How to Save Money on the Bar Without Cutting Corners

Weddings and celebrations are about gathering your favorite people and raising a glass to new beginnings. But stocking a bar for all your guests can become one of the biggest line items on your budget if you're not careful. The good news? You can still impress your guests and keep the drinks flowing—without overspending.

Here are practical, expert tips for saving money on your bar while keeping the experience elevated and enjoyable.

Know Your Crowd

Before you buy a single bottle, think about your guest list. Are they big beer drinkers? Wine sippers? Cocktail lovers? Take into account age range, cultural norms, and time of day. Once you know your crowd, you can tailor your bar offerings and avoid overbuying things no one will drink.

Go Limited Instead of Full Open Bar

A full open bar sounds generous, but it often leads to waste and inflated costs. Instead, offer:

- One or two signature cocktails
- Beer and wine
- A non-alcoholic punch or mocktail
- No-host bar for hard alcohol (anything other than beer or wine)

This keeps things simple for your bartenders, speeds up service, and lets you control inventory.

Signature Cocktails to the Rescue [Link this to the Signature Cocktail post]

Signature cocktails are beautiful, memorable, and surprisingly cost-effective. Choose one drink that represents you as a couple—then batch it ahead of time. That means fewer bottles to purchase and faster service.

Pro tip: Avoid cocktails with expensive liqueurs or labor-intensive garnishes. Stick to options that are easy to prep and pour.

Skip the Keg—Maybe

Kegs seem like a great deal, but only if you finish them. Partially used kegs can’t be returned, and serving beer from a keg requires extra equipment and sometimes even a bartender who knows how to handle it.

If you’re unsure your crowd will drink enough beer, bottled or canned beer may actually be more cost-effective—and easier to chill.

Sangria: Elegant and Budget-Friendly

One of our favorite tips? Sangria. It’s colorful, festive, and can be made with inexpensive wine, sliced fruit, and a splash of soda or juice. It looks beautiful in a dispenser and adds flair without requiring top-shelf ingredients.

Buy Your Own Alcohol

Many venues allow you to bring your own alcohol, which can significantly reduce costs. Buying from a liquor store that offers bulk discounts or allows returns for unopened bottles is a smart strategy. Just be sure to check with your venue first—some charge corkage fees or require licensed bartenders.

Limit Bar Hours

Consider opening the bar after the ceremony, and closing it during dinner or an hour before the event ends. This encourages guests to pace themselves and cuts down on waste. Offering a champagne toast and wine with dinner covers that portion of the night beautifully.

Use Glassware Strategically

Renting glassware can get pricey. Reduce the number of glasses needed by using one multipurpose glass style (like a stemless wine glass) for multiple types of drinks. Guests will be less likely to set down and abandon their glass if they know it’s their only one.

Don’t Forget Non-Alcoholic Options

Having great non-alcoholic choices helps reduce alcohol consumption and keeps guests hydrated. A water station with fruit-infused water, lemonade, iced tea, or mocktails gives guests variety—and keeps things festive for everyone.

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