Expert Advice for Stocking the Wedding Bar
- Signature Cocktails Serving signature cocktails can help to personalize your wedding. ...
- Liquor Choices Don't offer too much variety when it comes to spirits either. ...
- Wine Varietals When choosing types of wine, work with your caterer and bartender to select wines that go well with the food menu, as well as varietals to serve at the bar. ...
- Champagne Toast ...
- Mocktails ...
Full Answer
How to Stock the Bar at a Wedding
Need to or want to stock the bar at your own wedding? How much alcohol should you buy? What drink accessories will you need? Preparing for your wedding reception’s bar is easy when you know where to start… and we’re here to help! Read on to find out how to stock the bar at a wedding…
How to Stock the Bar at a Wedding
If you’re providing alcohol at your wedding, you will need to know how much to buy so you don’t buy too much (and overspend) or buy too little (and run out). The rule of thumb for one hundred guests is approximately three cases of wine, two cases of champagne, two cases of beer, and two fifths of liquor (plus mixers).
What does consumption mean in a bar?
Some venues charge by consumption, which means that you pay the price of exactly what each guest ordering throughout the night, just like a normal bar tab at a bar.
Can you have an open bar for 200 people?
Have you considered not having an open bar? An open bar for 200 guests can get pricey. If you’re okay with a limited bar of just beer and wine (and maybe champagne for a toast), you could save yourself some money.
Can you return unopened bottles of alcohol to a wedding?
I suggest buying alcohol from somewhere that is okay with you returning unopened bottles. That way, you can always over-order safely and get your money back afterward.
What are the different types of bars at a wedding?
There are four major types of bars at weddings: open, limited, cash and non-alcoholic. To figure out which is right for you, consider your own preferences and your guests. If you and your friends love to sip on cocktails, an open bar might be the best fit for you.
What is the most gracious approach to a wedding?
Open Bar. An open bar is the most gracious approach—no guest should pay for anything at the wedding—but it's also the most expensive. Guests can order any drink at the bar, and you'll have to pick up the tab when the party's done. Because there's no limit, people may drink like guppies.
Can you serve alcohol at a wedding?
Finally, if you don't want to serve alcoholic beverages at your wedding, you don't have to.
Can you have a cash bar without a reason?
Cash Bar. Don't have a cash bar without a great reason (there really isn't one). After all, you don't invite people to your house for dinner and then charge them for the butter. Trust us on this one—it's not a good cost-cutting solution and is way too controversial.
Do waiters have to pay for alcohol?
You'll have to pay for the waiters, but you'll probably save money on alcohol, and fewer guests will go overboard. If you limit the amount of time the bar is open, make sure the waiters circulate during dinner to refill glasses of water and soda.
Where do you get wine and liquor in New York?
In New York State, you get wine and liquor from one type of store, and beer from another. We had to do the same for our wedding; the former came from a local wine store, while the latter came from a beer distributor. (We had specific local breweries in mind, too, so we had to find a distributor that carried them.) State laws vary, so make sure you know which vendors you’ll have to work with before you commit to taking on the whole process yourself.
Why did we add a case or two to the red column?
We also added a case or two to the red column and subtracted from the white, because it was an early spring wedding, still chilly at night, and because lots of people had selected red meat for their entrée.
Do you have to have insurance to host a bar?
The booze itself may be the biggest bar expense, but it’s not the only one. Depending on your venue, your caterer, and your state laws, you may have to purchase extra insurance to host alcohol at your event. You’ll also have to buy ice and non-alcoholic beverages, rent glassware (and maybe even a physical bar), and pay people to make the drinks and serve them.
Can you stock your own bar?
If you choose to stock your own bar, chances are you’re going to have to figure out how to get everything to your venue or pay a delivery fee to make it happen. We worked it out so that while I was stuffing gift bags and decorating the venue the day before, my soon-to-be hubs was driving around Brooklyn in our Subaru, picking up the booze.
Can you run out of beer at a wedding?
Running out of alcohol is one of the last things you’d want to happen at a wedding, so we were sure to err on the side of buying too much versus not enough. (Ginger beer not included, obviously.) Some liquor stores will buy back what you don’t use, but laws vary by state, so check with your vendors to see if that’s an option.
What to serve at a party if you don't drink alcohol?
If you, your families, and most of your guests don't drink alcohol, skip it. Serve sparkling water, soda, and nonalcoholic mixed drinks instead. If you want some bubbly for toasting, go for some token champagne or sparkling cider.
Can you have a cash bar without a reason?
Don't have a cash bar without a great reason (there really isn't one). After all, you don't invite people to your house for dinner and then charge them for the butter. Trust us on this one. It's not a good cost-cutting solution and is way too controversial.
How to celebrate stock the bar?
Decide on your guest list and send out invitations. Don’t feel the need to keep your guest list small. A stock-the-bar is a great opportunity to celebrate with friends who have been a part of your social circle for many years, as well as new friends who are always down for a good party. Unless the stock-the-bar shower is formal, e-mail or digital invites should suffice. Spend your party budget on the small bites and specialty drinks.
How long before wedding can you have a stock the bar shower?
A stock-the-bar shower can double as an engagement party to toast to the couple’s upcoming marriage, or it can be held as a last hurrah 1-2 months before the ceremony. It’s totally up to you!
What Is a Stock-the-Bar Shower?
A stock-the-bar shower is a co-ed wedding shower where the couple is given bottles of booze or barware to fill their bar cart and toast to their engagement.
Who should consider having a stock-the-bar shower?
It goes without saying, but stock-the-bar showers should be held for couples that like to drink, especially those that like to experiment with craft cocktails or enjoy various spirits. It’s not for everyone, so don’t feel pressured to have one if you don’t think you’ll use the items you’re gifted.
What is the bridal shower?
Stock-the-bar showers are an alternative (or additional!) shower that celebrates a couple’s engagement with gifts of bubbly, booze, and bar tools to keep their liquor cabinet stocked with everything they need to entertain and celebrate in style.
What to serve at a cocktail party?
Cocktail party snacks like cheese and charcuterie boards, dips and chips, and other finger foods will ensure your guests don’t overindulge on an empty stomach.
How long should a stock the bar party last?
Make sure you have plenty of both to last your guests at least 2-3 hours and an equal amount of drinks.
