In order to estimate the cost of your open bar, we suggest that you begin with your open bar wedding menu. This will give you a general idea to relay to bartenders so that you can then receive an estimate that’s as accurate as possible. Ideally, you will receive at least 3 customized estimates before you make your wedding bartender decision.

Keep reading to begin with a basic bar menu to use as a starting point to arrive at your final wedding bar and beverage menu. Coupled with suggestions to modify this standard to fit your budget, your guest count, and your preferences.

Basic Open Bar Wedding Menu

Let’s get to it! The following menu includes spirits, mixers, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages generally served at open bar weddings.

Signature Cocktails

• 2 featured or signature cocktails.

Spirits

• 3 Spirits – vodka / gin or tequila / whiskey.

Beer

• 2-3 Choices of beer – Stella Artois / Corona or Modelo / Lagunitas IPA.

Wine

• 4 varietals of wine (2 white, 2 red) – Sauvignon Blanc / Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio / Pinot Noir / Cabernet Sauvignon.

Mixers

• Coke / Diet Coke / Sprite / ginger ale / cranberry juice / pineapple juice / grapefruit juice / orange juice / soda water / tonic water.

Garnishes

Lemons / Limes / Signature Cocktail garnish.

Non-Alcoholic

Water / additional quantities of soft drinks included in mixers.

So that is, in short, a basic open bar wedding menu. The following sections will share in detail how 2 Peoples Bartending helps those planning a wedding narrow down their bar menu selections.

Narrowing Down Your Open Bar Wedding Menu

The first place we start with those who contact us for help is with a couple of questions that will guide you to the answers that are right for you.

Signature Cocktails

Choosing the specialty cocktails is a great start as this will help direct your wedding bar budget. However, this is certainly not necessary. In short, signature cocktails can be as simple as a Jack and Coke or as complex as lighting an orange zest on fire for each drink. What signature cocktails will do is highlight the drinks that many guests will choose. This allows you to estimate what the most popular drinks will be and focus your bar budget accordingly.

Spirits on the Open Bar Wedding Menu

The spirits you will serve at your wedding are pretty standard. Being that there are only so many popular options. Keeping it at 3 choices is also a great budget tip. The more variety you have the more quantity needs to be purchased ensuring you do not run out during service.

The Beer Menu

2 Peoples Bartending suggests serving a lighter beer, such as a lager or a blonde, along with a bolder flavored beer, like an IPA for example. Make sure to take the food menu into account when choosing beer. If you are reading this and feeling overwhelmed, we get it. We have done this for a long time and planning a wedding bar menu comes naturally. That being said, even if you live in another state and will never hire us, our staff will help you. I know a lot of people are not in the business of helping others when there is no profit involved, but that is contrary to who we are as people and how we operate as a business. So, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Wine Menu

Wine is also a pairing that should accompany the cuisine you will serve. Or at least not contrast with it. In general, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc will satisfy the largest variety of wine drinkers and will also enhance the largest variety of cuisine. Most important to note, above all, is the preferences of those getting married and their guests. There is no point in selecting a wine that may technically pair well with your cuisine if no one wants to drink it.

Open Bar Wedding Garnishes

Garnishes are a personal choice to serve or not to serve at events like weddings with a larger guest count. At 2 Peoples Bartending we bring fresh-squeezed juice ready for the guests wanting that extra splash of lemon or lime. Some guests will still opt for the fresh fruit wedge in their cocktail. But having the fresh-squeezed juice option can help save on wasted garnishes. The garnish selection will come together with the signature cocktails and mixers, but usually less is more.

Non-alcoholic Open Bar Wedding Menu

Depending on how your wedding bartenders serve and prepare their drinks, you can create a fun mocktail with the same ingredients that are in your signature cocktails. This is something we offer, as do most bartenders I would hope, to any guest who comes to our bar wanting something craft made and non-alcoholic.

Final Open Bar Wedding Tips

Before spending money on vendors, step back with your gathered estimates (food, cake, desert, etc.) and see who offers what. Some venues offer food and water service, some will offer a bar rental, some venues even offer specialty non-alcoholic lemonade stands. The point is that when you get an overall look at who will provide what and how much this will cost, it can really help narrow down your decision making. This is especially helpful when celebrating your wedding on a budget.

Cheers!

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