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Updated Sep 09, 2024Does an Open Bar Wedding Cost as Much as You Think?
This is how much you need to save for your drinks.
Everyone loves an open bar, but don't just take our word for it. According to The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study, 62% of newlyweds had open bars at their celebrations. And even though more than half of receptions have one, the open bar wedding cost isn't common knowledge. Let us pull the curtain back on this topic and give you an idea of how much a wedding open bar costs. Then, get insider tips from industry experts about what aspects influence the final price and what to do after getting your open bar quote. (Psst. Once you're done getting budgeting advice, use this wedding open bar guide to plan your drink area the right way.)
Open bar info you need to know: How Much Does an Open Bar Cost at a Wedding? | Wedding Open Bar Cost Factors | How to Understand Open Bar Quotes | How to Find Open Bar Wedding Vendors
How Much Does an Open Bar Cost at a Wedding?
Design: Falak Khoja
Using data from our internal study, we found the average cost of an open bar at a wedding differs from region to region. For example, the cost of living in Iowa is less than in Massachusetts, which is why the open bar price between the two states varies. To keep yourself on track, take account of these regional averages, then use the convenient budget tool available on The Knot to incorporate open bar prices into your budget and get more info about wedding alcohol costs.
Wedding Open Bar Cost Factors
Now that you know the average cost for an open bar at a wedding, you and your partner are probably wondering how that number came to be. Keep reading to learn the major factors that impact the final bar price.
How Long the Bar Will Be Available
Frankie Podrat and Morgan Pine, cofounders of Cluster Events with over 10 years of event coordinating experience, believe some bar companies don't provide sufficient information upfront. We suggest asking your potential wedding bartender how much it will cost to have an open bar for the entirety of your celebration (prewedding ceremony drinks are a thing) versus only the reception. Once you know these numbers, you and your partner can determine which option is best for your budget.
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How Many Bars Are Needed
Another aspect that affects the cost of an open bar at a wedding reception is the number of bar locations. "It's really difficult for your bartenders to 'transition' your bar during your wedding," says Podrat and Pine. Those with a large guest list should keep this in mind since you'll need more than one bar to keep lines short and bartenders from being overwhelmed.
What Drinks Will Be Offered
"The type of beverages selected, such as premium liquors versus standard options, plays a major role in determining the final cost," Kim Spencer, hospitality expert and sales manager of Colette's Catering and Events, says. Danielle Lee, partner and chief financial officer of My House Events and passionate foodie, agrees. "For example, a premium open bar for three hours will be much more costly than a beer and wine bar for three hours."
Want to know the average cost for a wedding open bar with wine and beer? "The average price difference between an open bar with beer and wine only and one with liquor added is about $10 to $15 per person," Lee says. But the liquor isn't the only reason a full bar is priced higher. The open bar bill increases since cocktails require multiple ingredients and skilled bartenders. "To get the best of both worlds, we highly recommend beer and wine with a signature cocktail or two. This helps with labor and liquor costs," Lee says.
How to Understand Open Bar Quotes
Don't know how to save money on alcohol for a wedding after seeing open bar prices? Spencer tells you how. "If you experience sticker shock from open bar quotes, consider discussing alternative options like limiting the types of alcohol served or offering a partially open bar. I also like to compare the per-person cost to the couple going out to dinner or a bar and grabbing drinks with friends. When you break it down, it's easy to see you're saving on a per drink basis with an open bar," Spencer says.
As long as you're using a wedding alcohol calculator, keep your finances in mind and stay honest with your wedding bar vendor, you don't have to let open bar quotes scare you. "We recommend prioritizing what's most important to you and being transparent about your budget to create a bar service that fits your needs," Spencer says.
How to Find Open Bar Wedding Vendors
Finding the right wedding bartender doesn't have to be hard. Use The Knot Vendor Marketplace and enter your location. Once you do that, filter by price, bar and drink types (wine, beer, champagne, liquor and more), diversity and award winners to get the best bar pros for your celebration. Another option is to visit your favorite bars and ask if they cater weddings. This way, you work with people you trust and serve cocktails you love.
