Wedding Bar Planning: The Ultimate Checklist & Expert Tips for a Flawless Experience
Feb 16, 2025
Planning your wedding bar involves more than just mixing drinks and pouring champagne—it’s about creating an enjoyable, stress-free experience for you and your guests. At Chesapeake Bartenders, we’ve seen it all, and we know that a well-organized bar can make all the difference.
Below is a comprehensive checklist and helpful tips to ensure your wedding bar is nothing short of amazing. From logistics and add-ons to insider tips on avoiding long lines, we’ve got you covered!
For our wedding couples in Maryland, Delaware, DC and Virginia, please read through this 2- 3 months before your wedding. It is really important we have every little detail covered so we can deliver the wedding bar experience you dreamed of!
Checklist: What We Need to Know
To help us provide seamless service, please review the checklist below and send us any missing information so we can keep everything organized in your client folder.
- Wedding Planner/Day-of Coordinator: Yes/No (If yes, what is their name and contact info?)
- COI (Certificate of Insurance)
- Updated Guest Count
- Will trash cans and trash bags be provided for the bar? Yes/No
- Who is responsible for trash removal? (Are there dumpsters on-site, or is trash driven off-site?)
- Is the catering company providing water? Are they taking their own trash when they are finished?
- Do you have a timeline to share with us?
- Have you shared your vision board/Pinterest board with us so we can ensure your décor and custom menu match?
- Load-in and vendor parking: Who is the best contact at your venue to review these details with?
- Outdoor Bars – Is there a rain contingency plan?
- Outdoor Bars – Is there lighting at the bar when the sun goes down?
- Floorplan – Do you have a floorplan you can share with us?
- Floral – Do you want floral on the bar?
- Who should our team contact when they arrive on-site for setup?
Wedding Bar Checklist For Couples
You can also download a PDF to print out here:
Wedding Bar Add-On Ideas
Want to make your bar experience even more memorable? Here are some fun and functional add-ons to consider:
Bourbon Bar or Drink Station
Display a selection of bourbon, scotch, tequila, or dessert liqueurs (Bailey’s, anyone?) on our beautifully styled drink station—a great complement to the main bar.
Add-on for $50
The bourbon bar signage was custom made by Kate Slayton Lettering – we highly recommend checking her out as she ships throughout the United States!
Photo by Lisa K Photography
Business & Pleasure Umbrella
For outdoor receptions, this oversized and classic umbrella keeps chilled drinks cool, prevents ice from melting too quickly, and offers shade for our bartenders.
Add for $100
Lighting Solutions
Once the sun goes down, good lighting is essential to keep the drinks flowing. (Otherwise, you might end up with an orange crush made with gin—oops!) We offer a variety of lighting solutions, including venue lighting and mobile Edison string lights.
Our Favorite Solution: Battery-Charged White Bar Top Lights – you can order these online, or we can provide them for you as a rental.
Add on Bar Lights To Your Wedding Bar Service
- $50 for 4 (2 for front bar, 2 for back bar)
- $35 for 2 (both for front bar)
OR
Purchase these cordless lights for your wedding bar here:
*We earn a small commission if you purchase these lights, which helps support our small business. We only recommend things we love, so we hope this helps!
Custom Bar Menus
We work with talented artists like Kate Slayton Lettering and Lucky Kat Designs to create custom menu designs that match your wedding theme. If you prefer a fully custom menu, send us examples of bar signage you love, and we’ll provide a quote.
Pictured Below – a custom signature cocktail menu from Kate Slayton Lettering, featuring beautiful bar florals from Three Little Buds.
Photo By: Lisa K Photography
Coffee and Cold Brew Station
We get a lot of requests for espresso martinis, but did you know we offer coffee bar packages as well? Our commercial-grade equipment can brew fresh coffee, hot cider, and hot chocolate. This package includes a custom coffee bar menu, creamers, non-dairy options, custom-color cups with lids, stirrers, and cold brew.
Pictured below: coffee bar set up by Chesapeake Bartenders for a Galentine-themed bridal shower at 1631 Venue on Kent Island
Florals
My most favorite wedding bars contain some element of florals. After all, florals are a significant part of your reception aesthetic, but I rarely see couple’s adding floral to the bar. I highly recommend doing so, along with these tips for adding flowers or greenery to your wedding bar:
- Opt for a petite floral accent for the bar (big florals take away from surface area the bartenders need to build drinks)
- As pictured below in a creation from Three Little Buds Floral of Maryland, add a gorgeous floral cloud down the side of the front serving bar. This ensures the floral is not in the way of the bartender, but makes for a stunning bar facade
- Include small accent tables flanking the front of the bar with small floral arrangements
How to Avoid Long Bar Lines at Your Wedding
The busiest time for our bartenders is right when the bar opens—either at cocktail hour or the main reception. Why does this happen? Everyone makes a beeline for the bar, and a line forms quickly. While our bartenders are talented and fast, there are several factors that impact how quickly we can get a drink in everyone’s hands.
It’s really important to set the right expectations, and we want to be fully transparent so you receive the seamless wedding bar service you envision.
Avoid Complex Craft Cocktails During Cocktail Hour
I get a LOT of pushback on this one, but as someone with two decades of experience, I’ve seen this scenario play out countless times:
His signature drink is an old fashioned, and hers is an espresso martini. These drinks are meaningful because they were what they ordered on their first date, so naturally, they want them featured as their signature drinks. The problem? Both drinks take about three times as long to prepare compared to pouring wine or opening a bottle of beer. This slows the bar service significantly.
Does This Mean You Can’t Have Signature Drinks During Cocktail Hour?
Absolutely not! This is YOUR day, and we’re here to bring your vision to life. However, if you want more complex cocktails during cocktail hour, we’ll need to work together to make sure we have the right resources.
Our Solutions for Minimizing Bar Lines
-
Additional Staff:
Yes, there is an added cost, but it makes all the difference. To execute a cocktail-heavy menu efficiently, we recommend adding a barback and/or another bartender to float through the cocktail hour with a tray of pre-poured drinks. This reduces pressure on the main bar and keeps the line moving.
-
Pre-Poured Cocktails:
This is a fantastic option for mojitos, margaritas, rocks-style drinks, and martinis. Our team can begin prepping your signature drinks about 20 minutes before the bar opens to ensure they’re ready to go when guests arrive.
Why Beer and Wine-Only Cocktail Hours Are a Great Option
In my experience, many couples opt for beer and wine only during cocktail hour to avoid the stress of long lines. Beer and wine are the fastest drinks to serve, allowing bartenders to work efficiently and serve more guests in less time.
Cocktail Hour and Main Reception in Different Locations
It’s common for cocktail hour to be in a separate location—outdoor patios, porticos, or other areas separate from the main reception bar. While this is a great way to use different spaces, it does require some extra planning.
- Set-Up Time: We essentially set up two bars instead of one, delivering ice, alcohol, and supplies to both locations.
- Bar Back Support: A barback ensures smooth transitions between bars by moving ice, alcohol, and equipment while the bartender serves guests.
- Glassware: If you’re opting for glassware instead of plastic, we’ll need additional tables to store it.
Trash Removal: What You Need to Know
Trash removal is often misunderstood. Our team is usually the last to leave, and if catering companies leave trash behind, guests may expect us to clean it up. Unfortunately, this is not a standard part of our service (though we do offer it as an add-on).
Key Considerations:
- Is the catering company taking their trash upon departure? Get this in writing.
- What are the venue’s rules for trash and recycling? Please share this information with our team.
- Are caterers proactively clearing tables? This helps prevent buildup.
- Will there be trash cans at the bar? If not, we rent trash cans for $25 (includes two cans + bags).
- Off-Site Trash Removal: Available upon request; we send special vehicles for this service.
Water Station: Keep Your Guests Hydrated
Having enough water is crucial, especially for outdoor or summer weddings. Here’s how to ensure your guests stay hydrated:
- Filtered Water: Included in our classic wedding bar package for guests passing by the bar before the ceremony.
- Self-Serve Water Station: We can set up a station near the bar that bartenders will replenish throughout the evening.
- Tin Bins with Bottled Water: A great grab-and-go option.
Rain Contingency Plan
If your cocktail hour or reception is outdoors, have a solid rain contingency plan. This includes protection from wind, as items like menus, cups, and garnishes can easily blow away without proper shelter.
Final Thoughts
Effective communication is key to a successful wedding bar experience. Our team wants to help make your wedding day seamless, beautiful, and stress-free. If you have any questions or special requests, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Happy Wedding Planning!
—Courtney
Client Experience & Event Coordination Specialist (Part-Time, Benefits-Eligible)
Client Experience & Event Coordination Specialist (Part-Time, Benefits-Eligible)
Location: Remote or Hybrid (Kent Island, MD)
Hours: ~70 hours/month average (flexible schedule)
Compensation: Base + event bonuses + full benefits
Chesapeake Bartenders is a highly reviewed mobile bar and events company serving Maryland, DC, and surrounding areas. We specialize in weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations and are growing into catering and alcohol sales.
We are hiring a part-time Client Experience & Event Coordination Specialist to support client communication, menu design, and event preparation. This is a benefits-eligible role with flexibility, stability, and room to grow.
What You’ll Do
Serve as a primary point of contact for clients leading up to events
Conduct pre-event check-ins and confirm key details
Create and edit drink menus using existing Canva templates
Assemble and quality-check event overviews
Coordinate details with internal team members and planners
Keep events organized and on track behind the scenes
What This Role Is Not
No on-site bartending
No heavy lifting or deliveries
No late nights or event-day execution
Schedule & Work Style
Approx. 70 hours per month on average
Flexible scheduling; work can be batched into focused days
Remote or hybrid (Kent Island office available)
Pay & Benefits
$1,100/month base compensation
Event bonuses:
$150 per wedding
$50 per corporate event
$50 per private event
100% employer-paid CareFirst Silver PPO medical plan
Dental coverage (including adult orthodontia)
401(k) with employer match
$25/month cell phone reimbursement
Growth Opportunity
This is a foundational role with the opportunity to grow in responsibility and compensation as the business expands into catering and alcohol sales. Compensation and scope will be reviewed after the 2026 wedding and events season.
Who You Are
Experience in hospitality, events, or client-facing roles
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Clear, professional communicator
Comfortable working independently
Reliable, calm, and team-oriented
How to Apply
Please apply with the following:
A brief introduction (a few paragraphs is perfect) telling us:
Your background and current work situation
Why this part-time, flexible, benefits-eligible role appeals to you
What makes you a strong fit for client coordination or event support
A resume or summary of relevant experience, especially any work related to:
Hospitality, events, weddings, or customer service
Administrative or coordination roles
Working independently or managing details
(Optional but encouraged) If you’ve worked with tools like Canva, Google Drive, or scheduling systems, feel free to mention how you’ve used them.
We care far more about communication style, reliability, and attention to detail than formal titles or years of experience.
Please submit your application via email to courtney at chesapeakebartenders dot com
28 Holiday Cocktail Recipes (With Mocktails!) – Maryland Bartender’s Curated Collection
Expert Holiday Bartending Services in Maryland
Chesapeake Bartenders and Events brings professional mixology expertise to your holiday celebrations. With years of experience serving the DMV region, our certified bartenders specialize in creating memorable beverage experiences for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Each recipe in this collection has been carefully crafted and tested by our professional team to ensure exceptional taste and presentation. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these signature cocktails and mocktails will impress your guests and elevate your event. Prefer to enjoy your party and let us do the bartending? Check out our holiday bar and bartending packages.
🍷 Winter Sangrias
Our signature sangrias combine seasonal fruits, aromatic spices, and premium wines to create festive beverages perfect for holiday gatherings. Each sangria can be prepared in large batches, making them ideal for entertaining.
Winter Solstice Sangria
A warming blend of white wine and brandy with festive spices
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Solstice Spritz
Combine club soda, cinnamon syrup, and ginger beer with the same festive garnish for a non-alcoholic alternative that delivers full holiday flavor.
White Winter Orchard Sangria
Elegant and refreshing with pear and elderflower notes
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Winter Orchard Fizz
Club soda mixed with pear nectar and ginger syrup, garnished with a fresh rosemary sprig for an aromatic alcohol-free option.
Santa-Gria
A festive red sangria loaded with seasonal fruits
Ingredients:
Preparation:
🥂 Prosecco & Bubbly-Based Creations
Light, effervescent, and festive cocktails perfect for toasting special moments. These elegant drinks bring sparkle to any celebration.
Merry & Bright Spritz
A sophisticated bubbly cocktail with pomegranate and citrus
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Bright Berry Bubbler
Cranberry juice combined with rosemary syrup and club soda creates a festive alcohol-free sparkler.
Snowfall Bellini
A winter twist on the classic Italian cocktail
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Pear Snowfall
Sparkling water, vanilla simple syrup, and pear juice with the same elegant snow sugar rim.
🍐 Pear, Ginger & Spiced Elixirs
These sophisticated cocktails feature the warm, aromatic flavors of ginger and pear, creating complex and memorable drinks that embody the essence of winter.
Gilded Ginger Pear Martini
A luxurious martini with fresh ginger and honey sweetness
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Golden Glow Spritz
Pear simple syrup, ginger syrup, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water served over ice.
Gingerbread Mule
A festive twist on the Moscow Mule with holiday spice
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Orchard Mule Zero
Gingerbread syrup, ginger beer, lime juice, and club soda with the same aromatic garnish.
Winter Sour
A sophisticated bourbon cocktail with honey foam
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Spiced Winter Fizz
Spiced ginger-honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, club soda, and aquafaba foam (chickpea liquid as egg white substitute).
🥃 Holiday Old Fashioneds
Classic cocktails reimagined with seasonal flavors. These spirit-forward drinks showcase premium whiskeys enhanced with holiday ingredients.
Maple Walnut Old Fashioned
Rich bourbon with maple sweetness and walnut complexity
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Spiced Fig Old Fashioned
Rye whiskey elevated with fig and aromatic herbs
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Hot Chocolate Old Fashioned
A dessert-inspired take on the classic cocktail
Ingredients:
Preparation:
🍫 Warm Holiday Sippers
Cozy, comforting beverages perfect for cold winter nights. These hot cocktails bring warmth and festive cheer to any gathering.
Fireside Bourbon Cocoa
Luxurious hot chocolate spiked with bourbon
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Fireside Classic
Dark cocoa, brown sugar, vanilla extract, milk and cream topped with whipped cream for a decadent non-alcoholic treat.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Classic holiday flavors in a warming beverage
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Cookies & Cream Coffee
Decadent coffee cocktail with dessert flavors
Ingredients:
Preparation:
🍸 Dessert & Celebration Martinis
Elegant after-dinner cocktails that double as dessert. These luxurious martinis are perfect for special celebrations and making lasting impressions.
White Christmas Martini
Creamy, indulgent white chocolate cocktail
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Gingerbread Espresso Martini
A holiday twist on the beloved espresso martini
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Midnight Cinnamon
Espresso, gingerbread syrup, and cold foam create a sophisticated coffee drink without alcohol.
Peppermint Bark Martini
Like the candy in cocktail form
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Sugar Plum Martini
An elegant, botanical cocktail with floral notes
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Sugar Plum Sparkle
Plum nectar, violet syrup, lemon juice, and tonic water for a floral, alcohol-free sipper.
Hazelnut Truffle Martini
Rich and nutty like a liquid truffle
Ingredients:
Preparation:
🌲 Winter Forest & Herbal
Fresh, botanical cocktails featuring herbs and evergreen flavors. These drinks capture the essence of a winter forest with aromatic herbs and fresh citrus.
Evergreen Spritz
Refreshing gin cocktail with rosemary and grapefruit
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Evergreen Tonic
Grapefruit juice, rosemary syrup, and tonic water with fresh herb garnish.
Winter Thyme Gimlet
A sophisticated herbal take on the classic gimlet
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Thyme to Shine
Lime juice, honey-thyme syrup, and soda water for a refreshing herbal mocktail.
Cranberry Sage Smash
Festive flavors with muddled herbs
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Mocktail Version Sageberry Smash
Cranberry juice, sage syrup, and lemon juice with the same beautiful garnish.
Feliz Navidad
A Mexican-inspired holiday cocktail with chocolate and citrus
Ingredients:
Preparation:
December Dusk
A color-changing botanical cocktail with floral notes
Ingredients:
Preparation:
🎅 Classic Holiday Cocktails
Timeless favorites with festive twists. These beloved cocktails bring nostalgic holiday cheer to any celebration.
Jolly Old Saint Sip
A festive vodka cocktail with cranberry and pomegranate
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Winter Wonderland
Crisp and clean vodka martini with cranberry
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Pom-Ginger Rita
A festive margarita with pomegranate and ginger kick
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Eggnog Tini
A martini twist on the classic holiday beverage
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Which recipe is your favorite?
Bring Professional Bartending to Your Holiday Event
Let Chesapeake Bartenders and Events craft these signature cocktails for your next celebration.
Serving Maryland with expert bartending services, custom cocktail menus, and unforgettable experiences.
🎄 Chesapeake Bartenders and Events | Professional Bartending Services | Maryland, Delaware, DC, Virginia
Please enjoy responsibly. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.
Chesapeake Bartenders Launches “Classic Bar Collection” – Bringing More Affordable Bar Rentals To Corporate and Private Clients in the DMV
KENT ISLAND, MD — Chesapeake Bartenders, a leading provider of curated bar experiences in the DMV region, has officially launched its Classic Bar Collection—a new lineup of affordable mobile bar rentals designed for corporate, nonprofit, and private events. The collection includes four stylish bar setups that balance visual appeal with practical functionality, making them ideal for events that don’t require heavy wooden bars or high delivery fees. The Classic Bar Collection price point ranges from $200 – $250 and can serve up to 100 guests.
The inspiration behind the Classic Collection stems from growing demand among corporate and private clients for budget-conscious bar options that still feel intentional and elevated.
Each bar in the collection is built using standard 6-foot tables and then fully dressed using high-quality linens, curated runners, coordinated signage, and detailed design elements. The goal is to maintain the Chesapeake Bartenders aesthetic—refined, welcoming, and professional—while offering an accessible price point.
The Classic Bar Collection includes:
• The Noir Bar – A sleek black-and-ivory setup with floral detailing and gold accents. French-inspired and ideal for corporate events and cocktail hours.
• The English Garden – A spring-inspired setup featuring wildflower runners, topiaries, and eucalyptus garland. Designed for showers, brunches, and outdoor weddings.
• Limonetta – A cheerful lemon-accented setup with a blue floral runner and ivory linens. Inspired by the Amalfi Coast and ideal for summer gatherings and private parties.
• La Crème Bar – A minimalist black-and-ivory floral setup with clean lines and a sophisticated feel, suitable for modern weddings, engagement parties, and formal receptions.
Noir Bar Rental
While Chesapeake Bartenders will continue to offer their formal wooden bars, including the popular Chessie Bar, the Classic Collection is positioned as a lighter, lower-cost alternative that is easier to deliver and set up—especially for weekday events, nonprofit galas, or venue-restricted load-ins.
The collection is already seeing interest from event planners, venue partners, and repeat clients looking for more flexible styling options. Each bar can be paired with the company’s full-service bartending team, beverage planning support, and optional add-ons such as white bar lamps, custom shelving, or self-serve water stations.
To learn more or view the full bar gallery, visit https://www.chesapeakebartenders.com/mobile-bar-rentals
For media inquiries please email courtney at chesapeakebartenders dot com.
Wedding Bar Planning: The Ultimate Checklist For Couples
Wedding Bar Planning: The Ultimate Checklist & Expert Tips for a Flawless Experience
Feb 16, 2025
Planning your wedding bar involves more than just mixing drinks and pouring champagne—it’s about creating an enjoyable, stress-free experience for you and your guests. At Chesapeake Bartenders, we’ve seen it all, and we know that a well-organized bar can make all the difference.
Below is a comprehensive checklist and helpful tips to ensure your wedding bar is nothing short of amazing. From logistics and add-ons to insider tips on avoiding long lines, we’ve got you covered!
For our wedding couples in Maryland, Delaware, DC and Virginia, please read through this 2- 3 months before your wedding. It is really important we have every little detail covered so we can deliver the wedding bar experience you dreamed of!
Checklist: What We Need to Know
To help us provide seamless service, please review the checklist below and send us any missing information so we can keep everything organized in your client folder.
Wedding Bar Checklist For Couples
You can also download a PDF to print out here:
Wedding Bar Add-On Ideas
Want to make your bar experience even more memorable? Here are some fun and functional add-ons to consider:
Bourbon Bar or Drink Station
Display a selection of bourbon, scotch, tequila, or dessert liqueurs (Bailey’s, anyone?) on our beautifully styled drink station—a great complement to the main bar.
Add-on for $50
The bourbon bar signage was custom made by Kate Slayton Lettering – we highly recommend checking her out as she ships throughout the United States!
Photo by Lisa K Photography
Business & Pleasure Umbrella
For outdoor receptions, this oversized and classic umbrella keeps chilled drinks cool, prevents ice from melting too quickly, and offers shade for our bartenders.
Add for $100
Lighting Solutions
Once the sun goes down, good lighting is essential to keep the drinks flowing. (Otherwise, you might end up with an orange crush made with gin—oops!) We offer a variety of lighting solutions, including venue lighting and mobile Edison string lights.
Our Favorite Solution: Battery-Charged White Bar Top Lights – you can order these online, or we can provide them for you as a rental.
Add on Bar Lights To Your Wedding Bar Service
OR
Purchase these cordless lights for your wedding bar here:
*We earn a small commission if you purchase these lights, which helps support our small business. We only recommend things we love, so we hope this helps!
Custom Bar Menus
We work with talented artists like Kate Slayton Lettering and Lucky Kat Designs to create custom menu designs that match your wedding theme. If you prefer a fully custom menu, send us examples of bar signage you love, and we’ll provide a quote.
Pictured Below – a custom signature cocktail menu from Kate Slayton Lettering, featuring beautiful bar florals from Three Little Buds.
Photo By: Lisa K Photography
Coffee and Cold Brew Station
We get a lot of requests for espresso martinis, but did you know we offer coffee bar packages as well? Our commercial-grade equipment can brew fresh coffee, hot cider, and hot chocolate. This package includes a custom coffee bar menu, creamers, non-dairy options, custom-color cups with lids, stirrers, and cold brew.
Pictured below: coffee bar set up by Chesapeake Bartenders for a Galentine-themed bridal shower at 1631 Venue on Kent Island
Florals
My most favorite wedding bars contain some element of florals. After all, florals are a significant part of your reception aesthetic, but I rarely see couple’s adding floral to the bar. I highly recommend doing so, along with these tips for adding flowers or greenery to your wedding bar:
How to Avoid Long Bar Lines at Your Wedding
The busiest time for our bartenders is right when the bar opens—either at cocktail hour or the main reception. Why does this happen? Everyone makes a beeline for the bar, and a line forms quickly. While our bartenders are talented and fast, there are several factors that impact how quickly we can get a drink in everyone’s hands.
It’s really important to set the right expectations, and we want to be fully transparent so you receive the seamless wedding bar service you envision.
Avoid Complex Craft Cocktails During Cocktail Hour
I get a LOT of pushback on this one, but as someone with two decades of experience, I’ve seen this scenario play out countless times:
His signature drink is an old fashioned, and hers is an espresso martini. These drinks are meaningful because they were what they ordered on their first date, so naturally, they want them featured as their signature drinks. The problem? Both drinks take about three times as long to prepare compared to pouring wine or opening a bottle of beer. This slows the bar service significantly.
Does This Mean You Can’t Have Signature Drinks During Cocktail Hour?
Absolutely not! This is YOUR day, and we’re here to bring your vision to life. However, if you want more complex cocktails during cocktail hour, we’ll need to work together to make sure we have the right resources.
Our Solutions for Minimizing Bar Lines
Additional Staff:
Yes, there is an added cost, but it makes all the difference. To execute a cocktail-heavy menu efficiently, we recommend adding a barback and/or another bartender to float through the cocktail hour with a tray of pre-poured drinks. This reduces pressure on the main bar and keeps the line moving.
Pre-Poured Cocktails:
This is a fantastic option for mojitos, margaritas, rocks-style drinks, and martinis. Our team can begin prepping your signature drinks about 20 minutes before the bar opens to ensure they’re ready to go when guests arrive.
Why Beer and Wine-Only Cocktail Hours Are a Great Option
In my experience, many couples opt for beer and wine only during cocktail hour to avoid the stress of long lines. Beer and wine are the fastest drinks to serve, allowing bartenders to work efficiently and serve more guests in less time.
Cocktail Hour and Main Reception in Different Locations
It’s common for cocktail hour to be in a separate location—outdoor patios, porticos, or other areas separate from the main reception bar. While this is a great way to use different spaces, it does require some extra planning.
Trash Removal: What You Need to Know
Trash removal is often misunderstood. Our team is usually the last to leave, and if catering companies leave trash behind, guests may expect us to clean it up. Unfortunately, this is not a standard part of our service (though we do offer it as an add-on).
Key Considerations:
Water Station: Keep Your Guests Hydrated
Having enough water is crucial, especially for outdoor or summer weddings. Here’s how to ensure your guests stay hydrated:
Rain Contingency Plan
If your cocktail hour or reception is outdoors, have a solid rain contingency plan. This includes protection from wind, as items like menus, cups, and garnishes can easily blow away without proper shelter.
Final Thoughts
Effective communication is key to a successful wedding bar experience. Our team wants to help make your wedding day seamless, beautiful, and stress-free. If you have any questions or special requests, don’t hesitate to reach out.
> Request a wedding bar quote here
Happy Wedding Planning!
—Courtney