WEDDING BAR & BEVERAGE TERMINOLOGY EXPLAINED
When planning a wedding, understanding the terminology surrounding bars and beverages can make the difference between a smooth, memorable experience and a stressful one. From the types of alcohol served to how drinks are presented, here's a guide to help you understand wedding bar and beverage terms so you can plan the perfect drink menu for your big day.
1. Open Bar
An open bar means that the couple or host will cover the costs of all beverages, allowing guests to order drinks without having to pay. This is a popular choice for many weddings, as it offers guests the freedom to enjoy a wide variety of drinks. Open bars can include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and often feature signature cocktails created by the couple.
2. Cash Bar
A cash bar means that guests are required to pay for their drinks. This option can be less expensive for the couple, but it may not be as well-received by guests, especially if they were expecting free drinks. A compromise is a limited cash bar, where a small selection of drinks (beer, wine, or well drinks) may be available for free, and guests can pay for premium drinks.
3. Limited Bar
A limited bar is when the selection of drinks is restricted, but the drinks are provided at no cost to the guests. For example, you might offer only wine, beer, and a couple of signature cocktails. This option can be more affordable than a full open bar while still allowing guests to enjoy a selection of drinks.
4. Signature Cocktails
Signature cocktails are custom drinks that reflect the couple's personality or theme of the wedding. These drinks often become a fun and memorable part of the celebration, and many couples choose to have one or two signature cocktails that guests can enjoy in addition to the standard drink offerings. Signature cocktails can be creative and themed, such as a "Love Potion" or "His & Hers" cocktails.
5. Well Drinks
Well drinks are the standard alcohols served at a wedding or event, made with lower-cost, mass-produced liquors. These drinks are typically used for mixed cocktails and are the most affordable option for couples offering an open or limited bar. Examples include vodka, rum, gin, and whiskey from well-known but budget-friendly brands.
6. Call Drinks
Call drinks are premium or mid-range liquors that guests request by name (e.g., Grey Goose vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin). When offering a call bar, couples can specify that certain liquors or brands will be available to guests as a higher-tier option, typically at an additional charge or included in a premium open bar package.
7. Top-Shelf Liquor
Top-shelf liquor refers to the highest-quality, most expensive brands of alcohol available at the bar. These drinks are often the finest and rarest options, like top-tier whiskey, aged rum, or premium gin and tequila. Serving top-shelf liquor can elevate the experience and appeal to guests who enjoy luxury spirits.
8. Beer and Wine Only Bar
A beer and wine only bar is a simplified bar setup where only beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages are served. This can be a cost-effective choice for couples looking to keep things low-key but still want to provide guests with a variety of drink options.
9. Dry Wedding
A dry wedding means no alcohol is served at the event. This is often chosen by couples who do not want alcohol present for personal, religious, or financial reasons. A dry wedding can still be festive with plenty of delicious non-alcoholic options like mocktails, sparkling water, and specialty sodas.
10. Mocktails
Mocktails are non-alcoholic cocktails designed to replicate the flavors of traditional cocktails. They are often served at dry weddings or to guests who prefer not to drink alcohol. Examples include virgin mojitos, sparkling lemonade, or fruit punches. Offering a variety of mocktails can make guests feel included while still having fun.
11. Champagne Toast
A champagne toast is a celebratory moment where the couple and sometimes the entire guest list raise glasses of champagne (or sparkling wine) to toast the occasion. This is typically done after the ceremony or during the reception to mark the official celebration of the marriage.
12. Wine Pairing
Wine pairing involves selecting specific wines that complement different dishes served during the wedding meal. Couples often choose wines that enhance the flavors of the main course, appetizers, or desserts. Wine pairing can be a sophisticated addition to a wedding menu, elevating the overall dining experience.
13. Cash Bar Minimum
A cash bar minimum is a policy in which the couple or event host must meet a certain amount of sales to avoid paying additional fees for the cash bar setup. If the bar does not generate enough sales, the couple may be required to pay a minimum amount to cover costs.
14. Bar Packages
A bar package is an all-inclusive deal offered by a caterer or venue where the cost of the drinks is predetermined based on the number of guests, the type of alcohol, and the length of the event. There are typically three types of bar packages:
Basic Package: Includes beer, wine, and limited liquor.
Premium Package: Adds a greater selection of liquor, call drinks, and possibly signature cocktails.
Top-Shelf Package: Offers a wide range of premium and luxury liquors along with other specialty options.
15. Beer on Tap vs. Bottled Beer
Serving beer on tap allows you to offer a selection of draft beers at your wedding, which may be more affordable and easier to manage in large quantities. On the other hand, offering bottled beer provides a variety of beer choices and a more convenient serving option, but can sometimes be more expensive.
16. Punch Bowl
A punch bowl is a large vessel used to serve pre-mixed cocktails to guests. This is a fun and convenient way to serve a large group, and often, the punch is served in creative, festive styles that match the wedding theme.
17. Tasting Stations
A tasting station allows guests to sample different types of drinks, such as wines, whiskeys, or cocktails, in small amounts. This interactive experience can add an element of fun to the reception and allow guests to explore new beverages.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bar and beverage options for your wedding can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the planning process. Understanding these terms and options will help you create the perfect drink menu that suits your budget, guest preferences, and overall wedding theme. Whether you decide on an open bar, a signature cocktail, or a unique wine pairing, the key is to ensure that your beverage offerings complement the mood and style of your celebration.
