Wedding Alcohol: Simple Tips for a Great Bar
Planning a wedding means juggling many details, and the drinks can feel like a big puzzle. Do you want a full open bar, a limited selection, or a fun cocktail station? Below are down‑to‑earth ideas that help you decide what works for your budget, venue, and style.
Set a realistic drink budget
The first step is to know how much you can spend on alcohol. A common rule of thumb is to allocate about 10‑12% of your total wedding budget to drinks. If your overall budget is £20,000, aim for £2,000‑£2,400 on booze. Break that number down per guest: a typical 5‑hour reception uses roughly 4‑5 drinks per person. Multiply the guest count by the per‑person cost to see if you’re on track.
To keep costs low, consider a limited bar. Offer beer, wine, and one signature cocktail instead of a full spirit range. This approach still feels upscale but trims the price tag.
Pick the right bar style for your venue
Different venues lend themselves to different setups. A historic barn works well with a self‑serve lemonade and wine station, while a modern city loft can host a cocktail bar with a professional mixologist.
Here are three popular options:
- Open bar: Unlimited drinks for the night. Great for large parties but pricey.
- Limited bar: Beer, house wine, and a couple of basic spirits. Keeps the vibe relaxed and affordable.
- Cocktail‑only bar: One or two curated drinks that reflect your theme. Guests love a custom cocktail and it’s easy to control inventory.
Talk to your venue’s caterer or a local bartender. They can suggest glassware, staffing, and the best way to keep drinks flowing without waste.
Choose drinks your guests will enjoy
Most guests appreciate wine and beer because they’re familiar and low‑maintenance. Pick a red and a white that pair well with your menu. For beer, offering a lager and an ale covers most tastes.
If you add spirits, stick to the basics: vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey. Provide simple mixers like tonic, soda, and fruit juices. This keeps the bar fast and reduces the chance of a messy cocktail menu.
Create a signature cocktail
A signature drink adds a personal touch without blowing the budget. Choose a flavor that matches your wedding colors or location—think a lavender gin fizz for a garden wedding or an elderflower spritz for a coastal setting.
Write the cocktail name on a small chalkboard or printed menu. Guests love seeing the custom name, and it becomes a fun photo moment.
Plan for legal and safety details
Check your local licensing rules. Most UK venues require a temporary alcohol licence if the bar is not part of an existing licensed premises. Your venue or planner can usually arrange this.
Don’t forget non‑alcoholic options. Sparkling water, mocktails, and soft drinks keep dry guests happy and ensure everyone can toast.
Final checklist
- Set a drink budget (about 10‑12% of total wedding cost).
- Decide on open, limited, or cocktail‑only bar.
- Choose wine, beer, and a few spirits that match your menu.
- Design one signature cocktail that fits your theme.
- Confirm licensing and provide plenty of non‑alcoholic drinks.
- Coordinate with venue and bartender for staffing and glassware.
With these steps, you’ll have a drink plan that feels thoughtful, stays on budget, and makes the reception memorable. Cheers to a smooth‑running wedding bar!
