20 Things You MUST Know If You’re Having an Open Bar
Open bars have become a staple at wedding receptions, but they can often be a stress-inducing part of wedding planning, especially if you don’t know much about the protocol and cost of serving liquor to a large group.
What does a typical open bar include?
Your typical open bar should include the basics, 2 or 3 beer choices, 2 or 3 wine choices and your basic liquors such as whiskey, bourbon, vodka, rum, gin, scotch and tequila. Along with your basic mixers such as juices, tonic, club soda, assorted sodas, sweet and sour, and garnishes. With these basic ingredients a mixologist can make hundreds of cocktails.
An open bar can be as simple as beer and wine and be as complicated as specialty crafted cocktails. The decision is ultimately up to the client but generally, a fair selection of beer, wine, and liquor to accommodate all taste buds and drinking preferences.
What are some budget-friendly ways to have an open bar?
Buy from a liquor store that lets you return unopened products for a refund.
Consider working with your bartending company to create a custom liquor package.
Be sure to purchase alcohol through a licensed vendor who shops at a warehouse or gets discounts on alcohol.
Forego the champagne toast, let them toast with what they are already drinking. This saves not only on champagne cost but the rentals of the flutes as well.
Are there any etiquette rules associated with having an open bar?
The bartender should know and stand by when to cut off service to any particular person that has drunk too much.
Tip jars are appreciated but not always appropriate. If you wish to forgo the tip jar, a tip is appreciated at the end of the event for excellent service. The average event tip amount per bartender is $100.
Always keep in mind you or your guests can’t serve themselves alcohol a TABC certified and insured bartender must serve it.
We only serve to 21 and up with a valid state issued ID card. We will not allow underage drinking even with the consent of parent or guardian.
Our top priority is safety and adopted for some time a company-wide no shot policy. It is our obligation that everyone can make it home safely after the special celebration.
Guests who are exhibiting behaviors indicating being impaired, ie glossy eyes, slurred speech, inability to maintain balance will be cut off and offered water for the remainder of the event. Some may see this as a party crasher but the reality of a catastrophic accident after the event is authentic and we will ensure everyone keeps their celebration safe and moderated.
Are there different types/styles of open bars?
Build a bar for your taste or attitude. Things such as your signature drinks named alike are a great way to clue guests into a little bit about who you are and what your interests are.
Tiki-themed bars with mimosas, margaritas and such are great summer bars. Martini / whiskey-themed bars are favorite now, and premium bars can offer top-shelf alcohol, usually with a high-end tequila as well,” says Hines of Bartenders Express.
It can range from a basic open bar (vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, tequila, beer, and wine) with good alcohol or a specialty craft or themed menu with top-shelf alcohol.
Why should couples invest in an open bar?
It’s just for everyone to have fun. This is a memorable day and having a few drinks and dancing makes it even more memorable. You want your guest to be relaxed and enjoy themselves.
Open bars provide a client’s guest options in what to drink. They also take the pressure off of guests to carry cash with them and also speeds up lines (because paying for drinks takes a right amount of time – opening tabs is time consuming)