Raising the Bar
Today, we're raising the "bar" and sharing the inside scoops on creating the BEST bar for your wedding.
When thinking about a wedding bar, I always start with the basic questions - who, when, where, why and how.
WHO: You, the lucky couple!
WHAT: Trying to curate the perfect bar for your wedding - is it just beer and wine? Hosted or cash bar? There are so many things to consider for your perfect wedding day bar.
WHERE: Indoor or outdoor, hotel or private estate - these details matter when thinking about your bar.
In addition to that, placement of your bar at your venue is so important. If you have just one bar setup - it needs to be accessible for cocktail hour and reception.
WHEN: How many hours are you planning to have bar service? At a lot of venues that have onsite bartenders (ex: hotels) and offsite venues that you need to hire your own bartending company, there is a maximum amount of time you're allowed to have a bar - typically 4-5 hours. If you want to add more time (assuming it's allowed) you will likely need to pay an additional labor fee.
Another "when" questions is when are you planning to serve drinks? Pre-wedding drinks are often passed when guests arrive. To keep it simple, it's often just 1-2 easy drinks like champagne and sparkling water. Post wedding drinks happen during cocktail hour, and can range from simple passed drinks or a full bar. Dinner often involves wine poured tableside, or again, guests can order from the full bar setup. The post-dinner drink of choice can range, but often turns into shots! WARNING: A lot of venues don't allow shots, so plan ahead if you know that's the direction your wedding will turn at the end of the night.
WHY: Why does any of this matter? It just does. Have you ever been to a wedding with a CASH BAR, and you weren't prepared? Or did you ever try to BYOB to an upscale hotel wedding, only to have it taken away? We want to avoid any of that awkwardness and prepare your wedding for alcoholic success!
HOW: Work with your venue (if you're at a hotel or ballrooms) to figure out the details of your bar. If you're at a venue where you can bring your own bartending company, find the one that will perfectly fit your booze-filled vision!
Let us know if you'd like more info about successful bar setups, things to look out for, and if we can connect you with your perfect boozy match - we'd love to help!
