Wedding Open Bar Pricing and Planning in 2025, How to plan a wedding bar on a Budget and Different types of wedding bars
3/25/2025
When it comes to planning your wedding, the bar is one of the most important elements that can elevate the overall experience. It’s a place where your guests can relax, mingle, and toast to your special day. However, planning a wedding bar can also be one of the trickiest parts of your budget. With so many different options, it's essential to balance your desires with your financial reality. In 2025, wedding bar pricing and packages are more varied than ever, so let’s dive into how to plan your wedding bar, stick to a budget, and explore the different types of bars you can offer at your celebration.
The Lizton Lodge is a luxury country wedding venue where elegance meets celebration in every detail!
Things to Consider When Planning for Drinking and a Bar at Your Wedding
First, let's set a foundation for what to expect when you're planning the drinks for your wedding. A key rule of thumb is to forecast 2-3 drinks per person for the entire event. This should cover your guests’ needs during the cocktail hour, dinner, and possibly dancing. It's better to overestimate than to run out of beverages, but don’t feel the need to go overboard with excessively large quantities either.
For Beer:
You’ll want to cater to various tastes, so focus on a few solid choices. Be sure to hit the major categories:
Light beer or Lager
Wheat ale or cream ale
Craft beer (perhaps a light IPA)
A ready-to-drink beverage, like a hard seltzer or canned cocktail
By offering a few different varieties, you can ensure that your guests will have a drink they enjoy, without overwhelming your budget.
For Liquor and Wine:
Having just one red and one white wine option is a good rule of thumb for supplying wedding guests. While liquor options vary, having the big five spirits of Vodka, Whiskey, Gin, Tequila and Rum with one or two options for each is going to keep your guest happy! Talking with your alcohol provider is always a smart option when planning for a wedding bar!
This picture was taken from our new bar which is perfect to cool off after an outdoor ceremony! Bottoms up!
Average Wedding Pricing for Open Bars
When you’re considering open bar pricing for your wedding, you’ll typically find packages falling into one of the following categories:
Basic Starter Open Bar:
$15 - $30 per guest
This is the most economical choice and typically includes basic beer, wine, and a couple of cocktail options. It’s perfect for couples who want to offer guests a few choices but are mindful of costs.
Standard Open Bar:
$30 - $50 per guest
This option upgrades your options with a middle-shelf selection of beer, wine, and spirits. It gives guests more variety and a bit of sophistication without going all out.
Premium Luxury Open Bar:
$50 - $90 per guest
For couples looking to offer the best experience, this package includes top-shelf liquor, craft cocktails, and high-end beer and wine options. While it’s the most expensive, it’s also the most luxurious and guarantees your guests a premium drinking experience.
Affordable Wedding Bar Packages at Lizton Lodge
Planning a wedding bar on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. At Lizton Lodge, we offer bar packages that beat the average wedding pricing while still providing excellent options for your guests.
Our bar packages come in three categories:
Bronze Package - $22 per person
1 red and 1 white wine
2 domestic beers
Base-shelf liquors (vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, tequila) This is a great starter option for couples who want to provide a variety without breaking the bank.
Silver Package - $25 per person
1 red and 1 white wine
3 domestic beer choices
Middle-shelf liquors
Perfect for those looking to offer a little more variety in their alcohol selection without overspending.
Gold Package - $28 per person
2 red and 2 white wine choices
4 domestic beer choices
Top-shelf liquors
This package includes high-quality options for wine, beer, and spirits, perfect for couples who want to provide their guests with a premium experience.
All-Inclusive Bar Experience
At Lizton Lodge, we don’t just provide alcohol. Our bar packages are designed to accommodate guests of all ages and preferences. Each package comes with:
Mixers (like soda, tonic, and juices)
Soft drinks
Tea, water, and lemonade
This ensures that your guests of all ages have plenty of refreshing options and stay hydrated throughout the event.
Planning a wedding bar doesn’t have to be a stressful task. By following these wedding planning tips (and booking the Lizton Lodge of course!). You can create a memorable experience without blowing your budget. Whether you opt for a basic, standard, or premium open bar, you can rest assured that Lizton Lodge offers a variety of affordable packages that cater to every taste and budget. With our all-inclusive offerings, your guests will enjoy a great time and your wedding day will go off without a hitch.
For more information on our bar packages click here!
For more blogs on alcohol and planning check out these useful resources