Most big, fat Indian weddings are a pompous affair spread over a few days—with the main event and reception being the most-awaited of all. Aside from the food which is a no-brainer feature at shaadis, some weddings also prefer to have an open bar for the guests attending. The spot where people tend to congregate the most by way of picking from a selection of cocktails created especially for the wedding or to choose from spirits served in the way they prefer the most, the wedding bar caters to a variety of preferences and drinkers. Having to spend a pretty penny to pull off the cluster of functions with grandeur also means that taking up the extra cost of adding a bar could become overwhelming—and overpriced, in some instances. Taking into consideration a few details could greatly help in keeping the component cost-effective while also ensuring that everyone is in high spirits at all times.
Include Floral Arrangements

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Instead of having to shell out a certain amount of money to create a photo corner at the wedding, incorporate the theme of the event by adding elements to the bar set-up. Irrespective of whether the preference steers towards a spring garden or minimalism, no decor arrangement is complete without flowers. Infuse a sense of dreaminess and elevate aesthetic value by adding vases of different sizes, chaotic but curated floral motifs as well as flowers of different shapes and sizes to variate the structure slightly.
Install Bar Carts
Instead of having one elaborate bar at the venue, choose to have smaller bar carts placed strategically across the expanse of the location so accessibility is smoother. Instead of having all the attendees gather around a single space, bar carts enable them to huddle around in smaller groups as well as give them the chance to pick and choose their libation of choice more closely. Moreover, bar carts also bring a whimsical, vintage element to weddings as opposed to following a conventional way of beverage service.
Vary Shapes Of The Counter

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Most weddings witness a standard straight counter, across from which drinks are served in a linear fashion. Having a circular or obscurely shaped bar with bends at certain points facilitate guests to have access from all around—as opposed to queuing up and over-crowding a single spot to obtain their drinks. Moreover, the visual impact of an oddly shaped bar isn’t missable, and can be custom-made to suit the requirements of the destination where the event is meant to take place.
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Use Seasonal Decorations
For winter weddings, ensure that the colour tones of the bar’s decor are deep, jewel tones or lush wooden textures. Mimic an autumnal forest or use a canopy of leaves to keep the visual simple but effective. One can also explore adding citrus fruits strewn around the wine bar or have bartenders dress up in darker colours to enhance the elegance of the bar’s appearance. If opting for a minimal look, experiment with mixed metal barware, vintage glassware and elements that borrow from certain eras of the past—as a way to bring in recall and have a less-is-more approach.
Make Provisions For Interactive Experiences

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Let’s be honest—guests only have so many opportunities to interact with the bride and groom in-between wedding rituals. Hence, making scope for them to remain engaged means providing avenues where they can truly enjoy every experience to the fullest. Whether it is a ‘pick your garnish’ station or organising simple quizzes through which they can pick their ‘drinking personality’—the options for creativity are endless. Give the guests an option to make their own cocktails by directing them to pick a handful of ingredients which they can mix and match in a way they prefer the most.
Have A Double-Sided Bar
If opting for a traditional layout is a choice that has been agreed upon, ensure that guests are able to access the bar from both sides. This not only reduces the turnaround time from when they’ve placed an order to when they receive it, but also allows bartenders to work more efficiently to cater to requests. If possible, provide copies of the bar menu to them when they arrive at the menu so that they have already made a decision about their beverage of choice by the time they arrive at the drinks station.
