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Throughout the wedding planning process a couples' budget often remains at the forefront of everything they do. Weddings can be costly after all and with 'DIY' wedding ideas popping up just about everywhere you look it can become a tempting prospect to ditch suppliers and take on aspects of the day yourselves.
An area we often see people consider tackling themselves is the bar. A DIY bar has it's bonuses of course - the most tempting being cost. Buying your own drinks in bulk or even allowing your guests to bring a bottle themselves can have a huge impact on your wedding budget. Other advantages include the power to choose the exact drinks that are on offer throughout your day and avoiding guests (and yourselves) having to buy drinks on the day itself.
Photos: Nomad Love Stories
Despite offering full bar packages ourselves, we're not totally adverse to a DIY bar (or a version thereof!). That said, we do recommend giving it some VERY careful consideration and at the very least hiring a couple of dedicated staff members to ensure the drink aspect of your day does run smoothly. There are some real key areas to address when planning a DIY bar...
Service style - Will you set up a self service area where guests can grab a glass and help themselves to drinks? If so who will be responsible for keeping this area replenished and tidy. Also, is it clear that guests can help themselves and are there bar tools available to open and make drinks? Would you prefer to have a physical bar structure with staff serving your drinks? If so consider what other equipment those staff will need in order to serve your guests to a standard you're happy with. Are there glass washing facilities, fridges, bartending tools, bins and so on. Also consider how many staff it would take to serve your guest numbers efficiently. Guests queuing at a wedding bar can put a real downer on the day.
Photo: Mr & Mrs Wedding Photography
Photo: Ed Charlton Photography
Ice and refrigeration - Think about how you'll chill and keep your drinks cool throughout the day and night. Nobody wants a warm glass of Pinot Grigio or a G&T without the option of ice. Never underestimate the amount of ice you'll need either - you'll fly through ice particularly in warmer months.
Glassware - Consider what will happen to empty glassware. The idea that guests will have a glass each and stick to using that one glass all day sounds ideal but isn't that realistic. Tens, maybe even hundreds of guests equals mess so having designated staff on hand to clear, wash and replenish glassware for your bar or drink area is a must. Some caterers may cover this aspect of your day but check with them in advance as this would normally be an additional cost if it is something they do offer.
Photos: Side by Side Weddings
Reception, Toast and Table drinks - Who will chill, prepare and serve these for you? Again, your caterer may offer this as an additional service but if not, consider how this will work. Reception and toast drinks can take a while to prepare and tend to be fairly time critical in the running of your day.
Photo: Heidi Marfitt Photography
Last orders and clearing up - Many venues stipulate a certain cut off time and that no rubbish is left on site. Think about who will usher your guests out of the venue at the end of the night, clear up once they've gone and dispose of your bar waste. This isn't a task you want to find yourself lumbered with at the end of the night or the next morning.
It's fair to say that if you're set on a DIY bar of some degree then it is totally do-able with some careful planning and consideration.
There is definitely a misconception that mobile bar companies only supply a full package but if you delve a little further you'll discover that different options and packages are often available.
We'd be more than happy to quote for a couple of staff to man your drinks area for example or for a bar structure, fridges and so on where you want to serve your own drinks but need the equipment to do so.
If you'd like more help planning the bar and drinks aspect of your day then get in touch. We'd love to offer an option to suit YOUR day!