Beyond the dance floor, the wedding bar makes an essential social focal point of the wedding reception. After saying your vows and enjoying the reception meal, a wedding bar is the one thing you can offer your guests to help them have a good time. In addition, they offer a chance for your guests to chat with each other while sipping on their favorite drinks and finding a glass to raise a toast to the bride and groom.

If you wish to serve those drinks in style, you should know there are some excellent ways to create the perfect wedding bar experience. Whether you are aiming for a staffed service or a self-serve station, want to go DIY, or use the venue’s existing bar, it is worth putting some effort into your wedding bar décor. However, with significant planning to do like looking at wedding dresses, picking a venue, etc., it can be hard to develop any more ideas. Here are a few ideas with surprise elements and stylish details to help create a bar with a twist.

Beyond the dance floor, the wedding bar makes an essential social focal point of the wedding reception.

Click To Tweet

1. Mobile Bar

Though no one knows the person who first turned a vintage camper into a magical drink machine, you can be glad they did. Renting a mobile bar with a pre-loaded personality is your best option if you are already décor-ed out for your wedding reception. They add a whimsical touch to your wedding and get cuter as they make the rounds.

You can find many fantastic services these days ranging from converted horseboxes to vintage caravans, rustic trucks, and contemporary trailers. In addition, mobile bars typically make the perfect addition for outdoor wedding receptions and instantly add an aesthetic look to the atmosphere.

So, if you love the idea of parking a party right at your reception, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or all of them, there is no reason why you shouldn’t bring in a bar on wheels. With beer, wine, champagne, cocktails, and mocktails, everything about mobile bars is fun.

2. Clawfoot Tub

If you aim for a more casual atmosphere for your after-wedding party, and you plan to offer individual bottles, you can use a clawfoot tub to execute the grab-and-go approach. All you have to do is find an old bathtub, throw some ice in it to create the perfect cooler, and fill it with the drinks of your choice, like beer and other soft drinks.

A vintage clawfoot tub is an antique chic alternative to a bar stand for an outdoor wedding. Setting up a separate self-serve bar like this will help your guests get their drinks on their own while lifting some pressure off your main wedding bar.

3. Monogrammed Station

An age-old practice, monogramming has its roots in ancient nobility. Presently, monograms aren’t as stuffy or exclusive as they used to be in the ancient era. However, brides and grooms worldwide have embraced their initials in various ways—from a simple design throughout their wedding or as a nod to familial ties.

You can incorporate your names into your weddings by getting a monogrammed station with moss or a sign. It will instantly add a personalized touch and will be great for photos. It also helps guests spot the bar quickly in a crowded room.

4. Beer on Tap

At least a few of your guests might not like the idea of walking around the reception venue with a cocktail. Instead, they will find beer on tap more appealing (until the barrels run dry). After all, who doesn’t love a beer straight from the tap?

The self-serve style bar will allow your guests to serve themselves the different varieties. Consider renting a beer truck or putting up your own fixtures. While guests can serve themselves, you can hire a bartender if you choose to. Additionally, ensure you have a few half-pint glasses on standby too.

5. Rustic Bar

If you are holding a barn wedding, rustic might be the vibe you aim for. Consider repurposing old wood and turning it into a bar area. Further, decorate it with mason jars, log slices, wicker baskets, crates, and charming signage. Adding a chandelier will also add a note of boho glamour. Remember that a rustic bar is all about natural, earthy tones that are enhanced by fresh greenery.

Additionally, rustic bars come to life when you fill them with local brews and some yummy, nonalcoholic punch. You can also offer hot chocolate and have jars filled with toppers like chocolate shavings, marshmallows, crushed peppermint, and rock candy for stirring. Lastly, add some red and white roses and fairy lights.

Stock the Bar

If you plan to stock the bar yourself, ensure your venue doesn’t charge a corkage fee. In case they do, you will have to account for this in your wedding budget. Next, figure out the number of guests you have and the possible amount they will drink.

Typically, most people have a glass per hour or five drinks throughout the evening. There will also be guests who drink more and some that drink less. Lastly, ensure you have all the essentials covered—beer, fruit juices, spirits, mixers, ciders, wines, and water so every guest can have a good time.