Wanting to serve alcohol at your wedding but not sure how to include it in your budget? It’s time to get creative with your bar setup to both save you money and ensure your guests have a good time! Every couple wants their guests to enjoy the wedding celebration that they have spent time and money making special. And typically happy guests have a drink in their hand! But calculating price per drink per guest can add up quickly, especially when you are offering a full bar. Check out these 8 creative ways to save on your wedding bar…ways to have your cocktail & drink it too!
ONE: Serve Beer & Wine only. Guests won’t miss the stronger spirits. A full bar, although nice, can come with a price tag.
TWO: Specialty cocktails are one of our favorite bar cost savers! Use a basic beer & wine set up and add a speciality cocktail for the groom and one for the bride. Some couples go for cocktails with two different spirits – like a Bourbon Old Fashioned and a Vodka Martini. (You can even rename the drinks for a personal touch).
THREE: Skip the cost of renting glassware and purchase the nice, disposable glasses. This is another small luxury guests won’t notice and it makes cleanup quick and easy.
FOUR: If you want a full bar without the extra costs, choose spirits that pair well with similar mixers (ie. Rum+Coke, Whiskey+Coke).
FIVE: Some couples skip the bar service altogether and simply offer a champagne toast.
SIX: Check with your caterer about bar servers. They can sometimes offer bartenders at a lower cost.
SEVEN: Batch cocktails are a fun, easy option as well. By offering a couple of batch drinks, you will save money and time waiting at the bar. Consider a margarita machine, mimosa, or mojitos.
EIGHT: Hiring a full bar service is a great way to eliminate stress of your wedding day. These pros provide the alcohol, serviceware, ice, mixers, tools, napkins servers and more! But if you want to purchase your own alcohol, check what their restocking fees and procedures are. Some alcohol providers will accept unopened bottles for a refund minus restocking fees.
No matter what your bar setup plans may be, there is no need to skip out on having a round of drinks with your closest friends!
Photography Credit: Rachel L’Antigua Photography