Open Bar: Make Every Sip Count: A Boozy Guide to BYOB!

 

Make Every Sip Count: A Boozy Guide to BYOB for Your 150-Person Open Bar Event!

Planning a wedding  can be an exciting experience, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many details to consider, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the decisions that need to be made. One important decision to consider is what alcohol to serve at your wedding if your venue allows you to bring your own. If you have 150 guests and a 5-hour open bar, you'll want to ensure you have a good selection of drinks to cater to everyone's preferences. This task may seem daunting, especially if you're unsure of where to begin. However, fear not! With our expert guide, you'll be on your way to creating a memorable and enjoyable celebration for your guests.

What is an Open Bar?

An open bar allows guests to order any drink they want, but it's not always the best option. If most guests will only have a few drinks, the costs may be too high. It's essential to consider the potential consumption of alcohol before deciding on an open bar. 

What types of alcohol should you consider?

When it comes to choosing alcohol for your wedding, variety is key. You'll want to offer a selection of beer, wine, and spirits to cater to all of your guests' preferences. Here is a suggested list to get you started:

• Beer: Consider offering a mix of light and dark beers to appeal to different tastes. Popular choices include lagers, IPAs, and porters.
• Wine: Have a selection of red, white, and sparkling wines available. Opt for a mix of sweet, dry, and medium-bodied wines to please all of your guests.
• Spirits: Stock up on a few different types of liquor such as vodka, rum, whiskey, and tequila. Don't forget mixers like soda, tonic water, and juice for cocktails.
• Non-alcoholic options: It's also important to provide non-alcoholic options such as sparkling water, soda, and juice for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol.

Boozy guide: How much alcohol should you buy? 

Calculating how much alcohol to buy can be a daunting task, especially when you have a large guest count. A general rule of thumb is to estimate about one drink per guest per hour. So for 150 guests for 5 hours, you would need around 750 drinks in total. To break it down further, you could aim for about 50% wine, 30% beer, and 20% spirits to ensure a good balance.

FYI: Considerations for Your Bar Setup

• Before choosing an open bar, don't forget to factor in the following:
• Check with your venue: Find out if they provide barware, such as glasses, cups, and utensils. If not, you'll need to budget for them separately.
• Calculate your glassware needs: For a guest count of 150, you'll need: 
• Wine glasses
• Beer glasses
• All-purpose glasses for water, soft drinks, and mixed drinks

Remember to factor these additional costs into your overall budget to ensure you're prepared for your big day.

How Many Glasses DO I NEED

Budget-friendly tips for buying alcohol:

1. Buy in bulk: Purchasing alcohol in larger quantities can often lead to significant savings. 
2. Shop at wholesale stores: Consider shopping at wholesale stores or online retailers that offer discounts for bulk purchases. 
3. Ask for discounts: Don't be afraid to ask your local liquor store for a discount on larger quantities or special orders. 
4. Opt for house brands or generic labels: These options can often be just as good as name-brand products but at a lower cost. 
5. Consider alternative beverages: In addition to traditional beer and wine, consider offering alternative beverages like sake or craft sodas.

Open Bar: Make Every Sip Count: A Boozy Guide to BYOB!

Choosing the right alcohol for your wedding venue can be a fun and rewarding experience. By considering a variety of drinks, estimating quantities accurately, and shopping smartly, you can ensure that your guests have a fantastic time celebrating with you. Remember to plan ahead and enjoy the process of creating a memorable and enjoyable celebration.

Keren Michele, Accredited Event Coordinator at K’Mich Event Planning & Consulting! Whether it's crafting captivating narratives, expertly organizing unique weddings and events, or offering valuable advice to couples during their special day preparations, Keren is dedicated to making your event extraordinary. 

P.S. - Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways we can help you with your wedding planning. Phone consultation: These are thirty minutes long and focus on asking you questions about what you hope to achieve for your wedding soirée. Wedding Day Management [Day-of Coordination] Couples can utilize this service for last-minute planning or to tie up loose ends.  Partial Wedding Planning: This is for the couple who wants to maintain control of the wedding but need a little help with bringing  everything together.