When planning your wedding or special event, don’t skimp on the bar. If the idea of an open bar makes your heart stop beating, take a moment to catch your breath and continue reading.
Open Bar does not mean you have to offer all of the top shelf alcohol brands that your guests would never ask for if they were paying for their own drinks. Open Bar does not even mean you have to offer every type of alcohol… period. What it does mean is that you are paying a flat rate per person and your guests can drink whatever they want from the offerings available.
3 Ways to Save on the Bar
Here are a few quick tips to save a few dollars (per person) on the bar:
Choose a few types of alcohol that you know you and your guests will drink. Nix the others. For example, if your guests love martinis, cosmos, and margaritas, then you don’t need to offer scotch or bourbon.
Create a limited open bar. Offer a few beers, a few wines (maybe red, white, and rose), and 1 or 2 signature cocktails.
Only offer signature cocktails (although not the biggest crowd-pleaser)
Create Awesome Signage
To make sure your guests know about your thoughtfully planned signature cocktails, create signage to place at the bar. Many times, our clients have had their stationery designer create the signs so the font and style match the other printed materials for the day. We usually place these signs at the bar in frames so they are sure to be noticed.
Watermelon Coconut Martini
A fun pink cocktail when you're in the mood for something light and fruity that's not a Cosmopolitan! Goes wonderfully with spicy Asian flavors and summertime salads.
Get the recipe here
Green Tea Margarita
A spin on a favorite cocktail. Swap the club soda for a rose and Voila! (Wait… what’s the Spanish word for voila?)
Get the recipe here
I hope this has all been helpful information. Remember:
Save money with a limited open bar.
Create awesome signage for your signature cocktails.
Choose signature cocktails that fit your wedding theme and personal tastes.
We are full of ideas and welcome yours too! Feel free to comment below with questions and suggestions.
Until next time, I leave you with Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses.