Cocktail Bar hire

Planning a wedding is no small feat, and choosing a cocktail bar hire company can sometimes feel overwhelming. We understand that there can be a lot of new terminology, drink options, and choices to navigate along the way.

The first step is to look at the bar styles you like and consider what will best suit the overall style of your event. It’s also important to think about how the bar will operate on your wedding day and how it will work in practice within the space you have available.

If you’re feeling unsure or a little overwhelmed, it’s always best to speak with us. Having attended hundreds of weddings, we’re able to offer helpful insight into what might work best for your specific plans and circumstances.

Hire types can be confusing, and you may hear lots of different terminology, such as cash bars, card bars, pay bars, dry hire, hybrid hire, and more.

There are several different options available, each with its own advantages and considerations. 

We’ve broken down the most common formats below to help you understand what might work best for your event.

Cash / Card Bar
(also called a “Pay Bar”)

This is a bar service where guests purchase their own drinks. It’s the most straightforward and commonly used hire type. 

In most cases, the only cost involved is a bar hire fee and sometimes though not always a minimum spend commitment.

A minimum spend is a pre-agreed amount that the bar is expected to take in sales during the event. We occasionally apply a minimum spend, but not always. 

This is usually determined by factors such as:

• Guest attendance
• Bar operating times
• Whether all drink sales will come solely from the bar service 

If a minimum spend does apply, we will always make this clear at the earliest opportunity. 

Importantly, we never take the full minimum spend upfront. Instead, we simply take a holding deposit, which is returned once the minimum spend has been exceeded. 

If there is any shortfall, we provide a full breakdown of sales. In reality, it is very rare for a minimum spend not to be reached.

Other companies require this amount to be paid in full upfront and will refund you if the bar reaches the agreed sales on the day.

Prepaid or Open Bars 

(referred to as “Putting Money Behind the Bar”)

A prepaid or open bar is ideal for hosts who prefer guests not to pay for drinks during the event. With this option, the cost of drinks is covered in advance by the host. 

There are typically two approaches:

Money Behind the Bar

• You set a pre-agreed amount to cover drink costs, and drinks are served until that amount is reached.

Price Per Head

• You pay a fixed price per guest to provide complimentary drinks throughout the event.

This format creates a seamless experience for guests and removes the need for them to pay individually. However, it is often the most expensive way to provide a bar service.

Dry Hire

Dry hire is ideal for clients who prefer to supply their own alcohol. With this option, we provide the bar setup and professional staff, while you provide the drinks for the event. 

Because each event is different, dry hire packages are always tailored and quoted individually.

While this option may initially seem more affordable, it can sometimes become costly as the bar company may need to account for the loss of drink sales through additional hire costs or minimum spend requirements.

We always aim to be transparent  and in some cases there may actually be more cost-effective ways to achieve the same result, which we’re always happy to discuss with you.

Hybrid Hire 

(Sometimes referred to as “Mix & Match” Hire)

Sometimes an event doesn’t fit neatly into one specific bar format. For these occasions, we offer a hybrid or bespoke hire option. 

This allows us to create a package tailored specifically to your event.

For example, you may wish to:

• Provide your own wine for the tables
• Supply champagne for the toasts
• Leave us to manage arrival drinks, cocktail hour, and the evening bar

Whatever your plans, we can design a flexible package that works perfectly for your event

Every event is unique. You’ll have your favourite drinks, and what works perfectly at one wedding may not necessarily work at another. Our menus are designed to be flexible. For our cash/card bars we do offer a standard menu, but you are always welcome to customise it. 

You can add or remove items to create a drinks selection that feels right for you including adding your favourite cocktails for guests to purchase. When planning your bar menu, it’s also important to consider the space available at your venue. Every venue is different, and sometimes offering a smaller, well-curated menu of favourite drinks can actually work to your advantage.

A streamlined menu can help improve service speed, reduce queues at the bar, and keep guests on the dance floor maintaining the energy and atmosphere throughout the evening.

It’s also worth thinking about whether you’d like to include any bespoke drink elements for your day. These can include things such as welcome drinks, table wine, or a cocktail hour. These elements are typically prepaid in advance, and we offer a range of tried-and-tested packages to suit different tastes and wedding budgets. 

Of course, if you’d prefer something more personal, we also offer the flexibility to build fully bespoke packages. So don’t be afraid to share your ideas, we’re always happy to help bring them to life.

We understand that wedding budgets can be challenging, and one of the most important things is transparency from your suppliers. 

We are always upfront, we are not the cheapest bar hire in Norfolk or Suffolk, and we never hide that fact.

When comparing suppliers, it’s essential to look at what is included. For example, one company may have a minimum spend but include glassware, staff, and setup, which could save you hundreds of pounds compared to a cheaper quote with hidden costs. 

Always consider all inclusions and potential extras before making a decision.

If your budget is tight, let us know in advance. We will always aim to get you maximum value and be honest if your expectations cannot be achieved. 

We’ll also provide guidance on alternative options that may better suit your budget.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Too-good-to-be-true deals: 

Some suppliers may advertise amazing prices. While tempting, these offers may not always deliver what you expect.

Reliability matters: 

Check if your supplier has a proven track record, experience, and a full-time commitment to their business. Part-time or inexperienced suppliers may not be able to deliver consistently.

Commitment: 

Sadly, some smaller suppliers may cancel bookings if a “better” offer comes along. A reputable, full-time supplier values their reputation and will honour every booking, regardless of future opportunities.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about the lowest price, it’s about peace of mind, reliability, and getting the experience you deserve on your wedding day.

When planning your wedding, it’s never advisable to rely solely on loose emails, WhatsApp, or Instagram messages for pricing and booking details. 

Always obtain a formal, comprehensive quote from your supplier. A good quote protects both you and the supplier, ensuring clarity on costs and expectations.

Thorough quotes should include:

• Complete and accurate information.
• Clear pricing showing what’s included.
• VAT details and any other applicable taxes.
• Minimum order or spend requirements
• Expiry date or timeframe for the quote.
• Notes covering the process in detail.

 Quotes give you peace of mind, making clear:

• The full costs of your booking.
• What is required to secure your booking
• When balance payments are due.
• The obligations of both the supplier and the client, so there are no surprises on the day.

If a company is reluctant to provide a formal quote and only offers vague pricing via messages, this is usually a red flag. Reputable suppliers are thorough because it protects both you and them, and ensures your wedding runs smoothly with no unexpected surprises or additional costs.