Creating the Perfect Wedding Bar: A Guide to Stocking Your Dream Celebration
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! As you plan every detail of your special day, don't forget about one of the most important aspects - the bar. A well-stocked wedding bar can transform your celebration into a memorable and lively event. In this guide, we'll share tips and ideas to help you stock the bar at your wedding in a way that reflects your personality, satisfies your guests, and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
1. Know Your Guests and Preferences
Before you start buying bottles and mixers, take some time to think about your guest list and your own preferences. Are your friends and family wine enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, or cocktail connoisseurs? Knowing your audience will help you cater to their tastes and ensure everyone has a great time. And don't forget to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences, like offering non-alcoholic options for designated drivers and non-drinkers.
2. Signature Cocktails
One of the best ways to infuse creativity and warmth into your wedding bar is by featuring signature cocktails. These drinks can be named after the bride and groom, hold sentimental value, or simply reflect your favorite flavors. Work with a talented mixologist to craft these unique concoctions, and consider incorporating seasonal or local ingredients for an added touch of authenticity.
3. Quality Over Quantity
While it's tempting to stock up on every type of alcohol imaginable, quality should always take precedence over quantity. Invest in premium spirits and liquors that you and your guests will genuinely enjoy. Consider having a few well-chosen options rather than a wide variety of subpar selections. This not only elevates the experience but also reduces waste.
4. Beer and Wine Selections
Beer and wine are wedding bar staples. To make your selection special, consider offering a mix of local and international options. Local wines and craft beers can add a personal and authentic touch to your wedding bar, giving your guests a taste of your region or favorite vacation spot.
5. Non-Alcoholic Choices
Ensure everyone feels included by providing non-alcoholic beverage options. Craft artisanal mocktails, have a selection of sparkling waters and juices, and maybe even a DIY soda bar with various syrups and garnishes. This thoughtful touch can be a real hit among designated drivers, pregnant guests, and those who simply prefer not to drink.
6. Bar Decor and Presentation
Creating a warm and inviting bar goes beyond just the drinks. Think about the decor and presentation. We might be a little bias here, but Tamp & Muddle Co. has this area covered for you. Our sleek and modern horse trailer bar, beachy and tropical satellite bars and faux plant rentals elevate every event they are featured at. We also have rustic wooden barrels and personalized signage that add a touch of creativity and authenticity to your bar setup. Pro-tip: re-purpose some of your ceremony flowers as an arrangement on the bar.
7. Expert Bartenders
Hiring experienced bartenders is crucial to ensure smooth operations at your wedding bar. A professional bartender not only knows how to craft the perfect cocktail but also adds an element of expertise and charm to the experience. Their passion for mixology can truly elevate your wedding bar.
8. DIY Drink Stations
Consider setting up DIY drink stations where guests can customize their beverages. This can include a garnish station with fresh herbs, fruits, and spices.
Stocking the bar at your wedding is more than just providing drinks; it's about creating an authentic, warm, and inviting experience for your guests. With thoughtful choices, personalized touches, and a passion for creating memorable moments, your wedding bar can become a highlight of your celebration. Cheers to a perfect wedding day filled with love, laughter, and amazing drinks!
Gin Botanical Garden Party Styled Shoot
I had been dreaming of doing a styled shoot with Ivy Pearl, our converted horse trailer bar for months (possibly years!) and it was finally time. I was inspired to come up with a series of “spirit” styled shoots and since we launched our bar trailer in the spring, Gin was the obvious choice!
Our Bar Menu was gin-based cocktails. With signature cocktails, we always recommend serving no more than 3. We served:
Elderflower Rose Gin Sour using Empress 1908 Gin (See recipe here)
Classic G&T using Tempo Gin
Jenn & Tonic (Jenn’s twist on the classic)
Hand Painted Fabric Bar Menu by Jaclyn
Creative Director of Tamp & Muddle Co. Photography by Bre Poole Photography
I put together a list of vendors I wanted to work with or have worked with previously and to my delight, everyone was stoked to join! They all loved the theme and you can’t ask for anything better than that!
Coordinating this was no small feat, but as an unofficial party planner, it was a challenge I was ready to take on.
I knew right from the get-go I wanted Events by Elle to provide decor and especially a lounge set up. Elle has beautiful taste and we had been communicating for several months about collaborating. She was thrilled to be a part of the shoot and recommended some photographers she’d like to work with. That’s how I found Bre. (Love this collaboration thing!)
We got a contract together and the date was set!
I’ve learned over my 18 year experience as an entrepreneur to delegate tasks that either don’t bring me joy, are stressful, or simply not my forte. I reached out to Stephanie from Simply Stone Events to be my Day of Coordinator, so the timing of everyone setting up was off my shoulders. I’m so glad she accepted because she absolutely rocked it!
Here she is with her assistant and Wine Maker of Cavallo Winery. We got to taste their Rose before it was released to the public!
Day of Coordinator: Simply Stone Events and Wine Maker of Cavallo Winery Photography by Bre Poole Photography
While we eagerly waited for great weather, we continued to plan and coordinate and here’s how it turned out:
vancouver & fraser valley event Vendors involved
Photography: Bre Poole Photography
Venue: Bloom Garden Weddings
Bars: Tamp & Muddle Co.
Bartender: Jenn & Tonic Bartending
Decor & Styling: Events by Elle
Day of Coordinator: Simply Stone Events
Charcuterie Grazing Table: Rustic Grazing
Glassware: Host Collection
Florals: Ethereal Flower Farm
Content Creation & BTS: Home Body Media Co
3 Benefits of Hiring a Professional Florist for Your Wedding Day
Wedding planning can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but hiring a professional florist can make all the difference. In this blog post, we will discuss three benefits of hiring a florist for your wedding day.
Expertise and Creativity:
A professional florist has the expertise and creativity to bring your floral vision to life. With years of experience in the industry, they have the know-how to choose the right flowers and arrangements to complement your wedding theme and venue. A florist can also offer unique and creative ideas to make your wedding décor stand out and create a memorable experience for you and your guests.
2. Stress-free planning
Hiring a florist can take a significant amount of stress off of your wedding planning process. You can trust a professional florist to handle all of your floral needs, from choosing the right flowers and arrangements to setting up and breaking down the décor on the day of the wedding. With a florist handling the floral aspects of your wedding, you can focus on other aspects of your big day and enjoy the planning process.
3. Attention to Detail
A professional florist pays attention to every detail, from the color and texture of the flowers to the placement of the arrangements. They will work with you to create a cohesive look for your wedding that fits your personal style and preferences. With a florist on your side, you can rest assured that the floral décor will be stunning and seamless, making your wedding day even more special.
In conclusion, hiring a professional florist for your wedding day has many benefits. With their expertise and creativity, you can ensure that your floral décor is beautiful, stress-free, and tailored to your unique style and preferences. So, when planning your wedding, consider hiring a professional florist to bring your floral vision to life.
What would you like to see next in our wedding guide? Comment below
6 Benefits of hiring a Wedding Planner
Our wedding guide continues with 6 BENEFITS OF HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER.
As a previous Bride, I do get the draw to plan your wedding yourself. However, there are some definite advantages to having a pro by your side. If you love planning parties and are a creative person, you can still have a large part in the planning process and leave some of the not so fun details to a wedding planner, or even just have a Day of Coordinator.
Here are some great reasons why hiring a planner for your wedding is the way to go:
You save time.
Life is busy. Think of how much time you have now to get together with friends or dive into your favorite hobby. How much time do you have?
If you’re like most people, there isn’t much left over after the daily needs are taken care of.
From choosing the venue to organising suppliers, professional wedding planners take care of all the hard work, allowing you and your partner to focus on other things-like celebrating your engagement!
Featured Wedding Planner: Simply Stone Eventswebsite: www.simplystoneevents.ca Instagram: @simplystone.events
2. You profit from their connections
Likely you are not involved in the wedding industry, so you’re trying to sift through all the vendors. It can be overwhelming to know who to choose. There are a plethora of reputable wedding vendors in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, but knowing who the right fit is for you can end up costing you valuable time and funds.
Leave it up to the Planner who has worked with different vendors, developed relationships and can negotiate prices for you. They will know who fits with your vision the best, and be able to provide you a smooth sailing day.
Featured Wedding Planner: Sit Pretty Events
Website: www.sitprettyevents.com Instagram: @sitprettyevents
3. Details, details, details!
Inevitablly, there will be something you haven’t though of. A wedding planner makes sure that there is nothing overlooked. They take care of all the logistics such as scheduling, having backups in case things go wrong, handling everything down to the smallest detail, such as a spare hairpin. (Remember Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner??)
Featured Wedding Planner: Valley Weddings & Events
Website: www.valleyweddings.ca Instagram: @valleyweddings
4. To understand your vision and ensure it is created.
A wedding planner is dedicated to bring your vision to life. They will be your spokesperson for other suppliers, caterers, florists, bartenders, etc to make sure that what you dreamt of in your head is exactly (or better) what you see on your big day.
Featured Wedding Planner: Smitten Events
Website: www.smittenevents.ca Instagram: @smitten_events
5. Maximize your wedding budget in the best possible way
When a wedding planner is involved, you can be sure your money is being used in the best way possible to help your vision come true.
Their contacts from forming great working relationships allows them to not only know which supplier will be most efficient for your big day but also gives you the bonus of being able to attain discounts, and avoid making costly mistakes.
Featured Wedding Planner: Wednesday Wedding Co.
Website: https://wednesdayweddingco.com/ Instagram: @wednesdayweddingco
6. Stress-Free Wedding Day
On your big day, you'll feel great knowing that your planner is taking command of the venue and vendors, coordinating logistics, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. If any issues arise during the ceremony or reception, they'll be the first one on the scene-and you won't need to worry about anything except enjoying your special day with loved ones.
Featured Wedding Planner: Above & Beyond Event Planning
Website: www.aboveandbeyondeventplanning.ca Instagram: @above.and.beyond.events
Now you know the benefits of hiring a wedding planner, scroll back up and check out the Vancouver and Fraser Valley Wedding Planners we think are gems in the wedding game!
Next up in our wedding guide: Caterers