Often when people are looking for a mobile bar solution for their event, they’re keen to supply the drinks themselves (any excuse for a wine run to France hey?!).
Our Dry Hire bar packages are perfect in this instance as they allow you to hand the running of your bar over to us but supply the drinks to your guests for free and at a lower cost to you.
This option means that you get a hassle free, fully equipped, stocked and staffed bar in your chosen venue – whether this be your own back garden, fixed venue with no bar facilities or teepee structure in the middle of a field!
Get in touch for more information about our bar packages.
The planning can seem a little daunting but where you book a dry hire bar with us, we’re on hand to help with all aspects of planning – from glassware styles to volumes of stock and even timings and logistics of your event.
Our dry hire packages are completely bespoke based on your guest numbers, the drinks you’re looking to serve, serving times and what equipment you need us to supply. We offer guidance every step of the way to ensure that you don’t forget any key elements of your bar set up, allowing bar service on the day to run without a hitch (no wedding pun intended).
“Bar Events UK managed the bar at our wedding near Thirsk last week and we were blown away by the service. From Laura's ultra organised and really responsive emails in the lead up to the team on the day, we could not have hope for a better set up. They arrived on time, set up quietly during our ceremony and kept the bar area tidy throughout the day and night. The bar staff were fun and engaging and our guests never had to wait/queue and raved about the drinks and humorous mixologists. Would definitely recommend for any occasion, totally took all the stress away from having chosen a dry hire venue!” Sam, Thirsk
(Photo courtesy of Chris Greenwood Photography)
Looking for a flexible bar solution for your event? Get in touch!
We supplied a dry hire bar service to Sam and Nick at the beautiful Lodge Farm Weddings back in May and caught up with Sam for a quick Q&A recently about their experience of taking this approach to their wedding bar.
(Photo courtesy of Chris Greenwood Photography)
- Tell us a little bit about your wedding plans and what made you decide on a dry hire bar option?
We booked our venue during Covid without even seeing it in person - luckily it all turned out great! The venue was entirely dry hire and that was great for us as I work in events and wanted the flexibility to make our day work for us. Some ideas I'd seen online involved a self-service or "make your own drink" station but people underestimate the work with those (you still need ice! and glasses...) - the dry hire bar option took away the stress of the main logistics while allowing us to focus our attention on the drinks.
(Photo courtesy of Chris Greenwood Photography)
- What were the positives surrounding going for this bar option?
We're both partial to a bit of fizz and I had my heart set on champagne for the reception. However, all the drinks packages we saw mainly included prosecco and were very expensive for the amount you got. By buying the alcohol ourselves and using Bar Events UK, we spent less than what we would have for most classic packages (prosecco reception / half a bottle of wine with meal / glass of fizz for toast) but had a free open bar all day for our guests including champagne, beers, wine and G&Ts in the evening.
(Photo courtesy of Chris Greenwood Photography)
- Any negatives worth noting with regards to going with a dry hire bar?
Buying all the alcohol took a lot longer than expected as we were hunting down the deals in different places and transporting it to the venue was a bit tedious but definitely all worth it! We did end up buying way more than was needed, but I'd say having leftover champagne isn't that much of a problem!
(Photo courtesy of Chris Greenwood Photography)
If you're considering a dry bar then drop us a message for more information.
- Were there aspects of your dry hire bar that you didn't initially consider that needed some thought as your planning progressed?
I'd maybe underestimated the volume of bottles we would end up storing - do consider the space you'll need! It's also quite tricky to assess what and how much people will end up drinking. If you're not up for the shopping and the storing, most dry hire bars do offer drinks packages and it may work better for you.
(Photo courtesy of Chris Greenwood Photography)
- Could you share your top 3 tips for planning a dry hire bar for your wedding?
1. Don't forget the ice!
2. It's easier to stick to a handful of drink options than to try to stock a full bar.
3. Ask for advice! Laura was always happy to advise on the correct number of glasses or wine coolers...
(Photo courtesy of Chris Greenwood Photography)
- Could you sum up your experience of working with Bar Events in 3 words?
Responsive, Organised and Fun!
(Photo courtesy of Chris Greenwood Photography)
We’re so grateful to Sam for sharing such valuable tips and lovely feedback from her wedding bar experience.
Get in touch now to discuss your event and get a bar quote and if dry hire doesn’t sound like the option for you we do offer complete bar packages.