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How do I manage the bar cost for my wedding?

Choosing a bar option can be confusing with all the options given to you. Here are a few ideas to help you make a decision to best choose a bar option to fit within your budget:

  1. "Pay per person, per hour for one set price". For example, many restaurants will offer 2-4 different bar "levels" to choose from at a set price. The first level will usually be the least expensive with the lower call liquors at a set price. A typical entry level price example is $50 per person for 5 hours of drinking (plus tax and gratuity). Higher prices per person or by bar level, will be determined by higher call liquors in a certain bar level. This is a great way to know what your bar price will be, whether the person drinks a little or a lot. However, this is the best deal to confirm, if you have a group that likes to drink, so you will get more for your money.
  2. Pay "on consumption" means, we count the drinks people order and charge you for what they consume at the end of the night. This is a good choice if your group does not drink alot, as you will only be charged for drinks they consume.
  3. You may set a monetary limit. For example, if your budget only allows you to pay $2000.00 usd for the night, we will total the drinks consumed thru the night and then when we are within $100 of the limit you set for yourself, we will tell you "your group has consumed $1900.00 usd in beverages, would you like to increase your bar tonight, or shall we announce a "last call" advising guests the host bar will be closed within the next 15 minutes and after that, drinks will be available on a cash basis"? At this time you can decide to cut the bar at your designated budget or increase it, perhaps another $500.00 as you wish thru the night.
  4. Instead of an open bar, you can also limit your offerings to your guests, maybe beer on tap and margaritas and then all other drinks can be purchased indiviudally by the guests.
  5. For your toast, you can choose to purchase a set amount of bottles of champagne for your guests (we estimate 7 glasses per bottle), or perhaps purchase a special bottle for the bridal or family table and then purchase sparkling wine for other guests. Or you can decide not to offer champagne and then toast with the drink the guests have "in hand" during the event.

Talk to your Wedding Planner to decide which is best for your wedding day.