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What to Consider When Hiring a Bar Service for Your Wedding
Your wedding is a celebration of love, joy, and the beginning of a beautiful new chapter. And what's a celebration without raising a glass or two? Hiring a bar service can take your reception to the next level, ensuring your guests have a fantastic time. But before you hire just anyone, there are a few key things to consider. As a New Hampshire White Mountain wedding venue, we’ve come up with a few ideas to help you choose the perfect bar service for your big day.
1. Set a Budget
Before you start reaching out to bar services, know how much you're willing to spend. Some bar companies charge per drink, some by the hour, and others offer packages. Think about what fits best with the vibe and size of your wedding. A custom cocktail menu might be gorgeous, but if it significantly stretches your budget, you may want to keep things simpler. Knowing your financial limits upfront will save you time and ensure you get what you want without breaking the bank.
Simple Bar Options for Budget-Conscious Couples
If you’re trying to simplify while still offering your guests a great experience, here are a few ideas to consider:
- Limit Drink Options: Instead of a full bar with endless choices, stick to the essentials—beer, wine, and one signature cocktail. It’s a great way to save money while still offering variety. A carefully chosen signature cocktail can feel special and personal while keeping things affordable.
- Opt for a Cash Bar: A cash bar can significantly cut costs since your guests will pay for their own drinks. To keep it classy, consider covering the cost of a few drinks per guest or offering complimentary wine or Champagne during dinner and switching to a cash bar afterward.
- Choose Self-Serve Stations: For non-alcoholic drinks, set up self-serve stations with infused waters, lemonade, iced tea, or even a coffee bar. These are fun, interactive, and cost-effective options for guests who don’t drink alcohol or need a refreshment without waiting at the bar.
- Limit the Open Bar Hours: If a full open bar is outside your budget, consider hosting it for a set time only—perhaps during cocktail hour and the first hour of the reception. Afterward, switch to a cash bar or focus on beer and wine service.
These small adjustments can make a big difference in your budget while still providing a welcoming and enjoyable bar experience for your guests.
2. Explore the Drink Options
Not all bar services are created equal. Some offer full-service bars with beer, wine, and an array of cocktails, while others specialize in craft cocktails or wine-and-beer-only bars. Ask yourself what kind of vibe you're going for and what you think your guests would love. Want an elegant Champagne tower? A trendy signature cocktail? Or maybe just a solid selection of crowd-pleasers? Be sure to ask for a sample drink menu so you can see what they have to offer.
3. Look for Customization Options
Your wedding is unique, and your bar should reflect that! Many bar services allow you to create custom drink menus, including signature cocktails named after you and your partner. This is a chance to personalize the experience and make it truly your own. Don’t forget to consider aesthetic details too—whether that's having bartenders dress to match your theme or designing custom bar signage. Bride's Drink Ideas
- Blushing Bride Bellini
A sparkling mix of peach purée and Prosecco with a touch of grenadine for a romantic pink hue. Perfect for a bride who loves something light, sweet, and bubbly. - Rose Margarita
A floral twist on the classic margarita, made with tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and rose syrup. Garnished with edible rose petals for a touch of elegance. - Lavender Lemonade Spritz
A refreshing combination of vodka, lavender syrup, lemon juice, and club soda. It's floral, subtle, and ideal for a garden-themed wedding vibe. - Berry Bliss Martini
Vodka paired with muddled blackberries, cranberry juice, and a splash of elderflower liqueur. Sweet and tart with a striking deep red color that makes it picture-perfect.
Groom's Drink Ideas
- Old Fashioned Love
A classic Old Fashioned crafted with bourbon, a hint of orange bitters, and a sugar cube. A sophisticated and timeless choice for the traditional groom. - Spiced Rum Punch
A bold mix of spiced rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and a dash of grenadine for sweetness. Perfect for a groom who enjoys tropical island vibes. - The Cool Cucumber Collins
Gin, cucumber slices, fresh lime juice, and soda water create this vibrant, refreshing drink. Sleek and polished, just like the groom’s style. - Smoky Maple Manhattan
A sultry blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, maple syrup, and a touch of smoked bitters. This drink has depth and warmth, making it a standout cocktail.
Signature Cocktail Ideas (for the couple)
- His & Hers Sangria
A dual option—white sangria for the bride with peaches and raspberries, and red sangria for the groom with oranges and blackberries. Served side by side to embody the union. - Golden Hour Gin Fizz
Gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, and a splash of Champagne. Light, elegant, and versatile for any wedding theme with a name that celebrates the beauty of your big day’s most magical time. - Passionfruit Paloma
A creative twist on the traditional Paloma, featuring tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, passionfruit purée, and soda water. Fruity, vibrant, and fun for everyone. - Amaretto Sour Sunset
Amaretto, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of egg white foam, layered with grenadine for a sunset-like effect. Sweet and silky with just the right amount of citrus zest. - Forever Mule
Serve a wedding-themed Moscow Mule with vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice, garnished with mint and a heart-shaped lime slice. It's a crowd favorite with a romantic touch.
These drink ideas offer a fun way to showcase personalities, themes, and a bit of creativity on the special day. Cheers to a happy couple and delicious cocktails!
4. Consider Dry Hire Bars
If you’re looking for maximum flexibility, a dry hire bar could be the perfect option. A dry hire bar simply means you rent the bar setup and equipment, but you’re responsible for providing everything else—drinks, mixers, staff, and even garnishes if needed. While it might sound like a lot of work, this option has some fantastic benefits.
One of the biggest advantages is total customization. You get to pick out exactly what drinks you’ll serve, from your favorite local craft beers to your signature cocktails. This also allows you to cater to your guests' preferences without being tied to a company's pre-set menu. Plus, sourcing your own drinks can often be more cost-effective, especially if you can buy in bulk or bring in your own affordable finds.
Dry hire bars can be a fantastic way to add a unique, personal flair to your wedding day, but they do come with a bit of planning. From sourcing alcohol to hiring bartenders and gathering serving equipment, glassware, and accessories, there's a lot to coordinate. Fortunately, many venues, like ours at the Inn at Oxbow Acres, help lighten the load by providing essentials like elegant glass champagne flutes, cocktail napkins, and other must-haves. Plus, when you pair your celebration with The Boozy Goose, a beloved dry-hire bar we proudly collaborate with, you’re set up for success. They adore transforming our stunning live-edge bar in the rustic barn event room into a vibrant space for serving their signature creations. If you’re a DIY enthusiast or have a skilled wedding planner by your side, a dry hire bar lets you craft an unforgettable experience with an extra touch of charm your guests will rave about!
5. BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze)
For couples looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing quality, a BYOB approach can be a fantastic choice. BYOB means you supply your own alcohol—beer, wine, spirits, and mixers—for the wedding bar. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to stock a bar, as you can shop around for deals or even choose your favorite brands. It also offers unmatched flexibility, allowing you to cater exactly to your guests’ tastes or include sentimental drink choices like the wine you shared on your first date.
However, before you start buying cases of wine or kegs of beer, there are a few crucial things to consider. First and foremost, check with your venue to ensure BYOB is allowed. Some venues prohibit outside alcohol altogether, while others may charge a corkage fee or have specific rules about what you can bring and how it must be served. What exactly is a corkage fee? A corkage fee is a way for the venue to cover the costs associated with serving, handling, and providing glassware for the beverages you provide.
This fee typically includes services like chilling wine or Champagne, opening bottles, pouring drinks, and cleaning up afterward. It might also account for the use of bar-related equipment like ice buckets, decanters, or serving trays.
Venues charge corkage fees for a couple of reasons. First, if you’re bringing your own alcohol, they’re likely missing out on revenue they’d normally earn from selling drinks directly. Second, even when you supply the booze, the staff and resources needed to serve it are still part of their costs.
Corkage fees can vary widely depending on the venue and location. They might be charged per bottle, ranging from a few dollars to $25 or more per bottle of wine or Champagne. This can add up, so it’s an important factor to consider when planning your wedding budget.
If you’re keen on a specific type of wine, craft beer, or a sentimental bottle of bubbly that the venue doesn’t carry, paying a corkage fee could still be worth it. To keep costs in check, ask the venue for details upfront, like how the fee is calculated and whether there are limits on what you can bring. Some venues might even waive the fee under certain circumstances, so it’s always worth asking!
Understanding these policies upfront will help you avoid unexpected costs or issues.
Another consideration is handling logistics. You’ll need proper storage to keep your drinks chilled and accessible—and sufficient serving equipment, like coolers, ice, and glassware. Though it’s BYOB, you may still want to hire professional bartenders to mix drinks and serve guests. This adds a layer of sophistication and ensures your guests are taken care of throughout the event. Plus, bartenders can help you avoid over-serving and messy setups.
Ultimately, BYOB offers budget-conscious couples a lot of freedom, but it requires careful planning and organization to make it work smoothly.
6. The Charm of Themed Mobile Bars
If you're looking to wow your guests with a touch of whimsy and style, a themed mobile bar might be just the thing. From vintage horse trailers to re-purposed campers, these unique setups can bring a ton of charm and personality to your wedding. They’re especially popular for outdoor or rustic venues where traditional bar stations might lack visual appeal.
One perk of a themed mobile bar is the versatility. These setups can adapt to a variety of styles—think bohemian, farmhouse chic, or even retro glam. Want a cozy, romantic vibe? A vintage camper-turned-bar with floral details could be perfect. Dreaming of a fun, festival-style celebration? A refurbished horse trailer serving creative cocktails might steal the show.
That said, it's important to ensure your chosen mobile bar fits seamlessly into your overall wedding theme and venue. Double-check with your venue that they have space and access for the bar, especially if it involves a larger vehicle. Logistics like power access and parking may also come into play, so it's worth discussing these details with both your venue and the mobile bar vendor.
Not only do themed mobile bars make memorable backdrops for photos, but they also elevate the guest experience through their one-of-a-kind setups. Add in professional bartenders and some creative drink options, and your bar becomes an experience your guests will rave about.
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7. Confirm Licensing and Insurance
This one might not feel romantic, but it’s critical! A reputable bar service will have proper licensing and insurance to legally and safely serve alcohol at your wedding. Don’t hesitate to ask about permits and liability insurance; it’s about protecting yourself and your guests. If the bar service can't provide these documents, it’s a red flag to move on.
8. Evaluate the Staff's Professionalism
The bartenders at your wedding will play a huge role in the guest experience, so make sure you’re hiring a team with polished, friendly staff. Ask about staff-to-guest ratio so your guests aren’t stuck waiting in long lines for a drink. Look for bartenders who are not just skilled mixologists but also great at engaging with people. A smile and a bit of banter go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere.
9. Consider the Overall Guest Experience
Your bar isn’t just a place to grab a drink, it’s part of the larger wedding experience. A stylish, well-run bar can add an interactive element to your wedding and enhance the festivities. Ask yourself questions like, “Do I want a mobile bar for outdoor flair? Will there be mocktail options for non-drinkers? Can the bar accommodate special requests, like late-night espresso shots?” The more thought you put into this, the more your guests will thank you later.
10. Review Logistics and Setup
Finally, make sure the bar service is equipped to handle your venue. Some vendors bring their own portable bars, while others rely on the space provided. Check if they’ll need access to electricity, water, or refrigeration. Also, confirm with your venue that outside bar services are allowed and ask about any restrictions. A bit of logistical planning upfront can prevent last-minute headaches.
The Final Sip
Choosing the right bar service for your wedding isn’t just about drinks; it’s about creating memories. By considering your budget, drink preferences, customization options, dry hire flexibility, BYOB choices, the charm of themed mobile bars, licensing, professionalism, guest experience, and setup logistics, you’ll be well on your way to a bar setup everyone will rave about.
Take your time to explore options, ask all the questions, and find a vendor that aligns with your vision. When you do, you’ll not only toast to a love-filled future but also a wedding celebration that’s absolutely unforgettable! Cheers!
At The Inn at Oxbow Acres, we’re more than a family-owned bed and breakfast and event venue—we’re a place where heartfelt memories are made. When you choose us in Milan, New Hampshire, you’re not just booking a venue; you’re becoming part of the Oxbow family. We pour love and care into every moment of your special day, because your story matters to us.
We’re also passionate about supporting local businesses. By partnering with independently owned vendors, we help preserve the unique charm of small communities. You, too, can make a difference—leave kind reviews, follow local venues on social media, and recommend your favorite hidden gems. Explore this wedding venue map to discover inspiring, locally owned wedding destinations and take a look at the incredible independent venues we proudly collaborate with. Together, we can ensure small businesses thrive and their stories continue to inspire for years to come.
