I am Kimberlee Davis the owner of Southern Utah’s own The Prancing Pony Mobile Bar. I would love to share some tips and tricks to help you navigate through the planning process as the “Bar” relates to your big day.
While it may be difficult to come to grips with, while wedding planning is happening. The truth of the matter is that food and drink will typically utilize a large portion of your budget. When it comes to the wedding bar, costs can rapidly add up. Most weddings have some variation of an open bar as well, which can also impact your budget depending on what you plan to serve to your guests.
Unless you plan to host a dry wedding, an open bar and professional bartender are important items to consider when planning your special event.
Why? It allows you and your partner along with your guests to enjoy the celebration without dealing with anything at the bar. Best of all, there are a variety of ways to personalize an open bar, whether you and your partner decide to serve only beer and wine or create a unique theme to compliment your wedding day décor.
Its very common in the State of Utah for venues to not carry any liquor licensing or offer any alcoholic beverages. This means that its up to you to provide a mobile bartender or bar service. This does not however mean that the groomsmen should take up the bartending following the ceremony as many venues will only work with professional bartenders who arrive with their own licensing and commercial insurance policy. Not to mention that your guests would rather enjoy the moment with you and not be put to work.
Here are a few things you need to know about having an open bar at your wedding:
The Cost of an Open Bar
The price tag of an open bar depends entirely on what you’re serving and who you’ve hired to serve it.
Think of it like this. If you’re serving Champagne, vintage wines, and 12-year Scotches, be prepared with a nice budget. Unless your venue is able to provide everything you need Utah requires you to provide your own alcohol on the day of and give it to your bartender whom then serves and returns any remaining alcohol to you at nights end.
Work closely with your bartender to create a menu that suites the budget you’ve decided on for your event.
Remember to factor in more than the price of alcohol. You’ll need to budget for things like rental glassware or plasticware – ice – garnish – juices or other mixers – bartending service – etc. Your bartender will generally build all of this into the per-head cost however when comparing professionals be sure to ask what they provide and what things are up-charges.
The Prancing Pony always provides Ice – Garnish – Bar Napkins – Cocktail Straws however many don’t. Make sure you know and budget those additional fees.
The Pros and Cons of an Open Bar
Most couples choose an open bar because it’s a better experience for the guests.
It creates a true celebration! Your guests have already spent money on travel – gifts and more. This is a polite gesture to host them for the evening.
There is however the cost of paying for it.
Open Bar Variants
The good news is that most guests do not expect a “full” open bar. In all honesty, I have never had anyone walk away upset that they were not able to order that one thing they had in Hawaii last year.
I would also add that very few couples add anything more to their menu than:
- “His/Hers” signature drinks along with some beers – seltzers – wines.
- Your 5 basic bar liquors rum – gin – vodka – tequila – whiskey or bourbon. Along with the basic mixers 2-3 varieties of soda – 2-3 varieties of juice.
Keeping It Simple
Beer and wine only bars are an amazing way to shave costs. Beer / Wine only open bars are a great way to cut costs, while still providing guests with a celebration drink at your wedding. We are also seeing couples that choose to have a dry wedding asking me to only serve carefully garnished juices or sodas. I have also been asked to provide cold brew – ice cream float – refreshing mocktails – cocoa – Italian soda bars. We are here for it! It’s your day and we are happy to put anything on the menu you choose!
Signature Cocktails
Providing signature cocktails in place of a full bar is another affordable option to consider for your bar. We highly encourage you to name the cocktails as well (no matter what the industry calls them). It is your day! Make it your way!
Quick Tips
- Venue Requirements:
If your venue does not provide bar service – What requirements do they need your mobile bartender to provide. Never book an outside bartender without your venues approval. Most mobile bartenders have a nonrefundable deposit. Ask the important questions before booking.
- Do your guests need to tip at your open bar?
Gratuity is always something to think about. If the cost of service to your guests if free then there is no 20% marker.
The Prancing Pony Mobile Bar Service never charges a travel fee up to 120 miles because guests are typically very generous when being served free drinks. This is a great way for us to let your guests help with the bills and they never even know they are doing it. That being said…. The cash and cashless can embarrass guests at a remote or “service” challenged area when they might tip but cant. Offering your guests something sweet like “The Bar is on Us but don’t forget to tip your Bartender” is an amazing way to let guests know they might want to have a few bucks in their pockets.
- How can you make sure guests don’t overindulge at your open bar?
The best way to prevent guests from overindulging at your wedding open bar is by hiring an professional and experienced bartender to regulate drinks! I literally cant say this loud enough!
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL BAR AND TENDER!
The only time I have ever heard people say “Bob was so drunk at Mike and Lisa’s wedding…..” was when they did not hire a professional bartending service. Its YOUR day! Don’t let Bob steal the thunder!
You want people to speak for years to come about “how beautiful Lisa was”, what an amazing “vow Mike said”, “most amazing day in 2026”!
Nobody wants to have the Big Day that “Bob” got to drunk and almost drown in the cake….
Things to consider when planning your big day in UTAH
Utah’s liquor laws are much different than other states and private events are no exception. These are things you can discuss with your bartender.
If your providing an open bar for your guests make sure they understand that ID’s will still be needed even if your in a bridesmaid gown and don’t have anywhere to put your ID. We recommend a minimal handbag that can be accessed easily or a groomsmen’s wallet who is willing to let you put your ID in. Informing your guests in advance that you love sharing your bar but the “bartender may need to see your ID” will resolve many disappointments at your event.
Don’t worry! Grandmother will not need hers 😊We also discuss mocktail options for your guests that want the cocktail vibe but cant for some reason or another.
The Prancing Pony Mobile Bar Service always looks forward to serving you for any event:
We are able to provide any alcohol services you may need and are frequently booked for non-alcohol services as well.