How to plan a wedding bar that doesn't blow the budget or run dry by 9pm

The wedding bar is notoriously difficult to budget accurately, since actual consumption depends heavily on your specific guest list, the time of year, and how long the reception runs, more than most other catering line items.

Open bar, limited bar, or cash bar

A fully open bar is the most guest-friendly and the least predictable cost. A limited bar (beer, wine, and a small selection of signature cocktails, rather than a full spirits list) controls cost significantly while still feeling generous. A cash bar, where guests pay for their own drinks, is increasingly seen as poor etiquette at a wedding specifically, even though it's normal at other events.

Consumption-based versus per-head pricing

Per-head packages are more predictable for budgeting but can mean paying for drinks that go unconsumed. Consumption-based pricing (paying for what's actually poured) can be cheaper overall but carries more budget uncertainty, and it's worth asking your venue directly which model they use before assuming.

The detail that most affects actual cost

Guest demographics and event length matter more than most other factors: an evening reception with an older guest list and a shorter bar window will consume noticeably less than an all-day event with a younger crowd and a full evening of dancing. Ask your caterer for realistic consumption estimates based on your actual guest list profile, not a generic industry average.

Signature cocktails, done for the right reason

A couple of named signature cocktails add a personal touch and can genuinely help control cost, by narrowing the spirits list guests are choosing from without it feeling like a restriction.