Your (Fun and Well-Stocked) Wedding Bar
Your Guide to a Fun (and Well-Stocked) Wedding Bar
When planning your wedding reception, there are plenty of big decisions to make. What will the flowers look like? What song will you choose for your first dance? And perhaps one of the most important questions…
What’s happening at the bar?
A well-planned bar keeps the celebration flowing, the dance floor lively, and guests happily raising a glass. Whether your crowd loves craft cocktails or prefers a simple glass of wine, there’s a bar style that fits your vibe — and your budget. Here’s a quick guide to some popular options.
Unlimited Bar Packages
The “Let the Good Times Flow” Option. Guests can order drinks all night for one set price — simple, festive, and easy to plan.
Why couples love it:
- One clear price makes budgeting easy
- Guests can order freely
- No surprise bar tab after the reception
Things to consider:
- Can cost more if guests are light drinkers
- Less control over what’s ordered
Consumption Bars
The “Pay for What Gets Poured” Approach. You pay only for the drinks guests actually order, making it a flexible option for smaller or lighter-drinking crowds.
Why couples love it:
- Often more affordable for smaller groups
- Pay only for what’s served
- Flexible drink options
Things to consider:
- Final cost can vary
- A few enthusiastic drinkers can increase the bill
Beer & Wine Bars
Simple, Classic, and Crowd-Friendly. A curated selection of beers and wines without full liquor service.
Why couples love it:
- More affordable than a full bar
- Faster service
- Popular with most guests
Things to consider:
- No cocktails or spirits
- Some guests may want more options
Fun add-ons
Signature Cocktails
The “This Drink Is So Us” Moment. Custom cocktails inspired by your personalities, favorite flavors, or wedding theme — like The Blushing Bride or His & Hers Margaritas. This option can easily be added to a beer and wine package.
Why couples love it:
- Fun and memorable for guests
- Adds personality to the bar
- Helps manage drink costs
Mocktails
The “Everyone Gets a Great Drink” Option. Mocktails are alcohol-free cocktails made with fresh juices, herbs, and sparkling mixers — just as festive as traditional drinks.
Why couples love it:
- Inclusive for guests who don’t drink alcohol
- Adds a thoughtful, fun touch
- Often less expensive than cocktails
Cash Bars
The “Choose Your Own Adventure” Bar. Guests purchase their own drinks throughout the evening.
Why couples choose it:
- Most budget-friendly for the couple
- Guests order whatever they like
Things to consider:
- Some guests may not expect to pay
- Service can move slower during payment
Bring Your Own Bar (Corkage Option)
The “Personal Touch” Approach. Some venues allow couples to bring their own beer and wine and charge a corkage fee for opening and serving it.
Why couples love it:
- Control over brands and selections
- Potential savings when buying alcohol in bulk
- Opportunity to feature favorite wineries or breweries
Things to consider:
- Corkage fees vary by venue
- Licensed bartenders may still be required
- Many states do not allow a combination of alcohol provided by the client AND alcohol provided by the caterer, so you’ll have to provide all the drinks
- Couples often must handle purchasing, transport, and permits.
- It requires more work on your end
How to Choose Your Wedding Bar Options
At the end of the day, the best bar is the one that fits your vision, your guests, and your celebration style. Think about what’s most important to you, or what you enjoyed the most (or didn’t enjoy) at someone else’s event. Use that to guide your choices.
Whether it’s signature cocktails, beer and wine, or a full open bar, the goal is simple: Great drinks, great company, and plenty of moments worth raising a glass to.
Cheers to that! 🥂
Helpful Links
Photo Credit: Cory Parris Photography
Lisa Sotelo is the Sales and Event Manager at Imperia Lake Union, bringing with her 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Over the course of her career, Lisa has honed her expertise in a variety of areas including café operations, restaurant management, and the planning and execution of weddings and events. With a commitment to exceptional client service, Lisa excels in creating tailored experiences that transform her clients’ visions into reality. Her passion for event management shines through in every project, as she strives to exceed expectations and ensures seamless, memorable occasions.