1. Don't just plan for enough alcohol; plan for more than enough. For most parties you would bank on each guest
enjoying two cocktails over the course of an evening. Because people tend to be
at weddings longer, prepare for each guest to have 3-4 drinks. You don't want
the bar to run dry.
2. If you are on a budget, don't
forgo your favorite quality brands. Instead, look for great deals and sales,
and join membership programs for a larger discount at the register.
3. Unless your wedding site is
permitted to only serve beer and wine, always include the basic spirits at your
wedding's bar. Vodka, gin, tequila, rum and whiskey are a must. Or be able to
offer several cocktails built around one spirit or signature cocktail.
4. A cash bar at a wedding is
usually frowned upon. If you are truly concerned about the bar bill, consider
picking up the tab for a set time period. Treat your guests to wine, beer, and
cocktails during the reception and dinner, and then switch to a no-host bar
after dinner is served.
5. Don't shy away from offering
premium spirits at your wedding. You may be surprised to learn that the cost
per person doesn't vary as much as you would think when serving premium brands
instead of the bottom shelf.
6. Create a custom cocktail for
your event that your friends will enjoy and include the recipe on your wedding
website or on cards at the bar. Ask us if you need help with this!
7. Be strategic about where you
have your bar set up. Make sure that the bartender doesn't have too far to go
to restock glasses, ice, or spirits. You don't want your guests standing around
for a drink.
8. If you would like a self-serve
area of the bar, opt for a covered beverage dispenser instead of open pitchers
or punch bowls.
9. Think about including a
non-alcoholic option other than soda or water, like a sparkling juice or a
mocktail.
10. If you are leaving wine bottles
on the tables for people to self serve, uncork them ahead of time to avoid any
accidents or injuries.
11. Hire a professional bartender.
Don't leave it up to Uncle Joey to wing it behind the bar. Free help doesn't
necessarily mean better help.
12. Check with the catering company
to find out if they will be staffing your bar with trained bartenders or
waiters acting as bartenders, or actors acting as bartenders.
13. Decide ahead of time what kind
of glassware you will need. If you have your heart set on a certain style of
wine or cocktail glass, you won't be able to make that happen at the last
minute.
14. Be vocal about what you do and
don't want on your bar's counter. Is a tip jar acceptable? Cocktail straws? The
bartender's business card? Don't wait to find out about what was solicited when
you get your wedding photos.
15. Demand that a pitcher of water
is ready to serve your guests at all times, especially as the night wares on.
Dancing the night away requires some serious hydration, and vodka just ain't
the same as water.
Such great advice to make sure everyone has a good time and the bride and groom/hosts don't have to worry about the bar!
ReplyDeleteGood ideas. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteFabulous advice. Especially about having plenty of water handy in a pitcher. Sometimes it takes bartenders longer to get you a water than a cocktail.
ReplyDeleteWonderful advice! I love the idea of a signature cocktail at a wedding/party and offering the recipe. I'm fine with the bartender's business card on the bar, but don't like the tip jar so much.
ReplyDeleteThe fifteen tips are important for wedding planning and this is needed information for wedding planner to plan the wedding. It will make the wedding plan as easy. I like those tips shared here and thanks for your post
ReplyDeleteHi thanks for postting this
ReplyDelete