Wedding Bar Shopping List for a Celebration

Planning a wedding is an exhilarating journey filled with countless decisions. Among all the details to consider, the wedding bar is one key element that can truly enhance your guests' experience. A well-planned bar not only serves delicious drinks, but also creates memorable moments. In this post, we present the ultimate shopping list for your wedding bar, ensuring your celebration is unforgettable!

Understanding Your Guests' Preferences

Before selecting your bar offerings, think about what your guests enjoy. Consider their demographics. Are they beer aficionados, wine lovers, or cocktail fans? For instance, if your guest list includes a significant number of younger adults, you might want to include trendy cocktails like candied cocktails with luxurious embellishments and toys. Conversely, if many guests are over 50, ensure a solid selection of classic wines and beers. Surveys show that 70% of wedding guests appreciate a varied drink menu, so understanding these preferences can guide your choices and maximize enjoyment.

Essential Bar Supplies

This is a list curated specifically for the basic wedding bar package. You may buy more of something, add another option if you'd like, or buy less if necessary.

FULL BAR
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16	Number of guests:	160	Duration:	4.5	hours
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18	Shopping
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20	Item	Example Brand	Size	Amount	Price per Unit	Total
21	Light Beer	Bud Light - Bottles	24PKB - 12oz	2	$19.19	$38.38
22	Beer	Heineken - Bottles	24PKB - 12oz	2	$39.59	$79.18
23	IPA	Lagunitas - Bottles	12PKB - 12oz	3	$23.99	$71.96
24	White Wine 1	Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc	750ml	12	$20.39	$244.66
25	White Wine 2	J Vineyards & Winery Wine Pinot Gris	750ml	12	$28.79	$345.46
26	Red Wine 1	Byron Santa Barbara Pinot Noir	750ml	7	$28.99	$202.93
27	Red Wine 2	Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon	750ml	7	$22.99	$160.93
28	Vodka	Tito's	1.75L	3	$39.99	$119.97
29	Gin	Bombay Sapphire	1.75L	2	$40.99	$81.98
30	Whiskey	Bulleit	1.75L	3	$57.99	$173.97
31	Tequila	Casamigos Tequila Blanco	1.75L	3	$132.99	$398.97
32	Rum	Bacardi Superior White	1.75L	2	$32.39	$64.78
33	Triple Sec	Cointreau	750ml	2	$43.98	$87.96
34	Dry Vermouth	Martini	750ml	1	$22.99	$22.99
35	Sweet Vermouth	Martini	750ml	1	$23.99	$23.99
36	Grapefruit Juice	Ocean Spray	60oz	2	$7.79	$15.57
37	Orange Juice	Ocean Spray	59oz	3	$7.79	$23.36
38	Cranberry Juice	Langers	64oz	4	$7.79	$31.15
39	Coke	Coca Cola	2L	5	$4.29	$21.45
40	Diet Coke	Coca Cola	2L	3	$4.29	$12.87
41	Ginger Ale	Canada Dry	2L	5	$4.29	$21.45
42	Soda Water	Canada Dry	1L	6	$2.49	$14.94
43	Tonic Water	Schweppes	1L	3	$2.49	$7.47
44	Sweet & Sour	Finest Call	1L	3	$9.59	$28.76
45	Grenadine	Rose's	25oz	1	$8.59	$8.59
46	Simple Syrup	Cocktail Essentials	375ml	5	$5.99	$29.95
47	Angostura Bitters	Angostura Bitters	4oz	2	$13.69	$27.38
48	Lime Juice	ReaLime	15oz	7	$6.46	$45.19
49	Cubed Ice	Arctic Glacier	lbs	330	$0.49	$161.70
50	9oz Cups	CLEAR Platic Tumbler	72ct	8	$19.96	$159.68
51	Napkins	Cocktail Napkins	100ct	6	$11.98	$71.88
52	Stir-Straws	Franmara Sip Straws	100ct	4	$5.99	$23.96
53	Olives	Main & Geary Martini Olives	1 JAR	2	$13.49	$26.98
54	Cherries	Luxardo Maraschino Cherries	1 JAR	1	$36.39	$36.39
55	Lemons	/	pc	6	$0.99	$5.94
56	Oranges	/	pc	6	$0.99
57	Limes	/	pc	40	$0.99	$39.60
58	Water Bottles	Crystal Geyser	24PK	6	$6.49	$38.92
59	Toothpicks	Up&Up	800ct	1	$3.79	$3.79
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61					Price:	$3,257.71
62					Sales Tax (included):	9.50%
63	Signature Drinks Included:	/
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71	This shopping list was provided by Let's Go Viral

The Beverages

Alcoholic Options

Offer a variety of drinks to satisfy your guests' different tastes:

• Beers: Mix local craft beers with popular domestic brands to appeal to diverse preferences. A popular choice is hard seltzers.

• Wines: Include at least two types of red, two types of white, and a sparkling option. Experts suggest that 30% of wedding guests prefer wine over hard liquor.

• Spirits: Stock essential spirits such as vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila. A typical wedding bar carries at least five types of spirits.

• Mixers: Essential mixers like tonic water, soda, and fruit juices are a must-have. You can always add more to the list depending on your favorite must haves.

  
  

Signature Cocktails

Create unique signature cocktails that reflect you and your partner's story. For example, if you had your first date at a coffee shop, consider a photoshoot at a coffee shop and print the photos to put on the drinks with drink toppers, or a pin on the side, and a cocktail that incorporates coffee liqueur. Not only do these drinks enhance the bar experience, but they also encourage conversations among guests. Same thing with if you are a company, you can print your logo and put them on the plastic cups, drink toppers, menus and signage, backdrops, and goodie bags.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Offering delicious non-alcoholic options is essential for guests who prefer lighter choices:

• Mocktails: Create alcohol-free versions of popular cocktails.

• Sparkling Water: Not only refreshing but also a sophisticated alternative.

• Juices: Fresh options like cranberry, orange, and pineapple can brighten anyone's day.

• Soft Drinks: Classic sodas should always be included.

• Coffees: Coffee bar is always a good choice.

• Teas: Hot water or already done in a dispenser

  
  

Garnishes and Extras

Elevate your drinks and make your drinks stand out with an array of garnishes:

• Fresh Fruits: slices to add color and flavor.

• Herbs: Fresh mint, basil, honeycomb, and rosemary provide aromatic enhancements to cocktails.

• Pictures clipped or taped to the cup, stamps, branding, glitter, toys, candy, food, hordourves balanced on a plate atop a wine glass, stir sticks with your initals, last name, photos on them, company name, stir sticks made of candy,

• Dry Ice: You can put them in the cocktails or get buckets and add dry ice around the bar and buffet tables to make an exotic look.

  
  

Decor for Your Bar

Beyond drinks and glassware, making your bar visually appealing is important. Here are some decor ideas:

• Personalized Signs: Use signage to showcase your menu or themes, adding a unique personal touch.

• Lighting: String lights or soft mood lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Themed Decor: Coordinate your bar decor with your wedding theme, whether rustic, vintage, or modern.

• Dry Ice: Add buckets around the food and drinks with a little water to create ambiance.

• Fire Lamps: Elevate the table with fire next to waterfalls and statues

• Waterfalls and Statues: a beautiful addition with plants next to them folliage

• Catering Stands and cupcake towers: to set everything on

• See through book cases: to hold additional plates and things

• Swing: to hold food or plants or statues even waterfalls or drink dispensers

  
  

Bar Staff

Consider hiring professional bartenders for a seamless experience. Skilled servers not only bring flair, but also adds the experience that comes with them and ensure that guests receive expertly crafted drinks. If on a budget, you can always do a cash bar and save hundreds of dollars.

Glassware

Choosing the right glassware elevates the drinking experience and adds elegance. Here are some essential types:

• Wine Glasses: Needed for red, white, and sparkling wines.

• Highball Glasses: Perfect for mixed drinks and cocktails.

• Lowball Glasses: Great for whiskey or short beverages.

• Champagne Flutes: Ideal for toasting moments.

  
  

Investing in quality glassware can deeply impact your guests' enjoyment, making each sip more luxurious and enjoyable.

Elegant wine glass collection set for weddings.

Bar Tools

To ensure smooth service, you’ll need a few bar essentials: (Hopefully your bartender will provide these)

• Shakers: Crucial for mixing cocktails.

• Jiggers: For accurate measurements of spirits.

• Strainers: To keep unwanted ice and pulp out of drinks.

• Bottle opener: To easily open wine bottles and beers.

• Torch: For extra touch of class

  
  

Equipping your bar with these tools will not only impress your guests but also facilitate efficient service.

Ice and Coolers

Make sure to stock up on plenty of ice and stylish coolers. Consider investing in:

• Ice Buckets: Keep your drinks chilled and accessible.

• Dry Ice: Looks great and helps keep other ice cold

• Ice Sculptures: If you're feeling creative, these add visual flair

• For Ice you should account for $2 per person

  
  

Planning for Drinking Responsibly

While having fun is essential, promoting responsible drinking is vital. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Water Stations: Make sure guests have easy access to water. Setting up self-serve water stations can encourage hydration.

• Transportation: Consider arranging safe transportation options. Providing guests with taxi service cards, or paying upfront for an uber option can help ensure everyone gets home safely.

  
  

Wrapping Up

Creating the ultimate wedding bar is all about catering to your guests and adding personal touches. By assembling the right supplies, choosing a delightful variety of beverages, enhancing the ambiance with decor, and taking responsible drinking steps, your wedding bar can become a highlight of the celebration.

With this shopping list in hand, you are ready to create a memorable experience filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments!