standard offerings, and some venues may only serve these along with soft drinks. If you want to include liquor, spirits, cocktails, or shots, it will likely increase the cost. Some venues offer packages with limited options, such as basic spirits and mixers, while others may allow you to include a signature cocktail in addition to the standard beer and wine.
If you're concerned about the cost of an open bar, there are a few alternatives to consider. One option is a consumption bar, where you pay for what your guests consume. This can be more cost-effective if your guests don't drink much, but it's important to discuss individual drink costs ahead of time to estimate the bill. Another option is a limited bar, which typically includes only beer and wine. This option can be a good middle ground if you don't want to pay for a full range of liquors but still want to offer your guests a selection of drinks.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to have an open bar at your wedding depends on your budget and your guests' preferences. While it is the most expensive option, it ensures your guests don't pay for their drinks and can enjoy a variety of beverages throughout the celebration.
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Breweries may only be licensed to serve their own beverages
When planning a wedding, one of the most important decisions is the type of bar service to offer. An open bar, where guests can order any drink without paying, is the most gracious approach, but it can also be the most expensive. If you opt for a brewery as your wedding venue, it's important to consider that breweries may only be licensed to serve their own beverages.
This means that your drink options will be limited to what the brewery produces. While breweries typically specialize in beer, some may also offer cider, wine, or even spirits. It's essential to discuss your options with the brewery to understand their licensing restrictions and the specific beverages they can provide.
If you have a particular drink in mind that the brewery doesn't produce, you may be able to make special arrangements. Some breweries may be willing to collaborate with other beverage providers or allow you to bring in specific drinks for a corkage fee. This way, you can ensure that your guests have a diverse range of options, even if the brewery has a limited license.
Additionally, consider the quantity and variety of drinks available. Breweries may have different types of beer on tap, providing a good selection for your guests. You could also suggest creating signature cocktails using the brewery's beverages or incorporating drink options that complement the brewery's offerings, such as wine or spirits, to ensure a well-rounded bar menu for your wedding.
By understanding the licensing restrictions of the brewery and planning accordingly, you can ensure that your wedding bar service meets your expectations and offers a memorable experience for your guests.
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Guests may expect a wider range of drinks than just beer and wine
When it comes to weddings, there are various options for the drinks you can offer your guests. While beer and wine are standard offerings, guests may expect a wider range of drinks. This is especially true if you are having an open bar, where guests can order any drink without limit.
If you're concerned about the cost of an open bar, you could consider a limited open bar that offers a selection of drinks, including beer, wine, and a few spirits or cocktails. This option still provides a range of drinks for guests but may be more affordable. You could also set specific consumption times for certain drinks, such as offering cocktails during a cocktail hour, wine with the meal, and after-dinner drinks.
To ensure your guests have a variety of options, you can offer different types of beer, such as craft beer, American Lager, and non-alcoholic beer. For wine, you can provide red and white options, as well as sparkling wine or champagne for a toast. If you want to include spirits, you could have a signature drink, like a simple vodka soda or margarita, or offer a limited selection of basic spirits and mixers.
It's important to consider the drinking habits of your guests and the style of your wedding when deciding on the drink options. For example, a casual backyard BBQ wedding might focus more on refreshing beverages and beer, while an elegant cocktail reception could feature spirit-forward options with garnishes and fancy glassware.
Additionally, you may want to hire a professional bartender to serve drinks, as they can help you save money on alcohol and ensure your guests enjoy responsibly.
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Limited bars are cheaper but may not include spirits or cocktails
When it comes to wedding bars, there are several options to choose from, and your decision may depend on your budget, guests, and reception style. One option is a limited bar, which can be a more affordable choice compared to an open bar.
A limited bar typically includes a selection of beers and wines and sometimes, basic spirits with mixers. This option may exclude spirits, cocktails, shots, and expensive drinks. For example, a limited bar might offer domestic beers, a couple of red and white wine options, and perhaps a signature drink, such as a vodka soda or margarita. This can be a good way to provide a variety of drinks without the full cost of an open bar.
While limited bars can be a more cost-effective option, it's important to consider your guests' preferences. If you have many guests who enjoy cocktails or spirits, they may be disappointed by the limited selection. In that case, you could consider adding a signature cocktail or limited spirits to your bar. This can be a happy medium, providing a special drink experience without the full cost of a premium open bar.
When planning a limited bar, it's essential to communicate clearly with your guests. You may want to specify the drink options on your wedding website or have signs at the bar explaining the available selections. This transparency ensures guests know what to expect and can avoid potential confusion or disappointment.
Additionally, consider the amount of alcohol needed for your guest count. A good rule of thumb is to estimate one drink per hour per person. You can also use online wedding alcohol calculators to determine the right quantity for your limited bar. These tools consider factors such as wedding size, duration, and average consumption rates to help you plan appropriately.
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Consumption bars are paid for after the wedding based on actual consumption
If you're looking to offer your wedding guests a variety of drinks without breaking the bank, a consumption bar may be the perfect option for you. With this type of bar, you only pay for what your guests consume, making it a cost-effective alternative to a traditional flat-rate open bar.
Here's how it works: you'll discuss individual drink costs with your venue ahead of time, so you know exactly how much each drink will cost. After the wedding, you'll receive a bill based on your guests' actual consumption. This means you won't be paying for any unused drinks, which can save you a significant amount of money, especially if your guests don't drink much.
A consumption bar allows you to offer your guests a wide range of drinks, including beer, wine, liquor, and even signature cocktails. You can also set specific consumption times for certain drinks, such as during the cocktail hour, meal, toasts, and after-dinner drinks. By offering a variety of options, you can ensure that there's something for everyone, and your guests won't have to reach for their wallets at any point during the celebration.
To make the most of your consumption bar, consider working with your venue or bartender to select drinks that align with your wedding theme or your guests' preferences. For instance, if you're having a rustic wedding, you could offer craft beers and ciders, or if you want to add a touch of elegance, include some sparkling wine or signature cocktails. Additionally, don't forget to include non-alcoholic options such as water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea to accommodate guests of all ages and preferences.
When planning your consumption bar, it's essential to communicate with your venue or bartender about any specific drink requirements or restrictions. For example, if you want to include a particular brand of liquor or if you'd like to create a custom cocktail for your wedding, these details should be discussed and finalized ahead of time. By planning carefully and considering your guests' preferences, you can create a consumption bar that adds a unique and memorable touch to your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
An open bar means that guests can order any drink they like, and the hosts will pick up the tab at the end of the night. This is usually the most expensive option.
Breweries typically only serve their own alcoholic beverages on-site due to licensing restrictions. This means they may not be able to provide a full open bar. However, some breweries may have contracts for liquors or be able to cater at a different venue, allowing for a full open bar.
There are a few alternatives to an open bar, including a limited bar, cash bar, consumption bar, and dry bar. A limited bar usually includes beer and wine, with the option to add 1-2 signature cocktails. A cash bar is where guests pay for their drinks, a consumption bar means the hosts pay the tab after the wedding based on consumption, and a dry bar has no alcohol.
A limited bar is a good option if you want to avoid the high costs of an open bar but still want to provide free drinks. It can also be a good choice if you are unsure about your guests' drink preferences, as it covers the most common types of drinks.
Consider your budget and your guests' drinking habits. If your guests are heavy drinkers, an open bar may be the best option to avoid unexpected costs. If you are on a tighter budget or your guests are light drinkers, a limited bar or consumption bar could be more suitable.
