DIY Open Bar

Rainbow17

I plan on renting out a space for my wedding, thus taking care of everything my self (caterers, tables, chairs. linens, etc).  I will also have to provide my own bar - which I hear is much cheaper since I can just buy bottles of liquor and return bottles that I don't use.  I'm having a wedding for 250 guests.  Anyone have a DIY bar and can tell me about your experience?  How did you find your bartenders?

Dee729

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Miramar-FL/Your-Personal-Staff#!/pages/Miramar-FL/Your-Personal-Staff/134910009865339

http://www.firewaterbars.com

found these two so far.....maybe one will work!

MariMac84

I'm in a similar situation. My venue is at a home so I needed to find all the things to fill it. I decided to find an event planner or else I think I would have gone insane. lol

I'm using Melissa from Events on A Budget. They offered me two options for bar, either they could supply everything, or I bring the liquor and they just bring the mixers.

Hope this helps!

Rainbow17

How much does that event planner cost?  And what is the cost of the 2 options?

MariMac84

Price really depends on everything you need and for how long. (4hours, 5 hours) I don't remember the price difference for the bar because it's all one big package. (I didn't ask for a price breakdown) and my parents insisted on buying the liquor so we went with the second option.

I'm having maybe 120-130 guests. If you're having 250, you may need 2 or 3 bartenders. 

Give them a call and ask for a proposal. Melissa is very helpful, she must have changed our proposal dozens of times because we kept changing things. lol I also booked my Day Of Coordinator with them (Her name's Sofia)

http://www.eventsonabudget.com/

RemyAlexandra

When you're doing a DIY bar, the best way to go is to not have millions of options, since that's where it starts adding up.  If you offer one brand each of staples like vodka, gin, rum, tequila, bourbon, scotch, and triple sec.  You can also get away with just a few specialty bottles like kahlua, Pama, etc.  Also, just double check to make sure that you can infact bring unused bottles back.  I know in some areas you cannot.

Once you start adding on different options of brands, more bottles will be opened without them being finished.  Since we want a larger variety of liquors, we're going with Potions in Motion which provides the bartenders, bar, and unlimited alcohol. 

GL!  I helped manage a bar while in college so if you have any more questions let me know!

MariMac84

I found another bartending place online...

http://www.miamibartenderbabe.com/

firewaterbars

I agree with Remy. An interesting Idea is to have Signature Drink instead of buying full liquor. 

So I would suggest choosing a specialty drink to commemorate the party and then just buy the basic mixed drinks (Vodka Cranberry, Rum & Coke, Scotch, Gin is not very popular anymore, and Beer). This is great for a budget so you avoid buying a full liquor bar but still have the elegance you're after.

           - Another simple Tip is 1lbs of Ice per person for a 4 hour event. 

           - And bring lots of bottled water for when people want to sober up for the              drive home.

I can show you a lot of interesting things about planning an event. This comes automatically when hiring a decent bartender.

p.s. Miami Bartender Babe & Fire Water Bars are close affiliates and work together nearly 50% of the time. We do cocktail catering, portable bars, flair bartenders and more. 

RemyAlexandra

Hey firewatersbars.. vendors can't post on here