When it comes to planning your wedding, you can’t forget about the drinks! From champagne toasts to cocktail hour, there are many parts of a big day that call for beverages. If you’re still unsure about what types of wedding bar service to have, we’ll help you find the perfect one for your special day.
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General Types of Wedding Bar Service
There are two general options to choose from for serving drinks at your wedding. Both are great wedding bar types. However, you’ll need to decide on one based on your budget and how you want to serve your drinks.
Professional Bar
A professional bar with a dedicated bar staff is the most popular type of bar at weddings. A pro bar is great if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option for your wedding.
Having a bartender means you won’t have to micromanage the liquor at your wedding. Plus, you’ll have someone there ready to serve cocktails and mix them.
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DIY Bar
Stock your own bar with alcohol for your big day along with mixers for your guests to make their own drinks. You could also hire someone to serve your guests. However, you will still need to provide all the drink options for your DIY bar.
Just remember that the venue and state may require someone to still serve your drinks rather than have a self-serve bar option. So, check with your local and state laws.
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Reception Wedding Bar Types
Open Bar Service
An open bar is the most popular choice at weddings among guests. However, it can be pricey for the host. Open bar service is normally a flat rate, and your guests are able to get as many drinks as they’d like.
Limited Bar
A limited bar is similar to an open bar but has a few key differences. While an open bar is open from the start to the end of your reception, a limited bar is open during certain times. For example, you can choose to offer a selection of drinks during the reception or cocktail hour.
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Wedding Cash Bar
A cash bar is just as it sounds. The guests need to pay for their own drinks while attending, but a bar with available drinks is open to those who choose to partake.
Since this requires guests to pay, a BYOB option might be better. If you’re doing a cash bar, it’s proper to let guests know ahead of time so they can bring cash or a credit card.
Alcohol-Free Mocktail Bar
An alcohol-free bar is an option for those who still want to celebrate but without the boos. Sparkling grape juice and nonalcoholic drinks can be served so you can still have the same experiences, like toasts, but without the alcohol.
Other Bar Options for Your Wedding
There are a few other options that you can add or avoid depending on your wedding drink budget.
- Signature Cocktails/Drinks – These can be a drink that is served at your wedding and named the “signature drink” for your big day. This could be a cute his and hers drink option or just a drink you both enjoy.
- Drink Tickets – Offer your guests drink vouchers that they can use to get their own drinks. This can be used in combination with an open bar where guests get two complimentary cocktails, and the rest is up to them.
- Wine and Beer Only – Another popular option is allowing guests to either pay for their own cocktails but include wine and beer for free. You can also have the bar only serve beer or wine instead of cocktails. Cider and seltzers are also nice options to add to this type of wedding bar service.
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MarysaIt is nice to know what the options are. I have been to a wedding where everything was quite disorganized and no one seemed to know what was included or not.
BryanI found that the DIY bar can get messy, especially if people have had a few too many. The professional option is best, even if a little on the costly side.
DebbieGreat tips on selecting a bar service for the wedding day. You highlight some great options that couples may not have considered. The mocktail bar and limited bar service are unique options – but I always prefer the open bar.
MonidipaYour article on the various types of wedding bar service is incredibly informative and engaging. I appreciate the way you have outlined each option and provided helpful tips for choosing the right one for different types of weddings. Your writing style is clear and easy to follow. Keep up the excellent work!
BrianneI love the Idea of a DIY bar actually. Its gonna be fun making memories building together.
BethI wish I had a professional bar on my wedding day but its never too late I can pass this idea to my sister. Thank you
AlitaPlanning a wedding can be overwhelming. I did not even think about setting a bar! Now, I am considering a professional one.
Ntensibe EdgarHhhhmmmm….since I live sober, I will definitely go with the alcohol-free mocktail option. I want all my guests happy, healthy and safe as possible.
Sonia SeivwrightI completely agree that drinks are a crucial part of any wedding celebration. From raising a glass for a champagne toast to enjoying a refreshing cocktail during the reception, your guests will appreciate having delicious beverages.
khoingn | The Broad LifeIt’s a good idea to have a wedding bar in the big day. In my country we don’t have this style of wedding celebration. The drinks are served right at the table.
Fransic versoThis is interesting, and it will help people looking for bars for their weddings. Love the idea of DIY bar.
Bedabrata ChakrabortyThis is a lot of drinks for thought. I think I would hate a cash bar and love a DIY bar.