Sip, Sip, Hooray! How to Plan Your Wedding Bar

Whether you’re looking to serve your guests champagne to toast your love or a carefully crafted cocktail to set the mood, planning your wedding bar takes a bit of preparation. With so many options for alcohol selection and ways to manage the costs, it’s important to find a balance that suits both your wedding vision and your budget. So, let’s dive into how to plan your wedding bar with style!

1. Choosing Your Alcohol Selection: What to Serve

The first step in planning your wedding bar is determining what alcohol to offer. The best approach here is to keep your guest list in mind—what do they drink? What fits the vibe of your wedding? Do you want to keep it simple, or offer a variety of options?

Here are some alcohol types to consider for your wedding:

• Beer: Offer a couple of varieties, including a light beer (think lager or pilsner) and a darker option (like a stout or amber ale). You could even choose a local brew to add a unique touch to your wedding.

• Wine: Select a white wine (e.g., Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) and a red wine (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir). Some couples also choose rosé for a trendy, in-between option.

• Spirits: Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and whiskey are classic choices. You can either focus on a few favorites or have a more extensive selection, depending on your budget.

• Signature Cocktails: This is a fun and personal touch. Creating one or two signature cocktails that reflect your personalities or wedding theme can add a lot of character to your bar. Think of something like a "His & Hers" cocktail or a drink named after your venue or a special memory.

• Non-Alcoholic Options: Be sure to provide alcohol-free beverages like mocktails, soda, and sparkling water, as well as plenty of refreshing water for hydration.

2. Budgeting and Choosing Your Bar Option

Now that you know what drinks you want to offer, it’s time to decide how to handle the costs. The bar will likely be one of the larger expenses at your wedding, so being strategic about how you set it up will save you stress later.

Open Bar

An open bar is a classic wedding option where you pay for all drinks, and your guests enjoy unlimited access to the entire selection. It’s great for those who want their guests to have a worry-free time without limits. However, it can quickly add up, so you’ll need to set a budget and work with the venue or bartender to determine the best plan.

Pro Tip: If you opt for an open bar, consider limiting premium options (like top-shelf whiskey or fancy cocktails) to keep costs under control.

Cash Bar

A cash bar is a simple and budget-friendly option where guests pay for their drinks. While it helps you keep costs down, it can sometimes create an awkward moment for guests, especially if they expect drinks to be complimentary at a wedding.

Pro Tip: If you’re going for a cash bar, consider offering complimentary water and non-alcoholic drinks to ensure that no one feels left out.

Toonie Bar

A toonie bar is a fun Canadian option (or similar to other small charge bars in some regions), where guests pay a set fee (usually $2) per drink. This is a nice middle-ground option—it’s affordable for you, but still offers something to your guests without them paying full price.

Pro Tip: If you go this route, you can even let your guests know that the charge is just to help cover costs rather than profit, so they don’t feel too put off.

Ticket Bar

With a ticket bar, guests receive a set number of drink tickets (usually included in their wedding invitation or given at the door) and can use them to claim drinks. Once they run out of tickets, they either pay for more or have to opt for non-alcoholic options.

Pro Tip: This option is great if you want to limit the number of drinks per person while still offering some flexibility and fun. Tickets can also be personalized, with the date or your names printed on them for a fun keepsake!

Hybrid Bar (Cap Amount & Cash Beyond, Cash at Certain Times)

A hybrid bar gives you a bit of everything. You can offer a set amount of free drinks per person up to a certain cap, after which guests will have to pay for additional drinks. Some couples also set it up so that the open bar only lasts for a certain period of time (e.g., free drinks during cocktail hour or until dinner is served, and then a cash bar after that).

Pro Tip: Be strategic with the timing—offer the open bar during key moments, like the first hour of the reception when guests are just arriving and mingling. That way, they’ll still have a great time before the transition to cash bar.

No Shots!

To prevent people from overindulging too quickly, some couples opt to skip shots entirely. Shots can create a party atmosphere, but they can also lead to intoxication much faster than sipping on a cocktail or wine. If you want to keep the atmosphere fun but controlled, consider offering only cocktails, wine, and beer.

Pro Tip: If you do want to offer a shot or two, try limiting them to one or two signature options (like a celebratory “wedding shot”) and serve them with a ceremony-like flair, such as a toast or group shot moment.

3. Extra Tips for a Successful Wedding Bar

• Hire a Professional Bartender: Even if you’re going with a more DIY approach, a professional bartender can help keep things flowing smoothly and ensure that everyone is being served responsibly.

• Know Your Guest List: Are you having a lot of younger guests? Then they might prefer a wider selection of cocktails and beer. For a more mature crowd, you may want to focus on wine and spirits.

• Don’t Forget the Water! A hydration station is a must! Make sure your guests stay hydrated throughout the evening with plenty of water options. Consider adding some fun garnishes, like fresh fruit or cucumber, to give it a refreshing twist.

• Consider Local & Seasonal: If you’re tying the knot in a specific region, why not showcase some local brews, wines, or liquors? Not only will this be a fun touch, but it will also tie your wedding to the place where you’re getting married.

• Drink Responsibly: Whatever option you choose, don’t forget to encourage responsible drinking and have a plan for transportation, like ride-sharing apps, taxis, or a designated driver service.

  
  

Conclusion

Planning your wedding bar doesn’t have to be a stressful task—just focus on offering a variety of drinks that match your style, setting a budget-friendly bar system, and keeping your guests’ needs in mind. Whether you choose an open bar or a ticket system, the goal is to ensure your guests have a great time celebrating with you. And remember, no matter which option you choose, a well-stocked bar and a few thoughtful details will leave your guests raising a glass to your love!