The Best Wedding Bar Options for Your Big Day!

Your Ultimate Wedding Bar Guide:

• Crafting the Perfect Wedding Bar

• Types of Wedding Bars

• Open Bar

• Cash Bar

• Self-Service Bar (Grab & Go)

• Full Service Bar

• Signature Cocktail Bars

• Separate Cocktail Bar

• Fun Tips to Make the Bar Personal to You

• Key Takeaways & Final Tips

Planning your wedding can be overwhelming, but one thing that shouldn’t be stressful is choosing your wedding bar setup. The right bar keeps your guests refreshed and also adds an extra touch of personality and fun to your big day. 

From open bars to creative cocktail options, we’ve got everything you need to make the drinking experience unforgettable. And, if you’re looking to save time and hassle, why not explore our luxury premixed cocktail bottles to make sure everything is perfectly sorted?

Crafting the Perfect Wedding Bar Experience for Your Reception

Choosing the right bar setup for your wedding isn’t about just serving drinks - it’s about creating the perfect atmosphere. Your wedding bar can be a focal point that brings your guests together, encourages mingling, and leaves a lasting impression. From signature cocktails to the convenience of a cash bar, the bar you choose sets the tone for your entire celebration.

How Your Bar Setup Can Elevate your Wedding Experience

Think of your bar as the heart of the party. There’s more to it than quenching thirst, it’s about offering your guests a memorable experience. A thoughtfully chosen bar setup adds a unique element to your event. Whether it’s a stunning self-service station with custom drinks or a fully stocked open bar offering endless choices, your wedding bar sets the mood for the evening, making it an essential part of your wedding’s success.

Practical Advice on Meeting Your Guests' Needs and Desires

A great bar setup goes beyond just serving drinks at your reception - it satisfies your guests' preferences. When deciding on your wedding bar, consider who your guests are. Are there wine lovers who appreciate a glass of something elegant? Or cocktail enthusiasts who’ll enjoy a personalised signature drink? Think about the range of options you’ll need to accommodate everyone, including non-drinkers. An inclusive approach ensures that no one feels left out, creating an all-round enjoyable experience.

Our Recommend Wedding Guide: How Much Alcohol Do I Need for My Wedding?

Types of Wedding Bars

1. Open Bar

An open bar offers your guests the ultimate freedom of choice, allowing them to enjoy a wide range of drinks throughout the reception. Tailor the drinks menu to reflect your unique tastes as a couple, with personalised cocktails that tell your story. Local, hand-crafted options like those made from UK-grown fruits or wines produced at distilleries like Gasm Drinks in Wales offer a personal, eco-conscious touch that aligns with your values while delighting your guests. It's a perfect way to embrace local flavour, reduce your carbon footprint, and create a wedding experience that feels authentically you.

Pros:

• Guests can enjoy a wide selection.

• Ideal for creating a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.

• Custom drinks make it a memorable experience.

Cons:

• Can be expensive with high-quality alcohol and large guest lists.

• Over-serving can lead to wastage.

• Needs careful planning of alcohol quantities.

Budget Tip: Mixed case cocktail bottles are a fantastic way to streamline the experience and save both time and money. By having your cocktails pre-made, your bartenders can focus on serving guests quickly, reducing the time spent mixing each drink. This cuts down on staffing costs and also helps ensure consistent quality across every drink. It’s an excellent way to offer guests a unique selection of signature cocktails without the hassle, while keeping your budget in check!

2. Cash Bar

A cash bar is perfect if you want to maintain control over your wedding drinks budget, while still offering guests a great time. You can add personal touches like signature drinks or drink tickets to make it feel special. Sustainability can be achieved by offering eco-friendly drink options like organic wines or low-waste cocktails.

Pros:

• Budget-conscious, allowing you to keep costs low.

• Guests still enjoy the freedom of choosing their drinks.

• You can customise the experience with unique drink options.

Cons:

• Guests may be disappointed to pay for drinks.

• Can feel less generous compared to an open bar.

• Needs clear communication to avoid confusion.

Budget Tip: Offer a limited drink menu and perhaps a welcome drink for each guest. This keeps the vibe welcoming while controlling costs.

3. Self-Service Bar (Grab & Go)

A self-service bar is all about convenience. Guests can grab ready-to-serve drinks whenever they want, making it ideal for laid-back weddings. Customise the experience with themed drink stations that reflect your wedding style, from rustic to modern. This is a perfect opportunity for options like pre-mixed bottles or cans, reducing waste and cost.

Pros:

• Guests help themselves, reducing the need for bartenders.

• Less expensive compared to a full-service bar.

• Great for informal, casual weddings where guests can interact freely.

Cons:

• Not ideal for formal or upscale weddings.

• Guests may over-serve themselves without a bartender's supervision.

• The experience can feel less personalised.

Budget Tip: Offer simple, cost-effective drink options like cocktail cans, which are perfect for outdoor wedding receptions! This helps you manage both budget and waste.

4. Full-Service Bar

A full-service bar provides a luxurious experience for guests, with professional bartenders serving bespoke drinks. Personalise the service with signature cocktails tailored to your wedding theme. While this option adds elegance, it’s important to budget carefully for such a high-end service.

Pros:

• Ideal for formal weddings or larger celebrations.

• Offers a premium, bespoke service that guests will love.

• You can create a seamless, luxury experience with personalised drinks.

Cons:

• Can be costly due to the need for bartenders and premium ingredients.

• Requires careful planning to ensure alcohol is not over-served.

• Can be difficult to manage alcohol quantities for large weddings.

Budget Tip: Limit the number of signature cocktails and offer house wines or draft beers to save costs without sacrificing quality.

5. Signature Cocktail Bars

A signature cocktail bar adds a unique twist to your wedding drinks. You can create drinks that embody your love story, wedding theme, or favourite flavours. Keep the cocktails simple and budget-friendly by using seasonal ingredients or classic recipes. Signature cocktails also give your wedding a personalised touch that everyone will remember.

Pros:

• Custom cocktails make your wedding unique and memorable.

• A fun, interactive feature that guests will enjoy.

• Can be tailored to match your wedding style or theme.

Cons:

• Requires careful planning to ensure the drinks are well-received.

• Needs additional bartenders if you have a large number of signature cocktails.

• May not appeal to all guests, especially if they prefer simpler drinks.

Budget Tip: Opt for simple, seasonal ingredients to keep costs down, and limit the number of signature cocktails on offer to avoid overspending.

6. Separate Cocktail Bar

A separate cocktail bar is dedicated to your cocktail-loving guests, offering a fun, focused experience. Whether it’s a rustic bar with vintage glassware or a sleek, modern setup, this bar can be tailored to your wedding style. While it adds extra charm, it’s important to consider the extra space and staffing costs involved.

Pros:

• Ideal for weddings where cocktails are a central feature.

• Allows for a dedicated space for guests to enjoy their drinks.

• Themed bars can add a fun, memorable element to your wedding.

Cons:

• Requires extra space, which may not be available in smaller venues.
  
  

• Can increase staffing and setup costs.

• Not all guests may be interested in cocktails.

Budget Tip: Keep costs down by offering a limited cocktail menu or house-poured spirits. This ensures a great experience without overspending.

Fun Tips to Make Your Wedding Bar Personal to You

1. Custom Drink Names: Create cocktails named after meaningful moments in your relationship, such as your first date or shared adventures.

2. Themed Décor: Match the bar’s design to your wedding theme, whether it’s rustic, elegant, or something unique.

3. Interactive Elements: Include DIY cocktail stations or personalised drink signs to engage your guests and make them feel part of the fun.

4. “His” and “Hers” Drinks: Offer unique drink options for the bride and groom, highlighting their favourite flavours or styles.

These small touches can make your bar feel uniquely yours and elevate the overall experience for your guests.

Say "I Do" to Stress-Free Wedding Drinks

Planning the drinks for your big day doesn’t need to be complicated. With Gasm’s premixed gin-infused cocktail service for weddings, you can order in bulk and have beautifully bottled drinks made from fruit grown right here in the UK, crafted at our distillery in Wales. Whether you're planning a rustic countryside celebration or a chic city soirée, our handcrafted wine and cocktails bring a touch of local luxury to your reception. It’s affordable, personal, and takes one big task off your plate - let’s toast to that!

Key Takeaways & Final Tips

Choosing the perfect bar setup for your wedding should be fun and reflect your unique style. Whether you opt for an open bar, cash bar, or self-service bar, remember to consider budget, guest experience, and the atmosphere you want to create. Use our easy comparison table to help decide the best option for your special day.