Let’s be honest, the bar will be one of the highest traffic areas at your reception. What you serve there, how long it’s open and how many staff members are serving drinks can all impact your budget.
Your caterer should have a variety of packages available from a standard well of house brands of vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, beer, wine and more, to high-end packages with premium brands and an expanded selection of signature drinks and cocktails.
For years, Rich’s saw couples exploring the signature cocktail trend where a favorite drink or specialty cocktail created just for the occasion was served at the reception. Today, couples are leaning on the expertise of master mixers to create a customized selection of signature drinks to choose from.
In response, Rich’s regularly adds new signature cocktails to our bar list, each featuring different seasonal ingredients. Champagne cocktails, fresh twists on the classic wedding toast, are trending now so Rich’s always offers at least one signature drink featuring champagne.
“This season, our winter cranberry cocktail is a huge hit,” said Steve Guagliardi, Event Planning Manager, Rich’s Catering & Special Events. “We’ve captured the season in a glass by combining sparkling wine with white cranberry juice and garnishing the drink with three sugared cranberries. The sweet bubbles and festive finish bring merriment to any event.”
Thinking ahead to spring and summer, we envision mason jars of sangria and spiked summer teas. For fall, look to the season for inspiration once again. We’re thinking peach-infused cocktails and sparkling apple cider.
When you’re booking your wedding, ensure that your caterer has a license to serve alcohol and ask about additional charges or fees related to the bar, such as corking fees and charges for additional bar tenders.
“No matter your budget, we stick to one golden bar rule for all events – absolutely no shots,” said Steve. “In our experience, and we have a lot of it, nothing good comes from shots!”
