Set up an outdoor wedding bar and drinks station by creating a designated area with tables, chairs, and umbrellas. Here are more ideas.
Planning an outdoor wedding can be both exciting and daunting. When it comes to drinks, you have many options – from wine and beer to cocktails and mocktails.
But setting up a bar or drinks station for your guests can be tricky. In this blog post, we’ll give you some ideas on how to set up an outdoor wedding bar and drinks station that will keep your guests happy! From choosing the suitable beverages to finding the perfect setup, we’ll cover it all – so you can focus on enjoying your special day!
Choose a Location
It should be a spot that is easily accessible to guests and provides enough space for the bar and other necessary equipment. The area should have plenty of shade or shelter from wind and rain and good lighting so that bartenders can see what they are doing.
It should be close to restrooms, so guests don’t have to travel far to use them. Ensure enough room around the bar for people to move around without feeling cramped or crowded.
Rustic Bar Style
A rustic bar can be achieved using natural materials such as wood, stone, and metal. You can also incorporate elements of nature into the design, such as branches or twigs for decoration.
To create a truly rustic look, you may want to use vintage items like barrels or crates for storage and display. You can hang mason jars with lights from tree branches or string them up around the area for extra ambiance.
Don’t forget to include plenty of seating options so guests can sit somewhere comfortable while enjoying their drinks!
Modern Bar Style
They provide guests with an easy way to access their favorite beverages while creating a unique atmosphere.
To set up a modern outdoor wedding bar and drinks station, you will need the following items: stylish furniture, glassware, ice buckets, coolers or chillers for keeping drinks cold, garnishes such as lemons or limes for adding flavor to cocktails, straws, and stirrers for mixing drinks, cocktail shakers for making mixed drinks like martinis or margaritas, napkins and coasters for protecting surfaces from spills.
You may consider adding decorations such as flowers or lights around the area to create an inviting atmosphere. Make sure that all of your supplies are correctly labeled so that guests know what they’re drinking!
Decide On the Type of Drinks to Serve (Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Options)
This includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. For alcoholic beverages, consider offering beer, wine, champagne, and a signature cocktail or two.
When selecting wines for the bar, choose a variety of reds and whites that will appeal to different tastes. For beers, offer light lagers as well as darker ales or stouts.
If you are serving cocktails at your wedding bar, make sure they are easy to mix with minimal ingredients so that bartenders can quickly prepare them for guests. For non-alcoholic options such as juices and sodas, provide several flavors so everyone can find something they like.
Consider also offering flavored waters or tea if desired by the couple getting married. Be sure to have plenty of ice for all drinks served at the outdoor wedding bar and drinks station!
Choose Glassware and Other Serving Items
When selecting glassware, it’s essential to consider the type of drinks that will be served and the size of your venue. For example, if you are hosting a large outdoor wedding with many guests, you may want to choose more giant glasses, such as wine glasses or beer mugs.
If your event is more intimate, smaller glasses like champagne flutes or martini glasses may be better suited for your needs. It’s important to select durable materials that can withstand any weather conditions that may arise during the event.
In addition to glassware, several other serving items are needed for an outdoor wedding bar and drinks station. These include ice buckets or coolers for keeping beverages cold; trays and platters for displaying food; pitchers or dispensers for pouring drinks; cups and straws; napkins; stirrers; garnishes such as lemons or limes; bottle openers/corkscrews; coasters/mats/tablecloths (if necessary); and signage indicating what types of beverages are available at each station.
You can ensure a successful event by considering all these factors when setting up an outdoor wedding bar and drinks station!
Create Signage for the Bar Area
Signage helps direct guests to the bar and inform them about what types of drinks are available. It can also be used to add a decorative touch that reflects the theme or style of the wedding.
When creating signage for an outdoor wedding bar and drinks station, it is essential to consider factors such as size, material, design, and placement.
The size should be large enough to be seen from a distance quickly; materials should be weather-resistant; designs should reflect the overall theme or style of the wedding; and placement should ensure maximum visibility while still allowing guests easy access to the bar area.
Arrange Seating Around the Bar Area
It allows guests to relax and enjoy their drinks without standing in line or moving away from the bar. When setting up seating, it is essential to consider aesthetics and practicality.
Aesthetically, it would be best if you chose chairs that match the overall theme of your wedding and create a cohesive look with other elements, such as decorations or lighting.
Practically, it would be best to make sure there were enough chairs for all your guests to sit comfortably while enjoying their drinks.
It may be helpful to arrange the chairs in small groups so that people can easily converse with each other while at the bar area.
Provide Coolers or Ice Buckets for Drinks Storage
This is important to keep beverages cold and fresh during the event. Coolers are ideal for storing large amounts of canned or bottled beverages. At the same time, ice buckets can store smaller bottles or glasses filled with wine, beer, champagne, and other alcoholic beverages.
Providing extra bags of ice in case the coolers need refilling throughout the day is also a good idea. When setting up your outdoor wedding bar and drinks station, ensure you have enough coolers or ice buckets available so that guests can easily access their favorite beverage without waiting too long in line.
Set Up Tables With Linens and Decorations to Match Your Theme
Start by selecting the right table size for your space, then choose linens that will complement the overall look of your event. Consider using colors or patterns that match the rest of your decor, such as floral prints or pastel shades.
Once you have chosen the perfect linens, add decorations like centerpieces, candles, or greenery to complete the look. Arrange all of these elements to create an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their drinks!
Stock Up On Mixers and Garnishes Like Limes and Olives
Mixers are non-alcoholic beverages that can dilute or enhance the flavor of alcoholic drinks. Standard mixers include soda water, tonic water, ginger ale, cranberry juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
Garnishes are edible decorations added to cocktails for flavor and visual appeal. Popular garnishes include limes, olives, cherries, and mint leaves.
When stocking up on mixers and garnishes for an outdoor wedding bar or drinks station, ensure you have enough for all your guests!
Hire Bartenders If Needed
Bartenders can help with setting up the bar, stocking it with drinks, serving guests, and cleaning up afterward. They also provide a professional atmosphere to make your event more enjoyable.
When hiring bartenders, it’s essential to consider their experience level and the type of service they offer. Experienced bartenders can handle large crowds easily while providing excellent customer service.
You should look into what types of drinks they specialize in so you can create a menu that fits your needs. Before making your final decision, ask about any additional fees or services they may offer, such as ice delivery or glassware rental.