Creating A Wedding Bar: A Step-By-Step Guide

Setting up a bar for a wedding can be a challenging task, but it's definitely doable. Whether you're working with a professional bar service or stocking a DIY wedding bar, there are several factors to consider, such as your budget, the type of drinks you want to serve, and the number of guests you'll have. One of the most important considerations is the amount of alcohol you'll need, which depends on the duration of your reception and the drinking habits of your guests. It's generally recommended to plan for each guest to consume one drink per hour of the reception. In addition to alcohol, you'll also need to provide mixers, garnishes, tools, glassware, and a dedicated space for the bar. You may also want to hire a professional bartender to ensure that your guests are served delicious drinks and that all state and venue regulations are followed.

Interviewing and choosing a bartender

Initial Screening:

• Check availability: Confirm if the bartender is available on your wedding date.
• Backup equipment: Inquire if they bring their own backup equipment in case of any issues.
• Space requirements: Ask about the amount of space they need for themselves and their gear to ensure it fits within your venue.
• Vendor meals: Discuss any vendor meal requirements, including allergies or dietary restrictions, as they will be present during the cocktail hour and reception.
• Weather contingency: If your wedding is outdoors, ask about their plan B for inclement weather.
• Liability insurance: Inquire about liability insurance to protect against any potential accidents or issues that may arise during the event.
• Cancellation policy: Understand their cancellation policy in case of any changes or unforeseen circumstances.
• Breaks: Find out how many breaks they'll need during the event and what will be provided for guests during those breaks.
• Arrival time: Coordinate with the bartender on their arrival time, considering any venue rules about vendor setup times.

Experience and Expertise:

• Tastings: Ask if you can taste their cocktails before the wedding to ensure they meet your expectations.
• Venue familiarity: Determine if they have worked at your venue before, as they may have insights on the best setup locations and be familiar with the rules.
• ID checks: Discuss their approach to checking guests' IDs, especially if you're having an adults-only wedding.
• References: Request a list of reviews or references from previous clients to get a sense of their professionalism and cocktail style.
• Staffing: Inquire about the number of bartenders on their staff and how many they recommend for your event, ensuring there are enough to avoid long lines.
• Over-intoxication: Understand their approach to handling guests who may be over-intoxicated, including spotting signs and safely cutting them off.
• Differentiators: Ask what sets them apart from other bartenders to gauge their passion and unique skills.

Bartending Style and Services:

• Bartending style: Inquire about their bartending style, such as classic, tiki, molecular, batched, or contemporary drinks, to ensure it aligns with your wedding theme.
• Mocktails: Ask if they can create non-alcoholic options, including mocktails or spirit-free versions of your signature drinks, to accommodate a range of guest preferences.
• Favorite drinks: Engage with them about their favourite drinks to make, giving you insights into their expertise and potentially influencing your drink menu.
• Drink menu collaboration: Discuss the possibility of working together to create a unique drink menu that reflects your wedding vision.
• Flair bartending: If you're interested in interactive cocktail experiences, ask if they can accommodate flair bartending or mixology displays.

Logistics and Budgeting:

• Package inclusions: Understand what is included in their pricing package, such as service only, service with alcohol, or additional options like glassware.
• Overtime clause: Inquire about their policy on overtime if your wedding after-party or guest tendencies require extended service.
• Setup and breakdown: Clarify whether their rate includes setup and breakdown services to avoid hidden costs.
• Tipping: Discuss the tipping protocol and if it is already included in their contract or package.
• Budget: Consider your budget and the number of guests, hours of service, drink options, and inclusions when evaluating their pricing.

Remember to trust your instincts and choose a bartender who aligns with your vision for your special day.

Planning drinks for non-drinkers, light drinkers, heavy drinkers, and dancers

Planning a wedding bar that caters to non-drinkers, light drinkers, heavy drinkers, and dancers is key to a successful wedding reception. Here are some tips to ensure your guests stay happy and hydrated:

Non-drinkers

Non-drinkers will appreciate more than just water or tea. If you have a full open bar, sodas are a good option. Otherwise, a non-alcoholic punch or mocktail is a great choice. You could also offer a selection of non-alcoholic spirits, or a classic Shirley Temple.

Light drinkers

For light drinkers, wine and weak cocktails are a good option. Provide a refreshing, light white wine and a full-bodied red wine. You could also offer a blush as a third option. If you're serving cocktails, opt for something light and sweet.

Heavy drinkers

For heavy drinkers, you'll want to provide stronger options. A signature cocktail with a higher alcohol content, hard alcohol, and beer are all good choices. For beer, offer at least one domestic and one imported option, or go for a local craft beer. For hard alcohol, provide a selection of at least six types: vodka, rum, tequila, bourbon, scotch, and gin. You could also add a couple of specialty options, such as Kahlua, Schnapps, or Cointreau.

Dancers

Don't forget about your guests who will be working up a sweat on the dance floor! Make sure to have plenty of bottled water easily accessible, so they can grab and go. A water station with cups is another option, but be sure to use plastic cups to avoid any accidents on the dance floor.

Remember, it's important to have a good mix of drinks to cater to all your guests' preferences and ensure the celebration keeps going!

Creating signature drinks

Creating a signature drink is a fun way to express your style and give guests a memorable treat. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect signature cocktail for your wedding:

Consider Your Style

Think about the overall vision for your wedding when choosing a signature cocktail. Is it elegant and classic or fun and quirky? Focus on drinks that will complement the vibe. For instance, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you might want to consider a drink like a blackberry-rosemary lemonade or a maple old-fashioned.

Pick Meaningful Flavors

Incorporate ingredients with sentimental significance. Use favourite spirits or juices from a memorable vacation to add personal symbolism. For example, if you got engaged in Italy, you might want to include an Italian liqueur like Aperol in your signature cocktail.

Accommodate Dietary Needs

Be sure to offer a variety of signature drinks to cater to guests with various dietary requirements. Provide low-alcohol, non-alcoholic, gluten-free, or vegan options. For example, you could offer a virgin version of your signature cocktail or a cocktail made with non-alcoholic spirits.

Compliment the Season and Setting

Tailor your signature drinks to the season and wedding backdrop. Citrus drinks are perfect for summer weddings, while warm bourbon or spiced cocktails are ideal for winter. If you're having an outdoor wedding, consider a refreshing cocktail like a mojito or a gin and tonic.

Offer a Variety

It is recommended to have 2-4 signature drinks so there's something for every palate. Vary textures, flavours, colours, and presentation too. For example, you could offer a signature cocktail, a signature mocktail, a beer, and a wine.

Test Options Beforehand

Be sure to mix up small batches of potential recipes to taste test. This will ensure your signature cocktails are a hit! You don't want to be stuck with a signature cocktail that no one likes!

Choosing a specialty bar

A specialty bar is a great option for cocktail hour or late-night whiskey, wine, or beer tasting. It should be treated as an activity or form of entertainment rather than a bar replacement.

If you and your partner have a love for a certain drink, a specialty bar is a great way to showcase that passion. For instance, if you're a homebrewer, a wedding is the perfect time to show off your skills and passion with family and friends. You can easily serve up your latest recipes in a corny keg to your guests.

If you're more into cocktails and mixology, you can develop a signature cocktail to serve on tap to your guests. This is another great way to save some cash and further incorporate your wedding theme.

If you're looking for a show-stopping bar, a DIY wedding bar is a great option. It can be designed to fit any theme and is a less expensive alternative to a professional bar. You can decide what types and quantities of alcohol to buy, and you can keep the bar after the wedding.

For a DIY bar, you'll need to decide whether you want to have a self-serve bar or hire a professional bartender to serve drinks. Depending on your state and venue's rules and regulations, you may be required to have certified bartenders, so be sure to do your research.

When choosing a specialty bar, consider the following:

• The type of drinks you want to serve: Will you have beer, wine, cocktails, coffee, or something else?
• The number of drinks you will serve: Consider the duration of your event and the average number of drinks consumed per hour.
• The style of the bar: Will it be a rustic bar, a modern bar, or something else?
• The cost: A DIY bar can be more cost-effective, but you may need to factor in the cost of hiring a bartender.
• The logistics: Ensure you have the necessary tools and materials and space to set up the bar.
• The decor: Make your bar a statement piece by adding decorative lights, floral arrangements, or twinkly lights.
• The guest experience: A knowledgeable and charismatic bartender can enhance the guest experience and keep the celebration lively.

Decorating the bar

The bar is one of the most popular elements of a wedding reception, so it's worth putting some thought into how to style it. Here are some ideas for decorating your wedding bar:

• Opt for a specialty bar that fits your wedding style. For example, a copper bar, a bar made of ice, a garden-inspired bar covered in flowers, or a sleek, modern bar that changes colour.
• If you're going for a rustic theme, consider using upcycled pallets or barn wood for your bar.
• Dress the bar with over-the-top floral arrangements or twinkly lights.
• If your wedding has a signature colour, incorporate this into your bar styling with napkins, straws, or other decorative touches.
• Hide any ugly cardboard cases or coolers with a long tablecloth.
• If you're having a large wedding, consider having more than one bar to prevent guests from having to wait in long lines.
• Ensure the bar is well-lit and located away from the dance floor and cake table.
• Use wooden crates to keep things tidy behind the bar.
• If you're serving champagne, create a champagne wall.
• If you're serving beer, use big, strong buckets to keep bottles and cans cold.

Frequently asked questions