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.

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.

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.

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.

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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