Wanna take a SHOT at an open bar? 🥃 Trust me, an open bar doesn’t need tequila pockets. 💸 (Get it, tequila… to kill ya).
When it comes to offering your guests drinks on your big day, you have plenty of options that won’t leave you feeling like you made POUR decisions. 🫗
From a limited bar offering a smaller selection of alcoholic beverages to a timed bar where you cover the costs for a portion of the reception, there are tons of ways to minimize that beverage expense.
We can help you come up with a full PROOF plan to ensure your guests get a nice buzz while guaranteeing your bank account isn’t left feeling thirsty. 🍸
Here’s our list of money saving bar hacks 🍹
🔹Provide your own alcohol – If your bar vendor or venue allows you to bring your own alcohol and you’re on a budget, do it. Ask them how many bottles you might need based on your guest count and then go to your favorite wholesaler. Places like BevMo will even provide a refund for unopened bottles and for an extra fee deliver the alcohol so you don’t have to pick it up!
🔹If you’re guests aren’t heavy drinkers, consider a Consumption Package. This means, rather than paying a fixed price, you’ll pay at the end of the night based on the total amount consumed. But, if your guests like to party, this might come back to bite you.
🔹 Beer + Wine Only Packages could help cutdown costs significantly.
🔹Signature Drinks can help reduce costs if you are only offering the spirits that go in those drinks. This is also a fun way to personalize your wedding! Create one, two, or even three signature drinks that capture the essence of you as a couple, you as individuals, or perhaps highlight your loving pet! Guests will love getting a true taste of your personality. Add your signature drinks to a beer + wine package and it’s like you’re offering a full bar with an even better experience!
🔹Downgrade your bar package by cutting out the premium spirits. Ask your venue or bar vendor how to cut down costs and explore all of their package options.
🔹Wine Service at dinner is not a necessity. If it’s something you must have, then try offering only one type of wine for the dinner service rather than a white + red.
🔹Champagne toasts are also not necessary. You can have guests toast with their drink in hand – just make sure someone announces that toasts will start in a bit and to grab a new drink if they’re running low. Or if you always dreamed of a classy champagne toast or a trendy champagne welcome wall, opt for Prosecco instead. It’s way cheaper and most people can’t tell the difference anyways.
🔹Time Bar (or Partial Open) can help cut back costs by only providing an open bar for a certain amount of time. After 1-2 hours (or more), you can switch to a cash bar or consumption based package.
🔹Last Call + shutting the bar down an hour before the end of the event (or earlier) can help save big and also help some of the guests sober up a bit before continuing on with their night.
Hopefully these tips put you at ease! As you can see, there are plenty of options to help you provide a great bar experience without breaking the bank. Now that is money WELL spent 🍻