For many engaged couples, a fully-stocked bar is an absolute must for their wedding dinner or reception. If you and your fiancé are of this mindset, here are some tips pitched by a few of the top Utah catering companies to ensure your bar caters to each and every guest.

1. Skip the Pricey Bubbly – Except for the traditional toast and raising of the glasses, skip the high-end champagne and serve something a little more economical. Your guests will never see the bottle it’s served from and most likely not be able to taste a difference.
2. Get a Real Bartender – Oftentimes couples make the mistake of asking a friend or family member to bartend for the sake of saving money. Whether or not they are a bartending pro, giving them such a substantial task doesn’t allow them to enjoy the wedding and more importantly, they probably aren’t adequately licensed or insured. Enlist the services of a bona fide bartender through your caterer or venue.
3. Purchase the Right Amount – There are a number of factors that comprise just how much booze you need including the length of the reception, the number of guests and their ages, and the time of day the festivities take place. On average, wedding guests consume 1.5 cocktails per hour; talk with your caterer to determine all the factors and make an educated guess on how much alcohol you will need.
4. Ask About Unused Alcohol Policies – Find out if your caterer has policies regarding unused alcohol and if you can be reimbursed if returned.
5. Don’t Forget Virgin Drinks – There are inevitably going to be children or individuals who choose not to drink so don’t forget to serve sparkling water, soda, and nonalcoholic mixed drinks.
6. Think Quality not Quantity – Instead of offering a myriad of drinks made using cheap liquor, focus on fewer options and higher quality. This could also help you avoid a potentially embarrassing bar mishap since many people order vodka and other liquor by name brand.
7. Set a Budget – As with every other aspect of your wedding, it’s important to determine your budget for the bar and choose options that fall under that price range.
8. Incorporate the Theme into your Bar – Use creative décor to create a bar that reflects your theme. For example, cover the bar with your signature flower or use bamboo and cocktail umbrellas if your theme is tropical.