Open Bar Cost

• The average cost for bartender service at a wedding reception is $2,800, according to the Bridal Association of America[1] . The average number of guests is 170, making it $16.50 per guest.
• Most caterers advertise an open bar as unlimited mixed drinks, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. From a sample of wedding sites across the U.S., open bar costs typically range from $15 to $90 per person for a four-hour reception. In most cases you can upgrade to premium liquors for $3 or $4 more per person.
• Serving beer and wine only will save you some money with most caterers, typically costing $11 to $33 per person for four hours.
• Open bar costs may double or triple in big cities and resort areas.
• Some customers save money by providing their own wine and asking friends and family to run the bar. Super Weddings[2] suggests 2 glasses per guest with dinner, with some wines under $5 per bottle, costs start at $2 per guest, and can easily climb to $20 per guest, depending on your selection.
• When providing your own domestic and imported beers, estimate $2 to $5 per person for each hour of the reception. Costs for creating mixed drinks varies widely, depending on the types and quality of liquors provided.

• An open bar serving mixed drinks, wine and beer may include: vodka, gin, scotch, light rum, bourbon, Seagram's 7, tequila, white and red wines, champagne, domestic and imported beers, soft drinks, water and juice.
• At least one bartender should be available for every 100 guests.
• Cups and napkins should be provided, as well as setup and cleanup services after the reception.

• Caterers often charge a setup cost of $30 to $200 per bartender working the event. Sometimes this amount is included in the per-guest fee.
• Many caterers require you to pay an hourly fee for the bartender, around $25. Alternately, this may be included in the setup fee.
• Unless gratuity is included in your total fees, plan to tip 10% to 20% of the total alcohol bill to the head bartender, to be split between all bar staff. Additionally, some bartenders will set out a tip jar, where guests may choose to tip $1 per drink.
• If providing your own wine, many caterers charge a per-bottle corking fee in the $1 to $15 range. For each six-pack of beer that you provide, bartenders may charge $1 to $5 in service fees.
• Expect to add $2 extra per person to substitute glassware for plastic cups.

• Ask about limiting your bar to certain liquors or a signature cocktail, which may cut costs.

• When shopping for a caterer, ask if an open bar is included in the quoted price. Ask if providing your own alcohol is allowable.
• Bartenders should be covered with liability insurance[3] . Ask to see proof of coverage before signing a contract.
• The Knot lists tips for stocking your own open bar[4] , including quantities.

1.  www.bridalassociationofamerica.com/Wedding_Statistics/
2.  www.superweddings.com/wedding-planning/wedding-planner/
3.  www.servercertificationcorp.com/bartending.html
4.  wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/diy-do-it-yourself-weddings/articles/how-to-s...

Check Out All Costs for Weddings		How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost?		How Much Do Wedding Invitations Cost?		How Much Does a Wedding Reception Venue Cost?

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