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Stocking a Bar for a Wedding

We all know that there are a million aspects that need planning for a wedding.   From the ceremony  to the reception,  everything needs to look just right and go off without a hitch.  And while the celebration of your love is the most important part--at least you think so--many of your guests may be anticipating the fabulous open bar that awaits them at the reception.  So to repay your guests for all their support during this special time in your life, pull out all the stops for your wedding bar  by making sure that it's fully stocked with the right brands and accessories to rock the reception.

The Booze

The important questions to ask yourself when stocking your wedding bar are:

  • How much?
  • What types?
  • What brands?

Hopefully you and your husband or wife-to-be know your guests pretty well.  That should help you determine what type of alcohol you need more of--i.e. if you're the beer drinking crowd, don't over-buy on hard alcohol or vice versa.  Also, the time of day will help you decide what drinks are more appropriate to serve.  If you are having an brunch/daytime wedding, Bloody Marys or Mimosas may be great signature drinks to serve.  If you are having a more trendy, night-time affair, flavoured martinis may be the perfect way to go.

Some of the most common wedding alcohol (but don't forget the mixers):

  • Red and White Wine :
    • Popular brands include Benziger, Turning Leaf, Beringer's.
  • Champagne :
    • Popular brands include Perrier, Drappier, Dom Perignon, Andre.
  • Gin: 
    • Popular brands include Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Seagrams and Beefeater.
  • Rum: 
    • Popular brands include Captain Morgan, Cruzan and Bacardi.
  • Vodka: 
    • Popular brands include Grey Goose, Smirnoff, Blue Skyy and Ketel One.
  • Tequila: 
    • Popular brands include Patrón, José Cuervo, Mezcal and Sauza.
  • Beer: 
    • Popular brands include Corona, Miller, Budweiser and Coors.

And to make sure you get the right amount--overbuying is costly and under-buying is a major faux-pas--try talking to an experienced wedding planner, alcohol wholesaler or visit The Wedding Channel's nifty beverage calculator for more information.

Bar Accessories

While the the booze is undoubtedly the most important part of the bar, you need some other items to keep things looking classy and tasting great.  If your venue or liquor provider isn't providing all the accoutrements for serving up bar beverages, here are a few key items to consider purchasing:

The Mixers

Keepin' It Cool

Glassware 

The Extras

Money Saving Tips

  • Choose a reputable company. Have a friend or two recommend a good alcohol provider or wholesaler that they've worked with in the past. Make sure the company will not only consult with you to make sure that you are choosing the right amount and types of liquor for you menu and guest list, but will also credit you for any unopened bottles and won't charge you a delivery fee.
  • Hide the champagne. If you can avoid allowing your guests to see the champagne being poured, do it. Have already poured glasses served on trays so you can get away with using a brand that's a bit cheaper--people usually only take one sip anyway!
  • Take out the extras. Make sure you review every detail of the alcohol package with your provider. You don't want to be talked into getting any extra garnishes or mixers you won't need.
  • Choose wisely. Make sure you determine which alcohol really needs to be top shelf and which is perfectly fine as house-pour. The same goes for beer, where domestic may be just as satisfying as the expensive imports.
  • Set a budget beforehand. Determining a budget that you're not willing to budge on before you buy a single drop of liquor will help you avoid any unnecessary spending. A good liquor company will work with you to stay within your means and will help you choose from a vast array of selections all at different price points.

Related Guides

Barware 

Bar Accessories

Wedding Ceremony and Reception

Cocktail Receptions

External Links