When planning a wedding, the bar can quickly become one of the biggest expenses. An open bar with a full selection of liquor, beer, and wine can add thousands to your budget. But don’t worry—you can still keep your guests happy while you cut costs on your wedding bar by streamlining your drink options. The best way to do this? Offer beer, wine, soda, and two specialty cocktails.
Why This Works
By limiting your selection, you reduce the amount of alcohol you need to purchase, saving both money and waste. Guests will still have a variety of options, and the specialty cocktails add a fun, personal touch to your celebration. Plus, fewer drink choices mean faster service at the bar—keeping lines short and guests happy!
Choosing Your Specialty Cocktails
Your two specialty drinks should reflect your personality and wedding style while appealing to a wide range of guests. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect pair while you cut costs on your wedding bar:
- One light & refreshing option – A cocktail with citrus or fruity flavors is great for warm weather or outdoor weddings. Examples:
- Vodka lemonade
- Classic mojito
- Aperol spritz
- One rich & spirit-forward option – A drink with deeper flavors adds balance for those who prefer something bolder. Examples:
- Old fashioned
- Whiskey sour
- Spiked espresso martini
- Consider seasonal flavors – A warm spiked cider for a fall wedding or a summery watermelon margarita can enhance the vibe of your big day
- Personalize your drinks – Give them creative names that reflect your love story, like “The First Kiss” or “Happily Ever After.”
Smart Ways to cut costs on your wedding bar even more
- Buy in bulk – Purchasing beer and wine by the case often comes with a discount.
- Opt for house brands – Guests likely won’t notice if you serve a well-made house wine instead of a premium bottle.
- Skip the champagne toast – Let guests toast with whatever they’re already drinking instead of pouring hundreds of glasses of bubbly.
- Limit bar hours – Consider keeping the bar open for cocktail hour and dinner, then switching to beer, wine, and soda later in the evening.
Final Thoughts
Cutting costs on your wedding bar doesn’t mean cutting the fun. By focusing on a thoughtful selection of drinks, including beer, wine, soda, and two crowd-pleasing cocktails, you’ll keep guests happy while staying within budget. With a little creativity and smart planning, you can raise a glass to love, laughter, and savings!
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