Open vs Cash Bar
- •Open bar: Best guest experience, higher cost
- •Cash bar: Lower cost, but can feel less generous
- •Hybrid: Host beer/wine, cash for cocktails
How Much Alcohol?
General rule: 1 drink per guest per hour for the first hour, then 0.5 drinks per hour after that.
Estimate precisely using the Wedding Drink Calculator Tool.
Signature Drinks
Adding 1–2 signature cocktails: - Reduces costs (batch-friendly) - Adds personalization - Creates Instagram-worthy moments
Budget Tips
- •Skip top-shelf for well/call brands
- •Offer beer and wine during dinner, full bar during cocktail hour
- •Buy in bulk where venue allows
Plan your bar with the Free Bar Planning Tool.
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alcohol planning
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