In my experience, most weddings offer an open bar, and it will please your guests. If you’re bringing in your own catering, make sure you have enough, if not extra, alcohol (nothing kills a party like running out early!). But if the venue provides it — which I highly recommend — it takes the stress off.
Smith recommends looking for a place with a five-hour premium open bar with table-side wine service. “Many venues will actually let you customize the bar by adding certain enhancements free of charge,” he noted. For example, we got to create a special bride and groom’s choice cocktail menu (pictured).
There are also usually two levels of open bar: top shelf (like Grey Goose Vodka) and less expensive liquors (such as Tito's Handmade Vodka). No shame in choosing the latter as long as there’s a constant stream flowing. You can also just serve wine and beer to save a pretty penny.
Pro tip from Smith: “If you have at least 125 guests, make sure the venue offers three bartenders.” Waiting 15 minutes for a drink can also be a buzzkill.
