Every Type of Bar You Can Offer at Your Wedding

Whether or not the guests are big drinkers, virtually all wedding receptions have a bar of some type. But when you’re planning a wedding, the options can feel overwhelming. Open bar or cash bar? Do you opt for a drink package, or pay by consumption? And what about signature cocktails? To break down the many bar options available, we spoke with expert Stacy Snyder.

Meet the Expert

Stacy Snyder is the former Special Events Operations Manager at the NoMad Hotel and is currently the Director of Development for the Make it Nice restaurant group, as well as a freelance wedding planner.

JESSICA OLAH/BRIDES  

Open Bar

“Broadly speaking, an open bar is a setup where guests don’t pay for any of their drinks,” says Snyder. That is, the hosts foot the full bill. “Guests can walk up to the bar and order whatever they have—whether that’s a full selection or more limited.” The term “open bar” can encompass quite a lot, she notes. “If the wedding is in a hotel or restaurant, an establishment that has a bar in there already, your options are likely to be a lot broader. If it’s an outdoor wedding, or what’s called a ‘white box’—where you bring everything in yourself—you might be a bit more limited, depending on your catering company.” 

There are two main ways that open bars are priced, notes Snyder:

1. Bar packages
2. Pricing by consumption

“As a planner, I talk to the bride and groom about knowing their own family and friends, and the kind of event they want, to determine the best option for them.” Pricing by consumption means that the hosts are paying for the number of drinks ordered; the more the guests drink, the higher the tab will be. “This is a good option if most of your crowd aren’t big drinkers,” says Snyder, “At the end of the night, the catering team will tally up the drinks consumed.”

Bar packages, on the other hand, will charge a fixed price per guest (or per adult guest). “They’re a good option if your group likes to drink if you’re having a long cocktail reception—or, overall, a livelier party,” says Snyder. If most adults aren’t drinking, it doesn’t make sense to pay per head; but if they are, a bar package is often the better deal. Importantly, the hosts also know the cost upfront. “There aren’t any surprises at the end.”

Open bars generally include spirits, as well as beer and wine; many catering companies will have different tiers of service and price them accordingly. “You’ll often see a basic, or ‘well’ option; then a premium option, and a super-premium option for spirits,” says Snyder. “It all goes back to what the budget is, and what makes sense for your crowd.”

Signature Cocktails

“Signature cocktails are such a trend in weddings these days,” notes Snyder. How do they fit in with your overall bar service? Some wedding couples serve signature cocktails as part of a full open liquor bar; others opt for wine, beer, and specialty cocktail only, which can simplify the bar’s workflow and keep your prices under control. “There are two kinds of specialty cocktails people can think about,” says Snyder. “One is a classic cocktail that has meaning for the couple. If they went on vacation in Cuba, it might be a daiquiri; if the bride likes whiskey, it might be a Manhattan.”

“Where it can get more premium is if you want a mixologist to design a signature cocktail just for the event,” says Snyder, “coming up with a bespoke drink based on certain flavors or spirits.” Working with a mixologist to create such a drink (or multiple drinks) will generally come at an additional cost.

Beer and Wine

“A bar that just serves beer and wine is a great option for people who want to have some sort of alcohol available at the wedding, but don’t see themselves as cocktail-focused,” says Snyder. “It’s also a great option for daytime or lunchtime weddings.” Opting to serve only beer and wine will usually save the hosts a substantial amount of money. “It’s a good way to add value if you’re making budgetary decisions,” says Snyder.

But there are plenty of ways to make a beer and wine bar sophisticated, of course. “You can go crazy with some of the wine if that’s your vibe. Especially at an intimate event, a wine pairing dinner could be a really elegant option. I’ve seen remarkable weddings that are beer and wine only, where the spirits really haven’t been missed.”

Dry Bar 

Of course, some wedding couples choose to forgo alcohol altogether—whether for religious or cultural reasons or just because of the atmosphere they want to create. Serving only non-alcoholic drinks will result in significant savings. Some hosts, while choosing not to serve alcohol, might allow guests the option to drink. “I’ve seen a casual wedding weekend where non-alcoholic sparkling cider was available for toasts, but guests were allowed to bring their own alcohol if they wanted,” says Snyder.

Cash Bar

At a cash bar, guests pay for their own drinks, just as they would at a bar or restaurant. Having a cash bar can save the hosts a great deal of money, of course, but does set a different tone for the event, and puts a number of additional burdens on the guest—not just paying for what they drink, but starting a tab, tipping, or having to close out a credit card, all of which can add up to long lines and slower service. “In my experience, cash bars make the most sense when the majority of people at the wedding aren’t drinking, but there might be a few who will want a drink,” says Snyder. “That way, the option is available to them, but it’s not a focal point of the celebration.”

Hosts should keep in mind that at some venues, even if guests pay for the drinks themselves, they might shoulder a fee to staff the bar onsite; it all depends on the location.

Pricing

Relative pricing for wedding bars is pretty intuitive; the more options you give guests, and the more premium those options, the more you’ll pay. And dollar figures are all over the map. A small-town venue is likely to charge much less than a Manhattan hotel, even if the bar packages are quite similar. “If you’re looking at a venue with a bar or restaurant, go in for a drink one night,” suggests Snyder. “Not making a big deal out of it—just getting a sense of the venue’s prices.” If a hotel bar charges $22 for a martini, that’s a good indication that a bar package won’t be cheap.

“In general, alcohol is approximately 20% of a wedding budget,” Snyder offers as a rule of thumb. But that, too, can vary widely. As with so much of wedding planning, it’s all about choosing what matters most to the couple. In the end, pricing is only one factor in determining the best bar for your wedding—for the guests, for the party, and for the wedding couple themselves.

Bottle service is a service provided by nightclubs and bars. The service includes the purchase of alcoholic beverages, typically champagne, which are served to guests in bottles. Bottle service is typically more expensive than purchasing drinks from the bar.

Bottle service – what is it and how does it work?

So, what is bottle service? Bottle service is a VIP service offered by nightclubs and bars. The service includes the purchase of alcoholic beverages, typically champagne, which are then served to guests in bottles. Oftentimes, these are delivered by “bottle girls” assigned specifically to a certain table or tables in the club. Bottle service is typically more expensive than purchasing drinks from the bar. However, the VIP service and exclusive treatment that comes with bottle service may be worth the extra cost for some guests.

At its most basic, bottle service is the purchasing of alcoholic beverages from a nightclub or bar. Typically, these beverages are champagne and are served to guests in bottles. The service is more expensive than simply buying drinks from the bar.

What are the benefits of bottle service?

If you’re looking to enjoy a VIP experience at your favorite nightclub, then bottle service is the way to go! Bottle service allows you to reserve a table for the night, complete with your own personal server and access to the best seats in the house. But that’s not all – bottle service also comes with a number of other great benefits.

For starters, bottle service means you won’t have to wait in line to get into the club. You and your group will be able to bypass the line and head straight to your table. Once you’re seated, your server will take your drink order and bring you whatever you’d like – whether it’s a bottle of champagne or your favorite cocktail.

Another benefit of bottle service is that you can avoid the crowds on the dance floor. If you’re looking to enjoy a more relaxed evening, you can stay at your table and enjoy your drinks while people-watching. Or, if you’re in the mood to dance, you can head to the dance floor knowing that you have a comfortable place to relax and take a break whenever you want.

Finally, bottle service is a great way to impress your friends or impress a date. There’s something about having your own table and server that makes you feel like a VIP. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to enjoy a night out in style, bottle service is the way to go.

What are the drawbacks of bottle service?

Bottle service is often seen as a way to enjoy a more VIP experience at a nightclub, but there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you shell out the extra cash. 

First and foremost, bottle service is expensive. You’re not just paying for the alcohol, but also for the privilege of having a server bring it to your table and keep your glasses full all night. In addition, bottle service can sometimes create a feeling of exclusivity and separation from the rest of the clubgoers, which can take away from the overall fun of the night. 

Finally, if you’re not careful, it’s easy to drink a lot more than you intended when someone is constantly refilling your glass. If you’re looking to save money and enjoy a more low-key night out, stick to ordering drinks at the bar.

How much does bottle service cost?

This is a question that is often asked by those who are considering using this type of service. Bottle service can range in price, depending on the location, type of venue, and popularity of the establishment. However, there are some general factors that will affect the cost of bottle service. 

The first factor to consider is the location of the venue. If the venue is in a popular or high-traffic area, the cost of bottle service will be higher. This is because the demand for bottle service is higher in these areas. 

The second factor to consider is the type of venue. If the venue is a nightclub or bar, the cost of bottle service will be higher than if it were a restaurant or lounge. This is because nightclubs and bars tend to have a higher demand for bottle service. 

The third factor to consider is the popularity of the establishment. If the establishment is popular, the cost of bottle service will be higher. This is because the demand for bottle service is higher in popular establishments. 

The fourth factor to consider is the type of event. If the event is a private party or a special event, the cost of bottle service will be higher. This is because the demand for bottle service is higher for these types of events.

The fifth factor to consider is the number of people in the party. If the party is large, the cost of bottle service will be higher. This is because the demand for bottle service is higher when there are more people in the party. 

The sixth factor to consider is the time of day. If the party is during peak hours, the cost of bottle service will be higher. This is because the demand for bottle service is higher during peak hours. 

The seventh factor to consider is the day of the week. If the party is on a weekend, the cost of bottle service will be higher. This is because the demand for bottle service is higher on weekends. 

The eighth factor to consider is the season. If the party is during the summer or winter, the cost of bottle service will be higher. This is because the demand for bottle service is higher during these seasons. 

The ninth factor to consider is the holiday. If the party is on a holiday, the cost of bottle service will be higher. This is because the demand for bottle service is higher on holidays. 

The tenth factor to consider is the number of bottles. If the party is large, the cost of bottle service will be higher. This is because the demand for bottle service is higher when there are more bottles. 

In conclusion, there are many factors that affect the cost of bottle service. The location, type of venue, popularity of the establishment, type of event, number of people in the party, time of day, day of the week, season, holiday, and number of bottles all affect the cost of bottle service.

Is bottle service worth it?

Bottle service is a popular option at nightclubs and bars, but is it worth the price? Here are some things to consider before making a decision.

The biggest factor to consider is the price. Bottle service can be expensive, so it’s important to know how much you’re willing to spend. If you’re on a budget, bottle service may not be the best option.

Another thing to think about is what you’re getting for your money. Bottle service usually includes a table, bottles of liquor, and mixers. Some clubs also offer bottle service packages that include food and other perks.

If you’re planning on drinking a lot, bottle service can be a good option. It can be more expensive to buy individual drinks at the bar, and you may have to wait in line. With bottle service, you can avoid the lines and have a dedicated server.

Of course, there are downsides to bottle service as well. It can be noisy and crowded at the table, and you may not be able to talk to your friends as much. You also may not be able to move around the club as much.

So, is bottle service worth it? It depends on your budget, what you’re looking for, and how you want to spend your night. If you’re willing to spend the money, bottle service can be a great way to enjoy a night out.

What are some alternative to bottle service?

If you’re looking for ways to save money on alcohol at your next night out, consider some of these alternatives to bottle service.

Pre-gaming: Have some drinks at home before you go out. This will help you save money on overpriced drinks at the club.

Beer pong: Not only is beer pong a fun way to drink, but you can also save money by playing for drinks instead of buying them.

Water: Yes, water. Drinking water in between alcoholic beverages can help you pace yourself and avoid overspending on drinks.

These are just a few alternative ways to save money on alcohol when you’re going out. So next time you’re planning a night out, keep these in mind and you’ll be sure to have a good time without breaking the bank.