Is the open bar still king? Or is 2025 the year of the artisanal mocktail wedding?
Your alcohol strategy isn’t just about drinks — it’s about budget, values, guest experience, and how you want to feel at the end of the night.
This guide helps you move from overwhelmed to informed. Whether you're going full celebration or keeping things dry and elegant, here's how to do it with intention.
Ask Yourself: What Are We Really Trying to Create?
Before choosing your drink plan, ask these three clarity questions:
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What do you want your guests to feel?
- Relaxed and celebratory?
- Safe and grounded?
- Energized and emotionally present?
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Where is your money better spent?
- Would you rather have an open bar or a live band?
- Custom cocktails or a jaw-dropping venue?
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How much control do you want over the night?
- Are you OK with some guests getting tipsy or worse?
- Or do you want to stay in full command of the energy?
Your answers shape your bar strategy.
Options on the Table: The 2025 Breakdown
| Option | Estimated Cost (100 guests) | Vibe | Logistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Open Bar | $5,000–$8,000+ | Lavish, all-access | Requires bartenders, liability coverage |
| Wine & Beer Only | $2,500–$4,000 | Classic, controlled | Easier licensing, simplified menu |
| Signature Cocktails Only | $1,500–$3,000 | Personal, trendy | Pre-batched = smoother flow |
| Champagne Toast Only | $500–$1,000 | Symbolic, elegant | Toasts + water and non-alcoholic drinks |
| Dry Wedding w/ Mocktail Bar | $1,000–$2,000 | Curated, elevated | Hire a zero-proof mixologist |
A Note on Insurance: Don’t Skip This Part
If you’re serving alcohol in any form, your venue might require host liquor liability coverage. Even if they don’t, it’s a smart move. You’re responsible if something goes wrong.
Wedsure offers wedding liability policies that cover exactly this — with fast quotes and instant proof of insurance.
Quote Wedsure Insurance Instantly →
How to Execute Each Plan Beautifully
Open Bar
- Pair with a strong bartending team.
- Offer a printed drink menu to avoid decision fatigue.
- Limit shots and high-ABV cocktails to reduce risk.
Wine, Beer + Signature Cocktail
- Choose one drink per partner with personal flair.
- Use seasonal garnishes and custom names.
- Batch cocktails ahead for efficiency.
Champagne Toast Only
- Time it with speeches or the start of dinner.
- Use coupe glasses for retro elegance.
- Offer sparkling alternatives for non-drinkers.
Dry Wedding with Mocktails
- Hire a zero-proof mixologist (ask to taste their menu).
- Use premium NA spirits (Seedlip, Ghia, Monday Gin).
- Go heavy on aesthetics: smoke, herbs, edible florals.
- Set up a water bar with infused options (cucumber mint, rose citrus).
Picture This: Possible Themes to Match Your Beverage Plan
The Garden Gathering
Mocktail Wedding with Botanical Cocktails
Guests sip cucumber-lavender spritzers while lounging in linen-covered chairs beneath string lights. A floral cart rolls through the lawn offering rosewater tonics with edible blooms. The energy: bright, fresh, and fully present.
The Noir Night
Champagne Toast Only + Jazz Vibes
The ceremony ends. Glasses of brut champagne appear as a 3-piece band starts up. Guests toast during golden hour and settle into candlelit tables. No bar, no pressure, just slow-burn celebration.
The Creative Clubhouse
Wine + Signature Cocktail + Vinyl DJ
You serve your go-to mezcal hibiscus cocktail alongside natural wines and two rotating beers. Guests lounge on velvet couches between dancing and photo booth snapshots. Everything feels curated, not generic.
The Full Party
Open Bar, Late-Night Espresso, and Fire Pit S’mores
This is your high-energy, all-in celebration, a full-spectrum party from first pour to last toast. Signature cocktails kick off the night, followed by open bar options, followed by espresso martinis for the 10 PM second wind. End the night around a fire pit with Irish coffee and s’mores.
Questions Couples Ask Most
Can we provide our own alcohol?
Often yes, but check your venue’s policies. You may need a licensed bartender even for BYO.
What if only some guests drink?
Offer elevated non-alcoholic options so everyone feels included. No one wants to drink soda out of a Solo cup at a formal event.
Does alcohol increase our insurance premium?
It might — but only slightly. Wedsure makes it easy to adjust your coverage for whatever bar plan you choose.
What do we tell guests if we’re going dry?
Say it with confidence in your invite or website: “We’ll be serving a curated menu of non-alcoholic beverages designed by our mixologist. Come ready to sip something surprising.” Read about a very different Champagne Alternative
Final Take: Intentional vs. Traditional
Whether you go all in or keep things minimal, the goal is the same: a celebration that feels like you.
And however you pour it, make sure it’s protected.
Wedsure has you covered . Get Wedsure Quote Online now →
