The bar shapes the feel of a reception more than almost any other choice, and it can also be one of the bigger line items in the budget. The good news is that there is no single right way to do it. A thoughtful beer-and-wine bar can feel just as generous as a full open bar if it is planned well. Here is how to work through the decisions.
Start with your venue's rules
Before you dream up a cocktail menu, find out what your venue allows. Some venues require you to use their in-house bar service; others let you bring your own alcohol but require licensed, insured bartenders to serve it; a few have restrictions on spirits, shots or service hours. Ask about corkage or service fees, when the bar must close, and whether any permits or insurance are required. Our list of questions to ask a wedding venue includes the bar questions to cover.
Alcohol service is regulated in North Carolina, and the rules depend on the venue, who is selling or serving, and how the alcohol is provided. Your venue and a professional bar service should know what applies to your event. If you have questions they cannot answer, check with the North Carolina ABC Commission rather than relying on advice from friends.
Choose a bar style
- Full open bar. Beer, wine and a range of spirits, all hosted. The most flexible for guests and usually the most expensive.
- Beer and wine. A popular middle ground. A good red, a good white, something sparkling and a couple of beers covers most tastes.
- Beer, wine and signature cocktails. Add one or two mixed drinks that suit you as a couple, without stocking a full bar.
- Limited hours. Host everything during cocktail hour and dinner, then switch to beer and wine, or close the bar a little before the send-off.
- Cash or partial bars. Some couples host part of the bar and let guests buy the rest. If you go this way, tell guests ahead of time so nobody is caught without cash or a card.
Estimating how much you need
Planners and bartenders often start from a rule of thumb of about one drink per guest per hour of reception, then adjust for your crowd, the season and how long cocktail hour runs. A professional bar service will do this math for you and should give you a shopping list or a package based on your guest count and drink menu. A few things change the numbers:
- Hot afternoons push people toward beer, sparkling water and lighter drinks.
- A crowd that loves wine needs more wine; a big dancing crowd often drinks more beer.
- Toasts call for a pour of sparkling wine only if you want everyone to have one. Many couples let guests toast with whatever they are already drinking.
- If you are buying the alcohol yourself, ask whether your store accepts returns of unopened bottles.
Hire licensed, insured bartenders
Even if a friend makes a great cocktail, a wedding bar is a job for professionals. Experienced bartenders keep lines moving, check IDs, notice when a guest has had enough, and know how to handle the moment politely. When you interview a bartending service, ask:
- Are your bartenders trained in responsible alcohol service, and do you carry liquor liability insurance? Can you name the venue as an additional insured if required?
- What is included: bartenders, setup, ice, mixers, garnishes, cups or glassware, coolers and the bar itself?
- How many bartenders do you recommend for our guest count, and how do you prevent long lines at cocktail hour?
- What happens to leftover alcohol at the end of the night?
If your caterer offers bar service, compare their package with an independent bar company. Get everything in writing, and read the terms the same way you would any other agreement; our guide to reading a vendor contract helps.
Don't forget the non-alcoholic menu
A great bar has something for everyone. Plan a couple of non-alcoholic options that feel as special as the cocktails, such as a mocktail version of your signature drink, sweet tea and lemonade, or a sparkling water station with fresh fruit. Make water easy to find all night, especially at summer and outdoor weddings.
Rentals, budget and getting everyone home
- Check who supplies the bar itself, glassware, ice and coolers. Our wedding rentals guide covers what to order and how to count it.
- Set your bar budget early in your overall budget, then choose the bar style that fits, not the other way around.
- Plan for gratuity. Some bar packages include it; others do not. Our guide on tipping wedding vendors explains the norms.
- Make sure guests get home safely. Shuttles, a list of local ride options and a clear last call help, and our wedding transportation guide covers shuttles and timing.
When you are ready to talk to bar services and caterers, you can search the directory by city and category and compare who serves your venue.