Open bars at weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a way for guests to let loose and celebrate. However, it's essential to approach this decision carefully, as it can significantly impact your budget and the overall tone of the event.
This comprehensive guide will navigate you through everything you need to consider when choosing an open bar for your wedding. From understanding the costs to deciding on the right drinks and setting responsible consumption guidelines, we'll cover it all to ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for your special day.
Open Bar Wedding Sign
Here are seven important points to consider:
- Set a budget
- Choose the right drinks
- Set consumption guidelines
- Design a clear sign
- Consider the venue
- Hire a bartender
- Communicate to guests
By following these tips, you can ensure that your open bar is a success and that your guests have a fantastic time celebrating your special day.
Set a budget
The first step in planning your open bar is to set a budget. This will help you determine how much you can spend on drinks and other related expenses, such as bartenders and glassware.
- Consider your guest count: The number of guests you invite will significantly impact your budget. The more guests you have, the more you'll need to spend on drinks.
- Choose your drinks wisely: Not all drinks are created equal when it comes to cost. Hard liquor is typically more expensive than beer and wine. If you're on a tight budget, consider limiting the selection of hard liquor or offering a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.
- Negotiate with vendors: Don't be afraid to negotiate with vendors, especially if you're booking multiple services (e.g., catering, bar service, etc.). You may be able to get a better deal by bundling services.
- Set a consumption limit: One way to control costs is to set a consumption limit for each guest. This could be a certain number of drinks per hour or a set amount of time that the bar is open.
Once you've set a budget, stick to it as much as possible. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning your wedding and overspend, but it's important to remember that you have a financial plan.
Choose the right drinks
The drinks you choose for your open bar will significantly impact the cost and tone of your wedding. Here are a few things to consider when making your selections:
- Consider your guests' tastes: If you know your guests well, you'll have a good idea of what drinks they'll enjoy. If you're not sure, consider conducting a poll or asking for recommendations from your wedding planner or venue.
- Think about the season and time of day: If you're having a summer wedding, you'll want to offer refreshing drinks like beer, wine, and cocktails. For a winter wedding, you could offer warmer drinks like coffee, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.
- Set a budget: The cost of drinks can vary significantly, so it's important to set a budget before you start making your selections. Hard liquor is typically the most expensive, followed by wine and beer. You can save money by offering a limited selection of drinks or by choosing less expensive brands.
- Consider your venue: Some venues have restrictions on the types of drinks that can be served. For example, some churches may not allow alcohol to be served on the premises. Be sure to check with your venue before finalizing your drink menu.
Once you've considered all of these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices. It's a good idea to offer a variety of drinks to appeal to all of your guests, but don't feel like you have to offer everything. Choose drinks that you and your partner enjoy and that fit within your budget and venue restrictions.
Set consumption guidelines
Once you've chosen your drinks, it's important to set consumption guidelines to ensure that your guests enjoy themselves responsibly. Here are a few things to consider:
- Set a time limit: One way to control consumption is to set a time limit for the open bar. For example, you could offer an open bar for the first two hours of the reception and then switch to a cash bar or limited bar service.
- Limit the number of drinks per guest: Another option is to limit the number of drinks that each guest can consume. For example, you could give each guest a drink ticket or token that they can exchange for a drink at the bar.
- Offer non-alcoholic drinks: Be sure to offer a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, such as water, soda, and juice. This will help guests to stay hydrated and avoid overconsumption of alcohol.
- Hire responsible bartenders: Your bartenders should be trained to serve alcohol responsibly. They should be able to recognize the signs of intoxication and refuse to serve guests who are already drunk.
It's also important to communicate your consumption guidelines to your guests. You can do this by posting a sign at the bar or by having your bartenders inform guests of the rules. By setting clear consumption guidelines, you can help to ensure that your guests have a safe and enjoyable time at your wedding.
Design a clear sign
Your open bar sign should be clear and easy to read, even from a distance. It should include the following information:
- The hours that the open bar will be available
- Any consumption guidelines, such as a drink limit per guest or a time limit
- A statement that the bar is for guests 21 years of age and older
You can also include additional information on the sign, such as the types of drinks that will be served or the name of the signature cocktail. However, it's important to keep the sign concise and easy to understand.
The design of the sign should complement the overall style of your wedding. If you're having a formal wedding, you may want to choose a sign with a classic design. For a more casual wedding, you could choose a sign with a more whimsical or modern design.
Once you've designed your sign, be sure to print it on high-quality paper or cardstock. You can also frame the sign to give it a more polished look.
Consider the venue
The venue you choose for your wedding will impact your open bar options. Some venues have in-house bars, while others require you to hire an outside vendor. If you're hiring an outside vendor, be sure to get a contract in writing that outlines the costs, services, and insurance requirements.
- Size of the venue: The size of the venue will determine how many guests you can accommodate at the open bar. Be sure to choose a venue that is large enough to accommodate your guest count comfortably.
- Layout of the venue: The layout of the venue will also impact your open bar options. If the bar is located in a central location, it will be easy for guests to access. However, if the bar is located in a more remote location, you may need to hire additional staff to serve drinks.
- Venue rules and regulations: Some venues have rules and regulations regarding open bars. For example, some venues may not allow hard liquor to be served or may require you to hire a security guard. Be sure to check with the venue before finalizing your open bar plans.
- Insurance: Most venues require vendors to have insurance. Be sure to ask your open bar vendor for a certificate of insurance before booking their services.
By considering the venue carefully, you can ensure that your open bar is a success.
Hire a bartender
If you're having an open bar at your wedding, you'll need to hire a bartender or bartenders to serve drinks to your guests. Here are a few things to consider when hiring a bartender:
- Experience: Be sure to hire a bartender with experience working at weddings or other large events. This will ensure that they are familiar with the demands of serving a large number of guests.
- Personality: Your bartender should be friendly and outgoing, and they should be able to interact with guests in a professional and courteous manner.
- Cost: The cost of hiring a bartender will vary depending on their experience, the size of your event, and the location of your wedding. Be sure to get quotes from several bartenders before making a decision.
- Insurance: Be sure to ask your bartender for a certificate of insurance. This will protect you in the event that they cause any damage or injuries while working at your wedding.
Once you've hired a bartender, be sure to provide them with all the necessary information about your wedding, including the start and end times of the open bar, the types of drinks that will be served, and any consumption guidelines that you have set.
Communicate to guests
Once you've planned your open bar, it's important to communicate the details to your guests. Here are a few ways to do this:
- Post a sign at the bar: This is the most common way to communicate the details of your open bar to guests. Be sure to include the hours that the bar will be open, any consumption guidelines, and a statement that the bar is for guests 21 years of age and older.
- Include information on your wedding website: If you have a wedding website, be sure to include information about the open bar, including the hours, location, and any consumption guidelines.
- Announce the open bar at the reception: Once the reception begins, you can have your DJ or MC announce the open bar and remind guests of any consumption guidelines.
By communicating the details of your open bar to guests in advance, you can help to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time at your wedding.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about open bar wedding signs:
Question 1: What information should I include on my open bar sign?
Answer: Your open bar sign should include the following information:
- The hours that the open bar will be available
- Any consumption guidelines, such as a drink limit per guest or a time limit
- A statement that the bar is for guests 21 years of age and older
Question 2: How do I design my open bar sign?
Answer: You can design your open bar sign yourself using a computer program or online template. You can also hire a professional designer to create a custom sign for you.
Question 3: Where should I place my open bar sign?
Answer: Your open bar sign should be placed in a prominent location where guests can easily see it. This could be near the bar itself, on a table near the entrance to the reception area, or on an easel near the dance floor.
Question 4: What are some creative ideas for open bar signs?
Answer: Here are a few creative ideas for open bar signs:
- A chalkboard sign with a handwritten message
- A sign made out of wood or metal with a custom design
- A sign with a photo of you and your partner
Question 5: How do I communicate the details of my open bar to guests?
Answer: You can communicate the details of your open bar to guests by posting a sign at the bar, including information on your wedding website, and announcing the open bar at the reception.
Question 6: What are some tips for managing an open bar at my wedding?
Answer: Here are a few tips for managing an open bar at your wedding:
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Choose the right drinks for your guests.
- Set consumption guidelines to prevent overconsumption.
- Hire a responsible bartender.
- Communicate the details of your open bar to guests in advance.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your open bar is a success and that your guests have a safe and enjoyable time at your wedding.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are a few additional tips for using an open bar wedding sign:
Tips
Here are a few additional tips for using an open bar wedding sign:
Tip 1: Use clear and concise language. Your sign should be easy to read and understand, even from a distance. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that guests may not be familiar with.
Tip 2: Make sure your sign is visible. Place your sign in a prominent location where guests can easily see it. You may also want to consider using a backlight or other lighting to make your sign more visible at night.
Tip 3: Keep your sign updated. If you make any changes to your open bar, such as the hours of operation or the drink menu, be sure to update your sign accordingly.
Tip 4: Use your sign to promote your signature cocktail. If you have a signature cocktail for your wedding, use your open bar sign to promote it. You can include a photo of the cocktail, the recipe, or a brief description.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your open bar wedding sign is effective and informative.
Conclusion:
Conclusion
Open bar wedding signs are a great way to inform guests about the availability of alcohol at your wedding. By following the tips in this article, you can create a sign that is clear, concise, and informative.
Here are the main points to remember when creating your open bar wedding sign:
- Include the hours that the open bar will be available.
- List any consumption guidelines, such as a drink limit per guest or a time limit.
- State that the bar is for guests 21 years of age and older.
- Design your sign in a way that is consistent with the overall style of your wedding.
- Place your sign in a prominent location where guests can easily see it.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your open bar wedding sign is a success and that your guests have a safe and enjoyable time at your wedding.