Bar Essentials for a Wedding Party
Everything You Need to Serve Alcohol Beverages at Your Reception
If you’re planning on offering alcohol beverages at your reception, and want to take care of the details yourself, here are some suggestions on what to buy. The most important thing to remember is that a wedding is not a bar party, and emphasis should not be on the alcohol. Keep the menu limited but elegant with crowd-pleasing selections.
Beer and Wine Options
Wine is relatively easy to stock. If you have an affordable favorite, it always adds personality to a reception if you let your personal tastes influence it. If you have no preference, select an affordable White Zinfandel. Even if you’re not a fan of blush wines, the majority of casual drinkers will drink White Zinfandel, simply because it is neither too sweet nor too dry.
Select a red that is easy on the palette, like an affordable Australian version. Cabernet Sauvignon is an easy red that can be enjoyed by casual consumers. For a white wine, Chardonnay is an easy first choice because most people are familiar with it and expect it. A standard sized bottle will provide six bartender pours; less if your guests are serving themselves, so plan accordingly.
Beer can be tricky because most beer drinkers are so brand specific. For a good selection that will please the majority of consumers, expect each beer drinker to one drink per hour. Stock a solid dark selection, like Guinness or Beck’s Dark. Have a few domestic choices like Budweiser, Coors Light and Michelob Ultra. If the wedding is a summer event, include Corona. If it’s in the winter, consider Heineken.
Liquor Drink Necessities
Liquor options are limitless, but it is recommended that you choose a few selections and stick to a streamlined menu. A good start would be purchasing affordable recognizable Vodka like Skyy or Absolut. Choose Bourbon that is equally well known, but low in cost, like Jim Beam or Evan William’s.
You can never go wrong with a nice label sipping Tequila, like Cabo Wabo or Patron. Add Gin, like Seagrams or Tanqueray and a Coffee flavored choice like Kahlua and you should be fine. Expect to get about 15 average pour drinks per bottle of liquor.
For mixers you will need a variety of sodas, including Ginger Ale and Tonic. Garnishes like lemons and limes are essential, but consider less common garnishes like cherries, oranges, pearl onions, olives and pineapple too. You will also need half and half, sweet and sour mix, cranberry juice, margarita salt, a bottle of dry vermouth and table sugar. Don’t forget bar napkins, stemware, glassware, stir sticks, straws and lots of ice.
From the above list you will be able to make at least the following drinks:
- Classic Vodka Martini
- Lemon Drop Martini
- Classic Gin Martini
- White Russian
- Bourbon and Coke
- Bourbon and Ginger
- Rum and Coke
- Vodka Tonic
- Margarita on the Rocks
- Kahlua and Cream
- Tequila Straight Up
- Gin and Tonic
- Cape Cod
Finding Someone to Mix the Drinks
If you don’t want to be bothered with tasking a friend or family member with the job or bartender, you can look into a variety of temp agencies that can provide bartending staff during your event. An even more affordable option is to visit a local bar, or restaurant and bar and speak to the bartender on duty. For $50 or $100, most are more than willing to moonlight and will have professional training to boot.
Discuss with your bartender before hand whether or not tipping will be allowed. If you’re comfortable having tip jars out at your wedding, on the bar, then allow the bartender to keep the tips. If you don’t like the idea of your guests being asked to tip, increase the hourly amount you’re willing to pay the bartender. Remember that a skilled bartender at a busy venue can average $15 to $25 an hour easily. If you’re pleased with the service you’ve been provided at the end of the night, provide an additional tip on top of what was promised.
Discuss appropriate uniform for your bartender in advance, and make certain that you’re on the same page when it comes to over serving guests and how to handle those who have overindulged. Discuss your drink menu, what you have in mind, and take suggestions from the bartender if they provide any.
You needn’t spend a mint on having a catering company provide your bar selection for you. With a little bit of time you can put together a professional list of essential items to create a bar that will take excellent care of your guests while avoiding unnecessary over complications. For more wedding planning suggestions, check out Unique Wedding Cake Concept and Ways to Cut Cost on Wedding Plans. And of course, don't miss How to Involve Your Beloved Pet in Your Wedding.
