How to Avoid a Wedding Bar Disaster: Read These FAQs
Let’s be honest—people love a heartfelt wedding ceremony, but the real MVP of the night? THE BAR🍸
While you’re stressing over centrepieces and seating charts, your guests are all wondering the same thing: “Will there be an open bar?”
We’ve heard every bar question under the sun (and a few that required a deep breath before answering).
So, we’re answering your FAQs—and the ones you should be asking!
Let’s make sure your big day doesn’t run out of tequila, shall we?
1. How much alcohol do we actually need?
Ah, the million-dollar question.
The short answer: it depends. The long answer: Consider your guest count, drinking habits, and whether your grandma is a tequila enthusiast.
As a general rule, we estimate one drink per guest per hour—but we can customize it based on your crowd.
The last thing you want is to run out of booze before the dance floor even heats up! (Yes, it happens.)
2. Can we have a signature cocktail?
Absolutely! Signature cocktails add a fun, personal touch to your wedding.
Want a ‘Blushing Bride Bellini’ or a ‘Something Blue Margarita’? Let’s make it happen!
Just don’t let Uncle Bob name one… nobody wants to order a ‘Bob’s Spicy Surprise.’
3. What’s the deal with an open bar?
An open bar means guests drink freely—on your tab. It’s the most popular option, but it does require a well-planned budget (and maybe some gentle rules to keep things from going off the rails).
If you’re worried about costs, we can offer a modified open bar, where you cover beer, wine, and a few cocktails, and guests pay for the fancy stuff.
4. What happens if someone gets too drunk?
Ah yes, the age-old concern. Our bartenders are trained to keep the good times rolling without letting things get out of hand.
If someone starts slurring their vowels or challenging the DJ to a dance battle, we’ll step in—professionally, of course.
5. Can we bring our own alcohol?
It depends on the venue. Some places allow it (hello, budget-friendly option!), while others require you to go through a licensed provider.
If BYOB is an option, we can help with quantity planning and make sure you don’t accidentally buy 200 bottles of rosé and zero mixers.
6. What’s the best way to avoid long bar lines?
Nobody likes waiting in line for a drink when the Cupid Shuffle is playing. We recommend extra bartenders for large weddings, setting up a self-serve station with pre-mixed cocktails, or creating a grab-and-go canned drink station.
Want even more options? A dedicated wine, champagne or non-alcoholic beverage station ensures everyone has something to sip on without the wait.
Our goal? Keep the drinks flowing so your guests spend more time toasting—and less time tapping their feet in a bar line.
7. Do you provide glassware, or do we need to rent it?
We’ve got you covered! We can provide everything from elegant glassware to biodegradable cups.
If you’re renting your own, just make sure you have enough—you don’t want guests drinking out of coffee mugs by the end of the night.
8. Can we have a champagne tower?
We love the idea, and yes, it’s possible! Just know that they look elegant but can get messy fast.
If your heart is set on one, we’ll guide you on the best way to do it without turning your wedding venue into a sticky champagne slip-and-slide.
9. Should we offer mocktails?
Yes! Having delicious non-alcoholic options keeps everyone included (and hydrated).
We can craft amazing mocktails that are just as fun as the boozy ones. Plus, your pregnant friend and the designated drivers will love you forever.
10. What’s one thing couples forget to ask about?
Ice. Yes, ice. It’s not glamorous, but it’s crucial. Running out of ice halfway through the night is a disaster we’d rather help you avoid.
Don’t worry—we’ll handle all the behind-the-scenes logistics, so your drinks stay cold and your guests stay happy.
Wait, You Still Have Questions? We’ve Got More Answers!

© Unsplash | Engin Akyurt
Wedding bar planning got you feeling lost? No worries—here are 10 more questions you might not have thought to ask:
11. What happens if we run out of alcohol mid-wedding?
No one wants to see an empty bar halfway through the night! We work with you to make sure this doesn’t happen by carefully calculating your alcohol needs.
But if drinks start disappearing faster than expected, we have contingency plans—like backup stock or a quick supplier call—to keep the party going.
12. Can we do a cash bar instead of an open bar?
Absolutely! A cash bar means guests pay for their own drinks, which helps control costs.
We can also do a hybrid approach where you cover the first few rounds, and then guests take over. Either way, we’ll make it seamless and classy!
13. Do you handle payments for a toonie or cash bar?
Yes! We can manage the cash float, handle payments, and ensure everything runs smoothly—so you don’t have to worry about scrambling for change or keeping track of transactions.
Cash, card, or a mix of both? No problem! We’ll keep the drinks flowing and the lines moving, so your guests can focus on having a great time.
14. Do we need a special license for our wedding bar?
Some venues require special permits for serving alcohol.
If it’s a private residence, you’re good to go. Public venue? You’ll probably need a permit.
Don’t stress—we’ll help navigate the legal stuff, ensuring everything is compliant so you can focus on celebrating.
15. Can we serve themed drinks?
Yes, and we love it!
Whether you want drinks that match your wedding colours or cocktails inspired by your love story, we can create a menu that’s fun, memorable, and totally “you.”
16. How do we make sure there’s enough variety?
We’ll create a custom alcohol list or estimate based on your guest count, event duration, and the drinks you want to serve.
We can recommend brands, quantities, and even the right amount of mixers, so you’ll know exactly how much to shop for—no last-minute liquor store runs needed!
Want local craft beer or a special whiskey selection? We’ve got it covered too!
17. What are the most popular cocktails couples include on their wedding menu?
Great question! Some all-time favourites include the timeless Espresso Martini, the refreshing Margarita, and the always classy Old Fashioned.
We also see a lot of couples choosing personalized drinks—like a ‘Bride’s Blush’ or ‘Groom’s Manhattan’—to make the bar menu extra special.
If you’re not sure what to pick, we’ll help curate a list based on your taste, theme, and guest preferences!
18. Do you offer a package where we don’t have to worry about anything?
Yes! We’re all about convenience.
While we can’t sell liquor directly, we offer full-service bar packages where we handle everything else—bartenders, mixers, garnishes, ice, glassware, and all the little details.
We also help with event permits. Whether you need guidance on applying or want us to handle the paperwork on your behalf, we’ll make sure your wedding bar is fully compliant with local regulations.
Just sit back, sip, and let us take care of the rest!
19. Should we hire just bartenders, or go for the full mobile bar setup?
Great news—you have options! You can hire our highly trained bartenders to mix and serve drinks at your own bar setup, or you can go all-in with our fully equipped mobile bar.
Our bar can travel to and from your venue, whether it’s a chic ballroom or a remote outdoor location. We can roll up with a generator if needed.
Either way, we’ll make sure your guests are sipping in style!
20. Is having a wedding bar super expensive?
Not necessarily! A wedding bar doesn’t have to cost a fortune—we work with your budget to create the perfect drink experience.
Whether it’s a handcrafted cocktail menu, a stylish self-serve station, or a mix of both, we’ll help you balance the fun with the funds.
We can customize everything to keep things within your budget. Let’s chat and find what works best for you!

© Unsplash | Brett Wharton
Your wedding bar can totally make or break the night—no pressure, right?
Now, picture this: drinks flowing’ and not a single guest stuck in some never-ending line, side-eyeing’ the last sad drops of gin. Way better vibe.
Look, your guests love you, but let’s be real—they also love a bar that runs smooth. That’s where we come in.
Fast service, killer drinks, zero stress. Sounds like a win to us. Cheers!🥂
Questions? Ideas? Just wanna talk cocktails? We got you.
Email us at events@mixologistsbartending.com. Or send a quick text to 705-984-5397.