How to Set Up a Bar for a Wedding
According to The Knot, up to 50 percent of your wedding budget goes toward the reception, which includes the cost of food and drink. To cut down on the cost of drinks, couples can seek out a venue that allows them to set up their own bar. Buying beer, wine and liquor wholesale and setting up the bar yourself can cut down on expenses. Plus, you can usually return any unopened bottles, meaning your money won't go to waste.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Talk to experts about the benefits and drawbacks of different bar types. An open bar includes beer, wine and liquor. A limited bar often features only beer and wine. You can also include a signature cocktail to your open bar, giving guests who prefer liquor a choice but reducing your expenses. Choose the bar type that works best for your guest list and budget.
-
2
Calculate how much alcohol you will need for your guests. According to The Knot, a 100-guest wedding will require five to six cases of beer, two cases of red wine and three-and-a-half cases of white wine as well as at least one liter of whiskey, bourbon, gin, scotch, light rum, tequila and vermouth. Use these numbers as a guide, and talk to your venue about the amount of alcohol it suggests.
-
3
Shop around for the best price on alcohol. You can find discounts by making bulk purchases from wholesale distributors. Find a distributor who will let you return unopened bottles, which means you won't overbuy.
-
4
Put up decorative accents to attract guests to your wedding reception bar. You can add votive candles or even create a framed menu that lists the drink selections you have available. Add personalized cocktail napkins with your name and wedding date to the bar top.
-
5
Stack bar ware on the bar shelves for the bartenders to use. This includes cocktail shakers, shot glasses, jiggers and stirrers. Fill the cooler with ice. Fill the bar shelves with cocktail glasses, including tumblers, martini glasses and margarita glasses. Your venue likely will provide these basic bar supplies.
-
6
Set up the alcohol on your wedding day. Place beer and white wine on ice. Place liquor bottles and mixers in an easy-to-access location for bartenders. Scatter your decorations across the bar top to add a touch of ambiance to your wedding reception bar.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are having an open bar, you will need mixers such as sweet and sour mix, juices and sodas. Talk to your venue, which might supply these items at a reduced cost.
Related Searches
References
- Photo Credit bar image by daniel sainthorant from Fotolia.com
