Creating A Wedding Bar: How Much Does It Cost?

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to budgeting for a wedding bar. The cost of a wedding bar can vary depending on several factors, including the type of bar, the number of guests, the duration of the reception, and the drinking habits of the guests. Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with creating your own wedding bar:

- Open Bar: An open bar is the most expensive option, where guests can order any drink without limit. The cost per person for an open bar can range from $15 to $45, with an average of $20 to $30. It is essential to consider the number of guests and their drinking habits when budgeting for an open bar.

- Limited Bar: A limited bar typically includes beer, wine, and a limited selection of spirits or signature cocktails. This option can cost between $12 and $30 per person.

- Beer and Wine Only: Offering only beer and wine can be surprisingly costly, as guests tend to consume more of these beverages when there are no other options. The cost per person for beer and wine can be around $15 to $20.

- Cash Bar: In a cash bar, guests pay for their own drinks. While this option may not be the most gracious, it can be a budget-friendly choice for couples. The hosts will still need to cover the costs of setup, bar fees, and bartenders, which can range from $50 to $200 or more per bartender.

- Non-Alcoholic Bar: If the couple, families, and most guests do not drink alcohol, a non-alcoholic bar can be a good option. It typically includes mocktails, sparkling water, and soda.

Other factors to consider when budgeting for a wedding bar include the venue, bartending services, and gratuity. Some venues provide their own alcohol and bar services, while others require separate vendors to be hired. It is important to ask the venue for a detailed description of their bar services and packages. Additionally, gratuity for bartenders is typically ten to fifteen percent of the pre-tax alcohol package bill but can vary depending on the vendor.

The cost of an open bar

Full Open Bar:

A full open bar typically includes a variety of beer selections (domestic and premium), premium red and white wine, an assortment of liquors, mixers, and non-alcoholic beverages. The average cost per person for a full open bar ranges from $35 to $45.

Limited Open Bar:

A limited open bar usually features beer selections (domestic and premium), premium red and white wine, non-alcoholic drinks, mixers, and limited or no spirits. The average cost per person for a limited open bar is between $20 and $25.

Beer and Wine Only:

If you choose to serve only beer and wine, you can expect to pay between $15 and $20 per person. This option may be more cost-effective if your guests prefer wine and beer over mixed drinks.

Signature Drinks:

Offering signature drinks or cocktails in addition to beer and wine can be a unique way to personalize your wedding. This option typically costs around $15 to $20 per person, depending on the ingredients and the number of signature drinks offered.

Gratuity and Other Costs:

When calculating the total cost of an open bar, don't forget to include gratuity for the bartending staff. Vendor etiquette suggests tipping ten to fifteen percent of the pre-tax alcohol package bill. Additionally, there may be other costs, such as glassware rentals, ice, garnishes, and bar setup fees, which can add to the overall expense.

Saving Money on an Open Bar:

There are a few strategies to consider if you want to save money on your open bar:

• Ask if you can bring your own alcohol (BYOB). Buying alcohol in bulk or by the case can result in wholesale discounts.
• Implement drink tickets to limit the amount of alcohol consumed and reduce costs.
• Discuss with your vendor if non-drinkers can be excluded from the per-person cost.
• Opt for a limited open bar or beer and wine only, as these options are generally less expensive than a full open bar.

BYO alcohol

Bringing your own alcohol to your wedding is a popular choice for couples, as it can save money and give your guests a unique experience. However, it can be easy to underestimate the true costs of a "BYOB" wedding bar.

The main components needed to host a bar at your wedding can be broken down into four categories: bartenders (staff), glassware/decor (rentals), alcohol (product), and everything else needed to set up a bar: mixers, non-alcoholic beverages, garnishes, ice, bar tools, chill tubs, etc. (bar setup).

The cost of a BYOB wedding bar will depend on several factors, including the number of guests, the duration of the reception, the drinking habits of your guests, and the type of alcohol served. A good rule of thumb is to allot at least two drinks for the first hour and one drink for each additional hour per adult guest.

• A 750 ml bottle of wine contains about 5 glasses
• A 750 ml bottle of champagne or sparkling wine will fill 6 flutes
• A 750 ml bottle of liquor will make 14-16 mixed drinks
• A beer keg (5 gallons) yields around 53 glasses (12 oz)
• You'll want at least 1 liter of soda, tonic, or juice for every 3 guests

In addition to the alcohol itself, don't forget to factor in the cost of mixers, garnishes, and other bar setup essentials. It's also important to consider any corkage fees charged by the venue, which can range from $1 to $10 per bottle.

To save money on your wedding bar, you can consider the following options:

• Opt for a limited bar with just beer and wine, or offer a signature cocktail.
• Host the bar for a set number of hours, then switch to a cash bar.
• Offer drink tickets to your guests for a certain number of hosted drinks, then switch to a cash bar.
• Choose a weekday or off-season wedding, when costs are typically lower.
• Host a shorter reception to cut down on the number of hours the bar is open.
• Reduce your guest list to lower the overall cost.

While a BYOB wedding bar can be a great way to save money, it's important to carefully plan and consider all the associated costs to ensure your special day goes smoothly.

Hiring a bartender

Cost of Hiring a Bartender

The cost of hiring a bartender for your wedding can vary depending on several factors, including the experience of the bartender, the duration of the event, and the location. On average, you can expect to pay $50-$200 or more per bartender. This cost often does not include taxes and gratuity, so be sure to factor those into your budget as well. Some bartenders may charge by the hour, while others may offer package rates for weddings. It is also important to note that you may need more than one bartender, depending on the number of guests you are expecting. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to have at least one bartender per 100 guests.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Bartender

Hiring a professional bartender for your wedding can offer several advantages. Firstly, they will have the experience and expertise to ensure that drinks are made correctly and efficiently, keeping your guests happy. Additionally, professional bartenders will often have their own insurance, which can give you peace of mind in case of any accidents or incidents. They will also be able to help you determine how much alcohol to purchase and can provide guidance on drink selections and signature cocktails.

Finding and Booking a Bartender

When looking to hire a bartender for your wedding, you can start by asking your venue or caterer for recommendations. They may have a list of preferred vendors or in-house bartending services. You can also search online for local bartending companies or individuals who specialize in wedding bartending. Once you have found a few options, be sure to read reviews, compare prices, and ask for references. It is important to book your bartender well in advance to ensure their availability on your wedding date.

Working with Your Bartender

Once you have hired your bartender, be sure to communicate your expectations clearly. This includes providing them with details such as the guest count, the duration of the event, the type of bar setup you would like, and any specific drink requests or restrictions. If possible, meet with your bartender beforehand to discuss these details and ask any questions you may have. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your wedding bar runs smoothly.

Gratuity

• It is customary to tip bartenders at your wedding, especially if they have gone above and beyond to ensure your guests are happy.
• The amount you tip may depend on various factors, such as the duration of the reception, the level of service provided, and the number of bartenders.
• A good rule of thumb is to tip bartenders between 18-25% of the total bill. This can be calculated based on the total catering bill if bartenders are included in the package or separately for each bartender if they are hired individually.
• If gratuity is not included in the catering package, confirm with the caterer how the tip will be distributed among the staff.
• It is recommended to give the tip to the bartenders at the end of the reception.
• When it comes to cash bars, it is generally not recommended to have a tip jar, as tipping should be left to the discretion of your guests. However, it is considerate to tip the bartenders yourself, regardless of whether the bar is a cash bar or not.
• When deciding between cash or card for tipping, cash is usually preferred, and it's important to plan ahead to have enough cash on hand. However, tipping via card is also an option, although the staff may take a few days to receive the tip due to credit card transactions.
• If you are tipping with cash, it is a good idea to place it in an envelope and present it at the end of the reception.
• When tipping via card, it is often done before the wedding due to contract signing.
• In addition to monetary tips, a thoughtful gift or a heartfelt thank-you note is always appreciated and can be sent after the honeymoon.

Pros and cons of an open bar

The cost of creating your own wedding bar depends on several factors, such as the location, venue, vendors, and design. Building a custom bar can range from $1,000 to over $30,000. A more cost-effective option is to wrap an existing bar, which can still cost between $2,000 and $5,000.

Now, here is some information on the pros and cons of an open bar:

Pros of an Open Bar:

• It provides your guests with a pleasant hospitality experience, and they won't have to worry about bringing cash or cards.
• Your guests will appreciate not having to pay for drinks, especially if they have already spent money on travel and gifts.
• There are no surprises when it comes to cost, as it is usually a flat rate per person or a fixed rate for a set number of hours.
• An open bar can add excitement to the event and make it more of a celebration.
• It is a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests, and they won't have to worry about closing out a tab at the end of the night.
• There are typically faster lines at an open bar compared to a cash bar.

Cons of an Open Bar:

• The biggest con is the cost, as it is more expensive to host an open bar.
• There is a risk of overindulgence by guests, which can lead to higher costs and potential issues with drunk guests.
• If your guests don't drink as much as anticipated, you may end up spending more than necessary.
• Managing an open bar can be time-consuming, especially if you are buying and setting up everything yourself.

Overall, an open bar can enhance the guest experience at a wedding, but it is important to consider the potential costs and risks associated with it.

Frequently asked questions