Wedding Open Bar Prices: What You Need to Know Before Saying Cheers!

If there’s one thing that gets wedding guests extra excited (besides celebrating your love, of course),the bar! But when it comes to planning your wedding budget, the question of whether to have an open bar—and how much it will cost—can feel like a bit of a mystery. At The Postmark, we have so many bar options! For those who want to to provide alcohol for their guests we have 3 options. For those who want to have it but allow the guest to purchase it, we have the cash bar option. At The Postmark, we don’t require you to purchase alcohol or even hit a minimum, we understand it doesn’t fit in everyone’s budget. You can check out our pricing and package options for our bar Prohibition which is located inside our venue. Prohibition is such a unique bourbon bar we know your guests will love. If you book with us, you get to enjoy Prohibition all to yourself with friends and family that attend your wedding.

We are excited to break down the options and so you understand what each option is and terms are when you are searching for the perfect bar option for your wedding. We’re here to break it down in the most bubbly and budget-friendly way!

What Exactly is an Open Bar?

An open bar means that your guests can order drinks throughout the event without pulling out their wallets. Sounds dreamy, right? It’s a popular choice because it keeps the good times flowing and ensures no guest has to worry about footing the bill. But, like everything wedding-related, it does come with a price tag.

The Price Tag: What to Expect

The cost of an open bar varies based on several factors, including your guest count, venue policies, and the type of alcohol served. On average, couples can expect to spend anywhere from $15 to $90 per guest for an open bar. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Limited Open Bar: $15-$30 per guest (beer, wine, and a couple of cocktail options)
Standard Open Bar: $30-$50 per guest (a good mix of beer, wine, and spirits)
Premium Open Bar: $50-$90 per guest (top-shelf liquor, craft cocktails, and high-end selections)

While that might seem like a lot upfront, let’s talk about why going through your venue can actually save you money compared to the DIY route.

Why Going Through Your Venue is a Smart Move

Some couples think they’ll save money by buying cases of alcohol themselves and hiring a bartender, but that’s not always the case. Here’s why opting for a venue-provided bar can be a budget-friendly decision:

1. No Surprise Costs

Venues often offer bar packages that include everything—alcohol, mixers, garnishes, glassware, bartenders, and even liability insurance. When you DIY, you might end up paying extra for bartenders, rental fees, permits, and other hidden costs. Here at The Postmark, we have special bar packages that you can customize and make your own. Learn More about The Postmark Bar Packages here.

2. Less Waste, More Savings

Buying cases of alcohol yourself means guessing how much you’ll need. Too little? Your guests run dry. Too much? You’re stuck with 20 extra bottles of gin. Venues have experience estimating the right amount so you don’t overbuy or run out.

3. No Leftover Hassles

With a venue-run bar, you don’t have to deal with storing leftover booze, returning unopened bottles (if even possible), or figuring out what to do with extra kegs. It’s all handled for you!

4. Professional Bartenders & Service

Venues typically provide experienced bartenders who know how to keep the line moving and craft the perfect cocktails. Hiring your own bartender? You’ll likely need to pay them separately and ensure they have proper licensing.

Ways to Cut Costs Without Cutting Fun

If an open bar seems out of reach, don’t worry! There are still ways to keep the drinks flowing without breaking the bank:

Opt for a Signature Cocktail: Instead of offering every liquor under the sun, serve a couple of signature cocktails along with beer and wine. Make them go with your personality, wedding theme colors or even name them after a special pet! After all, this day is all about you.
Limit Liquor Hours: Have an open bar during cocktail hour and dinner, then switch to beer and wine for the rest of the night.
Choose a Cash Bar Hybrid: Cover the first few drinks per guest, then switch to a cash bar later in the evening.

Cheers to Smart Wedding Planning!

At the end of the day, your wedding bar should reflect your budget, your vibe, and how you want to celebrate. Whether you go for a fully stocked open bar or a curated drink menu, the key is to plan ahead so you can raise a glass without worrying about the bill.

So, what’s your wedding drink of choice? A crisp glass of champagne, a classic Old Fashioned, or maybe a margarita with a little extra lime? Whatever it is, we’ll cheers to that! 🥂

Bar package and pricing for The Postmark Bar Wedding Packages — Photo by OddFellow Photography

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means the world to our small owned wedding venues. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs.

Wedding Open Bar Pricing & Best Ways to Save on Your Bar on a Budget