This is also where it is important to consider your guest list as well. Maybe your family and friends love them some Whiskey – better get extra! Are you prone to breaking out the tequila shots? Stock up on extra tequila, salt, and limes! Of course, beer and wine will still dominate your drink orders, so use the guidelines above to supplement your liquor for your full bar.
TOASTS?
One last thing to consider—regardless of what type of bar you are having—is whether or not you will be doing a full Champagne toast with all of your guests. With an average of 8-10 toasting servings per bottle, you will need to add this to your overall bar list as well.
5. What Type of Glassware Will You Be Using?
SIZE MATTERS
As defined by the graphic above, serving the proper portions for each drink will ensure that your alcohol calculations stay on track. One thing to be aware of when selecting your glassware is how much a serving size really is, and what that will look like in the glasses you are using. For example, the estimate of four glasses per bottle in the infographic above equals about six ounces per serving. In the proper glassware, this will look like a typical serving. If you select glassware that is oversized, it might look cool, but your pours will seem very small. This has the potential to encourage your bartenders to overpour the drinks and throw off your entire calculation! Or even worse, make you look stingy—which your not; you just have glasses that are too big! Wine glasses come in a vast range of sizes—anywhere from eight to twenty ounces on average; with your calculated pours being six ounces, you will want to keep this in mind!
6. Don’t Forget Non Alcoholic Options!
Of course, not everyone at your wedding will partake in your alcohol selections. Whether adult or child, you will want to be sure to have some fun options for these guests as well. Of course, water is a necessary choice, be it bottled or in self-serve dispensers next to the bar. It is really a thoughtful touch to have water available separate from the bartenders. You don’t want to make your non-alcohol-drinking guests have to wait in the long line for a water. It’s one thing if you are waiting for mixed drink yourself, but frustrating when you just want a simple water or soda!
In addition to water, be sure to have plenty of soda, possibly even including some fun seltzers and fancy bottle sodas. In addition, a lemonade or iced tea might be a nice addition, based on what time of day or year your event takes place.
P.S. Make sure your bartenders are aware of your expectations!
Making sure your bartenders know your wishes regarding portion sizes, timing of toasts, and potential beverage stations for non-alcoholic beverages, will make the event go so much smoother. Another big tip is to hire extra bartenders for your cocktail hour only. When your guests first arrive at your reception, they are going to be ready to grab a drink right away! And there is nothing worse that a line that is a mile long to get that drink, right?!? Having double the bartenders for just this inital rush will alleviate this traffic jam at the bar and keep your guests very happy. Again, time of year really comes into play on this one too: if it is super hot outside, your guests will be even more thirsty and looking for a quick drink to cool them down. People already get cranky enough when they’re hot; not having a cool drink will make them even crankier!