The pressure of the wedding is over; the vows have been exchanged; the bridesmaids have made it down the aisle and steps without tripping on their gowns; and no one lost the wedding bands. After the frenzy of taking photos and arriving at the reception, it is time to relax and enjoy good company and good drinks. You will need champagne for your toasts, but what else should your wedding bar have for guests?
People go to weddings to see the bride’s dress; people go to receptions to drink and eat cake! Having a fully stocked bar is a great way to help your guests relax and celebrate your big day with you. While the choice of spirits and beverages is up to you, and your budget, here are some averages for a 100 person wedding to give you an idea of where to start:
- 5 to 6 cases of beer
- 1 bottle each of sweet and dry vermouth
- 2 cases of red wine
- 3 ½ cases of white wine
- ½ to 1 case of blush wine
- 1 liter each of whiskey, bourbon, light rum, and tequila
- 2 to 3 liters of gin
- 2 liters of scotch
- 5 liters of vodka
- 1 to 2 cases of champagne
You will also need to make sure your caterer or bartender has all the accouterments necessary, such as soda, juices, ice, and garnishes. Whether you have 50 guests, 100, or 500, this can add up quickly, especially if your guests treat an open bar as their own personal liquor cabinet. A cash bar is typically seen as a wedding reception faux pas; many people have traveled, incurring expenses along with transportation and accommodation, and it is considered rude to ask them to pay for drinks. If your budget is very limited, you may have to, but are there ways you can cut costs without asking your guests to pick up the tab?
A limited bar may be a good solution. Many couples serve a variety of specific drinks. It could be beer, wine, and a signature drink. Many couples choose a drink that follows their theme, or that they enjoy, and make it their “signature.” You could, for instance, make a pitcher of sangria, rum punch, or even hard cider for a fall wedding, and place a pitcher on each table. This cuts costs and still gives your guests a modest display. They’ll also have fun playing bartender; it can be a great way to help guests mingle and get to know each other. It also saves you from having to buy liquors, like triple sec or schnapps that are necessary for some drinks.
Another way to “limit” the bar is to have designated drinking times, such as a cocktail hour, the toasts, and the post-dinner drink. If you limit times the bar is open, make sure that you provide alternatives, such as soft drinks, water, seltzer, virgin punch, and coffee or tea. It is also a good idea to have waiters serve drinks, which can cut down on guests overindulging at your expense.
Before you decide on what type of bar you would like, use an online drink calculator. This can help you determine what you need and how much it will cost you.
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