The wedding bar is a big decision, and can be one of the largest expenses in the budget. Alcohol and celebrations go hand-in-hand, and your wedding day will be the ultimate celebration. Do you envision a bar package or a consumption bar? Do you want a soft bar, standard bar or a premium bar? Maybe you envision a dry bar. Become familiar with some terms and options to decide what type of experience you want to create with your wedding bar.
Budgeting for the Wedding Bar
There is no doubt that alcohol will liven up your celebration, as inhibitions fade. The amount and types of alcohol are some really challenging questions. You will need to determine whether there are restrictions at your wedding venue before stocking your bar. Choosing a venue with bartenders and bar staff can provide extra savings. Otherwise, you will spend several hundred dollars for bartender services, before the alcohol is tacked onto the bill. An alcohol package with a staff package does not always provide more savings. Alcohol is expensive. You should consult with your budget before making any big decisions. The wedding bar is an area where most couples can sacrifice a little, but doing so is not always the best option for the experience you want to create. Your catering company might have bar packages; however, there might be more savings in stocking your own bar and using the bartender services provided by your wedding venue.
The Differences to Consider
Envision your wedding day and think about the wedding bar experience you want to create. A consumption bar is charged by the drink or bottle. A bar package provides an open bar for a certain amount of time. Bar packages come in different levels. A soft bar serves beer and wine. A standard bar usually has lower-priced brands. A premium wedding bar serves premium liquors. The biggest questions will be whether you will be serving Smirnoff or Grey Goose. Then you need to consider the number of guests in attendance and the cost of creating the experience. One method for determining how much alcohol you will need is to allow one drink per guest per hour. Your guest count will help you decide whether a package or a consumption bar makes more sense, and what types of beverages you should serve. A cash bar is open for guests to purchase their own beverages. While a cash bar is easy on the budget, it is often discouraged by etiquette.
Signature Cocktails
Whatever decision you make about your bar, you will probably want to serve a signature drink during your cocktail hour. The drink will make a statement, and will be remembered. The exciting part about creating your signature drink is that you get to use creativity and make it unique. Your signature drink does not need to contain alcohol, so no need to worry if you are planning a dry bar. Do not forget to give your drink a name, and feature it on a tent card on the wedding bar.
Dry Wedding Bar
If you are planning a dry wedding bar, beverages will still be equally important. A dry wedding provides opportunity for healthy and fun beverages. Think beyond lemonade, tea and coffee. Serve up fruity splashes of punch that bubble over with the mix of a carbonated drink and sherbet. A dry wedding doesn’t mean you cannot serve mixed drinks. Serve them up without the alcohol, and add splashes of carbonation and fruit. Without the alcohol, your party might not seem as lively. Keep in mind that you will need to work closely with your deejay and coordinator to keep events flowing and get your guests to step out of their comfort zone without the influence of alcohol. Plan line dancing activities and games that would place a large number of guests on the dance floor in a way that makes them feel connected with a group.
Crystal Ballroom Lake Mary
Celebrate your magical moments with a wedding bar at Crystal Ballroom Lake Mary. Bring imagination to this all-inclusive wedding venue, where the in-house designers create your picture perfect wedding from fantasy. You have the freedom to stock the bar the way you choose for your cocktail hour and reception, and the banquet staff and bartenders will help you create the unforgettable celebration you envision. Before planning your wedding bar, contact Crystal Ballroom Lake Mary.
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