HOW MUCH DOES AN OPEN BAR COST FOR A WEDDING?
**Disclaimer** These are not our prices, these are statistics we have gathered from viable sources mentioned
- According to the Bridal Association of America,the average guest at wedding receptions are 170, with the fee for a bartender at $2,800. This means for every guest, $16.50 goes the fee the bartender charges.
- Wine and nonalcoholic drinks, a popular preserve of unlimited bars, is a good way to save cost. It costs an average of $15 to $90 per person for a four hour reception, and around an extra $3 to $4 per person for premium liquor.
- To save money, it is advisable that only wine and beer is served. This reduces the average cost per person to $11 to $33, depending on the caterer, the wine and the beer served.
- In big cities, as is won’t with everything economic, the price of an open bar may double or triple.
- In order to save money, some guests bring their own drinks, while they convince their families or friends to run the bar. For dinner, we suggest two glasses per guest. For wines less than $15 per bottle, the average cost per guest would be $2, and could rise to as high as $20.
- If you are bringing in your own beers- imported or domestic – work with an estimated cost of $2 to $5 per person. The cost for creating mixed drinks differs from place to place, and with the type and quality of liquor.
What should be included?
- The types of drinks and mixers that should be served in an open bar ranges from vodka, to scotch, to light rum, bourbon, Seagram’s 7, tequila, domestic and imported beers, white and red wine, soft drinks to water and juice.
- It is expected that one bartender is capable of serving 100 persons, which is slightly more than the average acceptable bartender to guest ratio.
- There should be cups and napkins at the party. Clean up services should be engaged after the party.
Additional costs:
- The cost per bartender that caterers charge is around $30 – $200 for each event. The amount is sometimes included in the guest fee.
- Caterers prefer hourly fees for their bartenders. This may cost around $25 per hour. This could be included in the setup fee.
- Plan to tip 10% to 20% of the total alcohol bill on the head bartender. He/she on their own part, would know how best to split it amongst the other bar staff. There are situations where bartenders set a tip jar, where guests can tip at their leisure.
- Bartenders charge $1 to $15 per bottle as corking fee if you provide the wine. Some bartenders charge around $1 to $5 for service fee for each six-pack of beer you provide.
- Add an extra $3-5 per person for glassware in place of plastic cups.
Discounts
- To cut costs, limit your bar to some certain liquor; and a signature drink would be just perfect.
Shopping for an open bar:
- Ask the caterer, before you hire, if an open bar is included in the quoted price. Also ask if you can provide your own alcohol and if it would affect the quoted price.
- Ask for the liability insurance of the bartenders that would be serving at your party before you sign the contract.
GET A REAL QOUTE FROM PROGRESSIVE POURS!
Since bartending special events, such as weddings to birthdays, are so different from one another, we ask that you reach out to us so we can get to know you and discuss what exactly your needs are. That way we can provide you with an accurate cost to bartend your special day!
Give us a call @ (619) 206-7247
or click here to submit a contact form and we will follow up with you within 48 hours.