A wedding bar does not need to replicate a full cocktail bar's menu. It needs to cover the guest count reliably, taste intentional, and not require a bartending team you have to manage on the day.
Step 1: Estimate total drinks needed
Plan for roughly one drink per guest per hour of open bar, with a higher rate of about two drinks per guest in the first hour when cocktail hour brings everyone to the bar at once. A 5-hour reception with cocktail hour typically lands between 4 and 6 drinks per guest.
Step 2: Pick 2 to 4 signature cocktails, not a full menu
A full cocktail menu at a wedding creates decision fatigue and slows down the bar line. Two to four well-chosen batch cocktails, one lighter, one spirit-forward, maybe one non-alcoholic, covers most guest preferences without overcomplicating service.
Step 3: Size your order
Match your total drink estimate to batch sizes. A 5-gallon batch serves roughly 120 drinks, which typically covers cocktail hour plus a portion of the reception for 100 to 150 guests when paired with wine and beer.
Step 4: Lock delivery timing
Order 1 to 2 weeks ahead for weddings to guarantee your flavors and your delivery window. Since batch cocktails are best within 72 hours, coordinate delivery for 1 to 2 days before the event, not a full week out.
Step 5: Round up, not down
Running out mid-reception is a visible, hard-to-fix problem. Leftover batch holds fine in the fridge. When in doubt on quantity, order more.
Colorway Event Delivery
Custom quantities and full bar service for weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
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