Creating A Wedding Bar: A Guide To Success

A DIY wedding bar is a great way to save money and add a unique touch to your special day. Whether you're planning a rustic barn wedding or an elegant marquee reception, a self-built bar can be a show-stopping feature. From deciding on your drinks menu to creating a signature cocktail, there are many things to consider when crafting your wedding bar.

One of the biggest advantages of a DIY bar is the cost. Buying and serving your own drinks can be significantly cheaper than using the venue's options, especially if you return any unopened bottles. You can also personalise your bar to fit your wedding theme and create a unique experience for your guests.

However, setting up a DIY bar requires careful planning. You'll need to consider the types and quantities of drinks, glassware, ice, garnishes, and other supplies. It's also important to think about the practicalities, such as licensing, payment methods, and declaring any profits if you plan to charge your guests.

Whether you're opting for a full bar with spirits, a beer and wine bar, or a speciality bar, creating a wedding bar is a fun and creative way to enhance your celebration.

DIY vs. bartender

DIY vs Bartender for your Wedding Bar

There are several factors to consider when deciding between a DIY bar and hiring a bartender for your wedding. While a DIY bar can be a unique and cost-saving option, hiring a bartender can offer convenience and a more professional service. Here are some detailed considerations to help you make an informed decision:

Cost

One of the significant advantages of a DIY bar is the potential cost savings. Weddings can be expensive, and opting for a DIY bar allows you to cut down on bartender service fees. Buying and serving your own drinks, especially in bulk from wholesale clubs or directly from breweries or vineyards, can result in significant savings compared to using the venue's options. Additionally, you can take home any leftovers, which is usually not possible with venue-provided drinks.

Convenience and Expertise

On the other hand, hiring a professional bartender brings convenience and expertise to your wedding. A skilled bartender will ensure that drinks are prepared efficiently and consistently throughout the event. They will also have the knowledge to suggest drinks and create custom cocktails, enhancing the overall guest experience. Wedding planner Allie House recommends interviewing your bartender to find someone with extensive knowledge of beverages and a lively personality to elevate the celebration.

Liability and Legal Requirements

When opting for a DIY bar, it is essential to consider liability and legal requirements. Some venues and states have specific rules and requirements regarding alcohol service. For example, you may need to obtain a liquor liability insurance policy, which is typically provided by bartending companies. It is crucial to research and understand the regulations in your area to ensure compliance.

Setup and Equipment

Whether you choose a DIY bar or hire a bartender, you will need to consider the setup and equipment required. A DIY bar will require you to source tables, coolers, ice buckets, glassware, and other supplies. You will also need to ensure you have the right tools and equipment for serving drinks, such as bottle openers, wine keys, shakers, and stirrers. When hiring a bartender, clarify what equipment they will provide and what you need to source separately.

Drink Options

The drink options you plan to offer can influence your decision. If you opt for a full open bar with various drink options, hiring a professional bartender is advisable. They will have the expertise to handle a wide range of drink requests and ensure a well-stocked bar. However, if you choose to serve a limited selection, such as a signature cocktail, beer, and wine, a DIY bar or enlisting the help of a family member or friend may be more feasible.

Time and Effort

Hiring a bartender can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your wedding planning. They will take care of setting up the bar, mixing drinks, and ensuring a steady supply of drinks throughout the event. With a DIY bar, you or your designated helpers will need to manage the bar, which can be demanding and may take away from your ability to enjoy the celebration fully.

In conclusion, both options have their advantages and considerations. Carefully weigh your priorities, budget, and the level of service you desire to make an informed decision that aligns with your wedding vision.

Drinks for each part of the day

Morning/Brunch Weddings

For morning or early weddings, a refreshing and simple mimosa is a great option. You can also serve a Bellini, which is made with peach nectar and prosecco. If you're looking for something with a bit more of a kick, a classic Bloody Mary is a fun alternative that allows guests to get creative with various additions.

Afternoon Weddings

For an afternoon wedding, consider drinks that are light and refreshing. A classic cocktail like a vodka or gin gimlet with a twist of lemon is a perfect choice. You could also serve a French 75, a Prohibition-era sip typically served with gin, or cognac for cocktail connoisseurs. If you want to incorporate some wedding flair, consider a signature cocktail with the couple's favourite liquor.

Evening Weddings

As the sun sets, it's time to bring out the heavier drinks. Offer guests a selection of wine—a light, refreshing white and a full-bodied red. For those who prefer something stronger, a signature cocktail or two is a must. Consider a spirit-forward option like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan, or go for a crowd-pleasing margarita. Don't forget to include some non-alcoholic options as well, such as a specialty mocktail or a fun soda.

Late-Night Weddings

As the night goes on, keep the drinks flowing with some fun and unique options. A specialty bar featuring cocktail hour or late-night whiskey, wine, or beer tasting is a great way to entertain guests. If you're looking to really impress, a bartender can craft custom drinks for guests based on their favourite liquors. For a more budget-friendly option, set up a self-serve station with big-batch cocktails like a boozy punch or a sangria. Don't forget to have plenty of water available for guests who need to rehydrate after sweating it out on the dance floor!

How much alcohol to buy

When it comes to a wedding bar, there are a lot of variables to consider to determine how many drinks you will be serving and how much alcohol to buy. These variables include guest count, season, wedding style, and the duration of the reception.

According to one source, for 100 guests, 7 cases of beer (168 12-oz bottles) or a half-barrel keg (165 12-oz bottles) should be enough, as most people won't be drinking only beer. Similarly, 12 bottles each of white and red wine (60 5-oz glasses each) should suffice, assuming most guests won't be drinking only wine. If you're serving a signature cocktail, 150 servings should be enough, unless that's the only drink you're serving, in which case you'll need 300 servings for a 3-hour reception.

Another source recommends 17 bottles of champagne (750 ml), 10 bottles each of red and white wine (750 ml), 11 bottles of spirits (1 liter), and 100 cans or bottles of beer for a 5-hour reception with a champagne toast and average drinkers.

General Rules of Thumb

A good rule of thumb is to plan for each guest to have 2 drinks during the cocktail hour and 1 drink every hour after that. Keep in mind that guests may drink more on weekends and during evening receptions.

Other Considerations

• Guest preferences - Consider your guests' drinking habits and preferences. For example, if you know your guests are wine lovers, you may want to purchase more wine.
• Drink options - The type of drinks you offer will impact how much alcohol you need. For example, if you offer a full bar with multiple drink options, your guests may drink less of each type of alcohol. On the other hand, if you only offer a few drink options, you may need more of each.
• Return policy - Some stores allow returns or exchanges of unopened bottles, so you may want to overbuy and return any unused alcohol. However, check your state laws, as some states may not allow returns.
• Bartender recommendations - A professional bartender can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their experience. They can help you refine your drink menu and give you a cost estimate.
• Signature cocktails - Offering signature cocktails can help personalize your wedding and reduce the number of drink options. Two to three craft cocktails are usually enough to give your guests variety without overwhelming them.
• Drink ratios - The recommended mix for a wedding bar is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine, typically a 50/50 split of red and white wine. However, you can adjust these ratios based on your guests' preferences and the style of your wedding.
• Drink quantities per unit - Knowing how many drinks are in a bottle can help with your calculations:
• 750 ml bottle of champagne = 6 drinks
• 750 ml bottle of wine = 5 drinks (5 oz)
• 750 ml bottle of liquor = 14 drinks (1.75 oz measure)
• 1L bottle of liquor = 19 drinks (1.75 oz measure)
• Beer keg (5 gallons) = 53 glasses (12 oz)

Signature drinks

Single-Serve Wedding Drinks

• Aperol Spritz: A refreshing and elegant choice, perfect for a spring or summer wedding.
• Classic Cocktail: Put a creative twist on a classic cocktail by giving it a fun name or using special garnishes.
• Moscow Mule: A crowd-pleaser that can also be used as an escort card for table assignments.
• Spicy Margarita Pouch: A fun and Instagrammable option for outdoor weddings.
• Strawberry Mojito: Take a simple mojito to the next level by adding strawberry or raspberry for a lovely pink colour.
• Vodka Soda: A universal favourite, served in personalised cups.
• Champagne and Fruit: Skip the spirits and offer your guests a glass of bubbly with berries or pomegranate seeds.
• Fresh-Squeezed Fruit Juice: Perfect for a brunch wedding or beachy location, served straight-up or with a splash of prosecco.
• Mini Soda Bottles: A vintage-themed or sober-friendly option, with customised labels featuring your names and photos.
• Lavender Lemonade: A simple lemonade cocktail elevated with lavender and elderflower liqueur, topped with a splash of bubbly and a sprig of lavender.
• Pet-Inspired Cocktails: Opt for signature dog-themed, cat-themed, or other pet-inspired drinks to add a unique, personal touch.
• Espresso Martini: A hit no matter the time of year.
• French 75: A refreshing choice, served in an old-fashioned coupe glass for extra flair.
• Grown-Up Hot Cocoa: Perfect for an outdoor ceremony with chilly weather, spiked with a splash of Baileys or white chocolate liqueur.
• Mint Julep: Put a unique spin on the classic by mixing in your favourite flavoured simple syrup and topping it with flowers or fruit.
• Mimosa: Pretty-in-pink sips bubbling with pineapple and blood orange juices, champagne, and orange liqueur.
• Rosemary Greyhound: A sweet and savoury cocktail with a bit of grapefruit juice for a citrusy kick.

Big-Batch Cocktail Ideas

• Georgia Peach Punch: A summery signature cocktail made with peach tea.
• Strawberry Rosé Punch: A simple and affordable option made with frozen strawberries, pink Moscato champagne, lemon lime soda, and simple syrup.
• Fizzy Sangria: A delicious and affordable option made with bottles of cheap white wine, seltzer water, and fresh fruit.
• Lavender Blackberry Old Fashioned: A concoction of whiskey, lemon juice, blackberry juice, lavender, fresh blackberries, sugar, and tonic water (or sparkling wine).
• White Wine Sangria: Feel free to serve hot or cold, and adjust the fruits to your liking (apples, kumquats, or whatever your heart desires).
• Warm Cider: A warm and spicy option for a chilly fall or winter wedding, spiked with cinnamon, fresh ginger, dark rum, and orange.
• Frozen Raspberry Lemonade: A refreshing choice for a hot summer day, made with fresh raspberries, lemonade, and your choice of liqueur.
• Minty Moscow Mule Punch: Upgrade the classic Moscow mule with a kick of mint.
• Boozy Popsicles: A fun surprise for guests to help them cool down after dancing, perfect for a summer wedding.
• Spiked Sweet Tea: Add a splash of Firefly vodka to your favourite sweet tea recipe.

Specialty bars

Choose a Theme

If you or your partner have a favourite drink or a drink that holds a special meaning, you can consider creating a specialty bar centred around that drink. For example, if you're getting married by the beach, you might want to set up a tropical cocktail bar or a margarita station decorated with fresh limes and lemons. If you're known for your sense of humour, you could even create a unique wedding bar idea with a drink-related pun, like a sign that says, "Sips about to go down."

Decorate Your Bar

Decorate your specialty bar to fit your wedding theme and style. If you're going for a rustic wedding style, incorporate natural elements like wood details and greenery. You could create a circular wooden bar or use the back of a pickup truck to store bottles and glasses. If you're looking for something more unique, you can repurpose a sailboat or vintage trailer as your bar. Add some decorative lights, glassware, or bunting banners for a trendy vibe.

Offer Signature Cocktails

Signature cocktails are a great way to personalise your wedding and offer your guests something different. You can create a custom drink based on your favourite liquor or a classic cocktail that holds a special meaning for you. For example, if you went on vacation to Cuba, you might serve daiquiris, or if the bride likes whiskey, you could offer Manhattans. You can even work with a mixologist to design a bespoke drink based on your favourite flavours or spirits. Just be sure to have some non-alcoholic options available as well, such as mocktails or sparkling water.

Stock Your Bar

When stocking your specialty bar, consider the types of drinks you want to offer and the number of guests you'll be serving. A good rule of thumb is to plan for each guest to consume two drinks during the cocktail hour and one drink every hour after that. For 100 guests, you'll need about 12 bottles each of white and red wine, 7 cases of beer or a half-barrel keg, and 150 servings of your signature cocktail. Don't forget to include garnishes, ice, and other mixers to create a well-rounded bar experience.

Frequently asked questions