The 5 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Wedding Bar
Your wedding day should be a seamless celebration filled with joy, laughter, and perfectly crafted cocktails. However, planning your wedding bar can come with unexpected challenges if you’re not prepared. From running out of alcohol to hiring an unlicensed vendor, there are many common pitfalls couples can encounter.
At On The Fly Tapsters, we specialize in providing full-service mobile bar solutions for weddings in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, ensuring that your big day is as smooth as the cocktails we serve. Here are the five biggest wedding bar planning mistakes to avoid and how we can help you create a seamless, stress-free bar experience.
1. Underestimating How Much Alcohol You’ll Need
One of the most common mistakes couples make is miscalculating the amount of alcohol needed for their wedding. Running out of drinks halfway through your reception can put a damper on the celebration, while overbuying can leave you with wasted money and unopened bottles.
How to Avoid It:
Plan for 1-1.5 drinks per guest per hour as a general guideline.
Consider the length of your event, your guest count, and your crowd’s drinking habits.
Use tools like an alcohol calculator to get an accurate estimate.
At On The Fly Tapsters, we help couples accurately plan their bar inventory. For events in Virginia and Maryland, we provide a detailed shopping list to ensure you buy the right amount of alcohol without overspending.
2. Choosing the Wrong Bar Setup
A poorly designed bar setup can lead to long lines, frustrated guests, and a disorganized service flow. Whether it’s inadequate staffing, inefficient bar placement, or lack of variety in drink options, your bar setup plays a critical role in your guests’ experience.
How to Avoid It:
Place the bar in a central, easily accessible location that doesn’t block traffic flow.
Ensure you have enough bartenders. A good rule of thumb is one bartender for every 50 guests for standard service.
Offer a variety of drinks to cater to all tastes, including beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
With On The Fly Tapsters, we provide a professional bar setup tailored to your venue and guest count. From portable bars to trained bartenders, we handle the logistics to keep your bar running smoothly.
3. Hiring Unlicensed or Inexperienced Bartenders
Hiring an unlicensed or inexperienced bartender may seem like a way to save money, but it can lead to major problems. Without proper licensing, you could run into legal issues, and an untrained bartender may lack the expertise to create a professional and enjoyable experience.
How to Avoid It:
Always hire bartenders who are licensed and insured.
Look for experienced professionals who can craft high-quality cocktails and manage bar service efficiently.
Ensure your bar team follows all state and local regulations for alcohol service.
At On The Fly Tapsters, we are fully licensed in Washington, DC through the ABRA (Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration) and operate legally as a dry hire in Maryland and Virginia. Our team of trained bartenders ensures a safe, professional, and enjoyable bar experience for you and your guests.
4. Forgetting to Account for Non-Alcoholic Options
Not all of your guests will drink alcohol, so failing to offer non-alcoholic beverages can leave some attendees feeling excluded. Additionally, some guests may need coffee or water later in the evening to stay hydrated and energized.
How to Avoid It:
Offer a variety of mocktails, sodas, infused waters, and coffee.
Include kid-friendly options if children will be attending.
Work with your bar service provider to create a non-alcoholic menu alongside your signature drinks.
At On The Fly Tapsters, we provide mocktail options and beverage stations to ensure all guests are taken care of, regardless of their preferences.
5. Skipping a Signature Cocktail
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and skipping a signature cocktail is a missed opportunity to personalize your bar menu. A signature drink adds a unique and memorable touch to your wedding, showcasing your personality as a couple.
How to Avoid It:
Work with your bartender to create a signature cocktail that reflects your favorite flavors or complements your wedding theme.
Offer one or two signature cocktails to keep service efficient.
Name your drink something fun or meaningful, like “The Newlywed Spritz” or “Forever Old Fashioned.”
At On The Fly Tapsters, we specialize in designing custom signature cocktails for weddings in the DMV area. We use high-quality, seasonal ingredients to craft drinks that are as unique as your love story.
How On The Fly Tapsters Can Help
When it comes to wedding bar service, On The Fly Tapsters is here to make your day stress-free and unforgettable. We provide:
Custom bar setups to fit your venue and theme
Licensed and experienced bartenders in DC, Maryland, and Virginia
Expert planning assistance to help you avoid overbuying or underestimating your alcohol needs
Signature cocktails and mocktails tailored to your preferences
Professional mobile bar services with everything you need to keep the drinks flowing
Plan Your Perfect Wedding Bar Today
Avoid these common mistakes and let On The Fly Tapsters create a seamless bar experience for your wedding in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia. With our expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to quality, we ensure your guests will be talking about your wedding long after the last toast.
Contact us today to learn more about our wedding bar services and book your date!
