Planning a memorable wedding reception without sacrificing your budget sounds like a daunting task, but with a little preparation, you can have it all. An open bar is often considered a luxurious touch, yet it’s crucial to consider the costs involved before making a decision. In this post, we’ll delve into the essential factors to ponder when opting for an open bar and share some valuable tips to minimize expenses without compromising on the experience.
What is an Open Bar?
Hosting an open bar where the host covers all the costs of liquor and drinks can be a popular choice for weddings, parties, and corporate or charity events. This type of hospitality is often contrasted with cash bars, dry weddings, or other options that require guests to pay for their own beverages. When you opt for an open bar, you’re showing your appreciation to your guests for attending by providing them with a wide range of drinks at no additional cost.
But what’s the actual cost of running an open bar? That’s the key question many event planners and hosts want answered.
Average Cost of an Open Bar at Weddings
The cost of serving alcohol at a wedding can vary greatly, ranging from a couple hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. While exact figures can be difficult to determine, we do have some insight into the average cost. According to The Knot’s 2018 survey, the typical price tag for an open bar at a wedding is approximately $2,500, not including taxes and fees that can bump up the total to just over $3,000.
For couples willing to splurge on the convenience of an all-inclusive bar, this may be a reasonable expense. However, for those looking to keep costs in check, there are strategies to explore that can help bring down the price tag.
Factors That Affect the Cost
When it comes to planning a wedding, couples often overlook the various options available for bar services, which can significantly impact the overall cost. From signature cocktails to beer and wine choices, there are numerous factors that influence the final bill.
Number of Guests
The guest count has a profound impact on nearly every aspect of your wedding budget. The total number of attendees directly influences expenses such as alcohol, catering, venues, equipment rental, and party favors. When it comes to an open bar, the more guests drinking, the higher the overall tab. This is true whether you opt for bulk discounts or hire a professional bar service. In some cases, you may be charged a fixed fee per guest, which can add up quickly.
According to industry averages, the cost of an open bar is around $20 per person. With the average wedding featuring 126 guests, this would translate to a total bill of $2,520. A larger wedding with 250 attendees could easily exceed $5,000 in costs, while a smaller gathering of 80 guests might cost around $1,600. The quality and selection of alcohol, as well as the venue’s pricing structure, will also play a significant role in determining your overall per-head cost.
Who Provides the Alcohol?
When it comes to securing alcohol for your event, there are several options to consider. You can choose to purchase all the necessary spirits and beverages yourself, or rely on professionals to handle the task. Self-provisioning is often the most cost-effective route, as you can buy in bulk from a warehouse or distributor and avoid markup fees. However, be sure to review your venue or caterer contract carefully to ensure that you’re not inadvertently committing to use their bar services.
Alternatively, you can opt for a professional bar service or have your caterer provide the drinks. In these cases, you’ll typically be charged a fee per person, which may or may not include gratuities and taxes. Regardless of which route you choose, it’s essential to factor in the costs and consider what will work best for your event budget.
Type of Alcohol
When it comes to saving money on drinks at your wedding, consider what type of beverages you’re serving. If you and your guests are particular about premium liquors, be prepared to pay a premium for the selection. On the other hand, if quality or brand isn’t a top priority, you can opt for more affordable options. For instance, a $30 bottle of gin that yields 40 gin and tonics will likely save you a significant amount compared to a $150 bottle of gin that serves the same number of drinks.
Another key consideration is whether you want to offer a full bar with various liquors and signature drinks or stick to beer, wine, and champagne. Many couples assume serving only beer, wine, and champagne will be more budget-friendly, but this isn’t always the case. When it comes to liquor, you’ll typically get more drinks served per bottle compared to wine.
For example, $20 bottles of vodka can make a variety of cocktails, whereas the same price point for a bottle of wine might only yield a few glasses.
Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right balance between quality and cost.
Venue & Licensing
When considering the cost of drinks at your wedding, it’s essential to factor in the rules and regulations at your chosen venue. Some venues may have exclusive contracts with catering services or bars, requiring you to use those specific providers. Others might offer their own bar services, leading to varying pricing structures.
Typically, venues charge in one of two ways: by consumption or flat rate.
By consumption, the venue provides drinks throughout the event and then bills you for exactly how much your guests consumed. In contrast, a flat rate is agreed upon beforehand and usually depends on the number of attendees. For instance, a venue might charge $20 per guest for 150 people, resulting in a total cost of $3,000 regardless of actual consumption.
Consumption-based pricing tends to be more expensive.
However, if you have many guests who don’t drink or are moderate in their consumption, a ‘per drink’ plan could help you save money. On the other hand, a flat rate is often a smarter choice when you know most guests will be drinking and you want a clear budget upfront.
It’s also crucial to clarify licensing arrangements with your venue. Some venues already possess a liquor license, while others may require the catering or bar company to bring their own.
Your contract might stipulate that you cover any licensing fees.
Bartender Costs
To successfully manage an open bar, skilled bartenders are essential. Their expertise lies in crafting unique cocktails, maintaining glassware cleanliness, and preventing any untoward incidents involving potent spirits. However, it’s crucial to consider the costs involved in hiring these professionals. The average hourly rate for a bartender varies across states and is influenced by their level of experience. Typically, you can expect to pay around $40 per hour for their services.
For events that don’t exceed 2-3 hours, a flat fee may be more suitable. It’s also essential to acknowledge the bartenders’ dedication and hard work by showing your appreciation through tips. While some guests might bring cash as a token of gratitude, it’s recommended that the hosts or event organizers plan for a larger tip to compensate the bartender for their full night’s labor.
Limited Bar or Full Bar
When budget constraints arise, hosts may opt for a ‘limited bar’ approach. This involves covering the cost of drinks, but with a curated selection. You might limit the options to beer and wine, or expand it to include a signature cocktail and champagne. This flexible solution can be framed in various ways, ultimately saving the hosts a pretty penny.
A limited bar is an attractive alternative that doesn’t negatively impact guests’ enjoyment of the celebration.
It’s a more palatable option than a cash bar, where guests are responsible for paying their own drinks. On the other hand, it does reduce the overall cost per person compared to a full open bar.
In contrast, a full bar offers an expansive selection, allowing guests to order any drink they desire at the wedding reception. While this indulgent approach requires more financial investment, some couples may deem the party’s success worth the extra expense.