Creating a memorable guest experience can be really fun when it comes to your beverage bar. Gone are the days when a bar was just a clothed table at the side of the room. More recently it is an element of the event that can serve as a focal point in the overall design and a fun place for guests to do more than grab a beer. Today we want to share some bar ideas to turn your bar into a seamless part of the experience at your wedding or any event.
Adhere to Venue Policies
When brainstorming bar ideas, check your venue policies before making a decision. Many venues (including Wisteria) do not allow hard
alcohol. You want to avoid coming up with cocktails that use spirits only to find out they are not allowed. The good news is that many cocktails can be made with a wine or champagne base.
Consider Your Space
Think about incorporating your overall design into the bar space but remembering it must also be functional for your guests. When planning the layout of your reception space, make sure to allow room for a line to form. If you place guest tables too close to the bar area, the guests seated nearby will be crowded all night. If you anticipate the bar to be busy all night, consider having multiple bars to spread the lines between locations.
Mobile Options
Consider a mobile bar option if space is an issue or you want something more unique. Renovated campers, horse trailers, and airstreams have been converted into cute bars that can pull alongside your venue. Not only does it save space, but it is another decor element that adds visual interest to your entire wedding. In the peak season Wisteria Gardens uses our silo building as the bar. It’s super unique and located perfectly so that it doesn’t disrupt seating inside the event barn.
Use Signage
Only some people are familiar with types of wine, beer, or cocktails, and ordering at a bar can be intimidating. Having a menu sign with
some explanation can make ordering a breeze. It is also another way to tie in your wedding design. At Wisteria, we offer antique chalkboard doors to use as signage for beverage lists, menus, schedules and more.
Signature Cocktails
A signature cocktail is not a new bar idea, but it can be a fun way to share something you love with your guests. A signature cocktail can also help you save money. If you want to reduce your alcohol costs, offering 1-2 options will reduce the quantity of what you must purchase.
Interactive Options
If you have the space, consider options that allow your guests to customize their drinks. Remember, guests cannot serve themselves alcoholic beverages, but once the licensed bartender passes the drink, your guests can customize away! For example, you could have a bubbly your-way bar. After being served a glass of champagne, have a variety of fruits, garnishes, and syrups that your guests can add.
Make Non-Alcoholic Interesting
Non-drinkers are usually offered soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water as their only options. These options are fine for kids, but adults might enjoy something more interesting. With all the mocktail options available, consider having non-alcoholic signature cocktails for your guests who do not drink alcohol.
Since your guests will be enjoying your celebration for hours, the bar will be essential to the night. Whether serving various cocktails, beer, and wine, or a simple signature cocktail, your bar is a great place to showcase your style! Wisteria Gardens has a ton of bar ideas and locations to choose from! If you would like to learn more about your wedding or event with us, contact us! We would love to show you around.
