If you want to host a wedding that’s as memorable as it is fun, you may want to consider creating an outdoor bar. It’s a unique and cost-effective way of giving guests something different from the usual reception or cocktail party. You don’t need to be an expert in décor to create such an event; simply put, all you need are some clever ideas and a little bit of money. The only challenging part is estimating the final cost of the outdoor bar for your wedding so that you can budget accordingly. If not done right, an outdoor bar can also lead to unnecessary expenses—so with this in mind, we’ve outlined key things you need to know before getting started on building your very own outdoor bar:
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Estimate the Cost of an Outdoor Bar for a Wedding
First, let’s start with the basics. There are a couple of ways you can go about estimating the cost of an outdoor bar. One is to look at the average cost of an indoor bar and then adjust accordingly. The other is to use an online calculator. There are quite a few online calculators that can help you estimate the cost of an outdoor bar. These calculators ask you to input factors like the number of guests, the area where you plan to host the event, and the supplier of the drinks. The calculator then gives you a rough idea of the cost of the entire event. Once you get a ballpark estimate, you can go about making adjustments and deciding on the specifics. You may also want to consult a wedding planner or take help from a wedding budget calculator.
Decide on a Theme
When planning an outdoor bar, you may want to choose a theme to help you focus your ideas. Outdoor themes are generally easy to execute and inexpensive, so if you are on a budget, this is the way to go. Depending on the season, you can choose from a number of themes—a spring patio, a summer bbq, a fall harvest party, or a winter bonfire bash. Themes can also be based on the décor at the venue, or they could be based on the interests of the couple. Whatever theme you end up choosing, you should keep in mind that certain factors will affect the overall cost of the outdoor bar. For example, if fall is your chosen season, and you want to create a harvest-themed event, you will have to purchase more decorative items than you would if you were hosting a summertime bbq.
Measure and mark out the area
Once you’ve decided on the theme and you have an estimated cost, you can go about marking out the area for the outdoor bar. The first thing to do is measure the area where you plan to host the event. Mark out the area and note the boundaries, taking into account any obstacles such as trees or fences. You may want to mark out an extra area for people to walk around or stand. Keep in mind that you should have a 10-foot walkway between the bar area and the rest of the venue. It’s a good idea to mark out the entrance to the bar area, too, just so guests know where to head for drinks.
Hire Decorators and Caterers
Once you’ve decided on the theme, it’s time to hire decorators and caterers. Decorators can be a DIY project if you want to keep costs low. If you do decide to DIY, you should keep in mind that the outdoor bar should be well-lit. This will make it easy for guests to see what they are doing. You may also want to invest in soundproofing materials to keep the sound of the music from disturbing the rest of the venue. If you decide that you want professional help with the decor, you should expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the scale of the event and the reputation of the company. Caterers can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $25,000. You may also want to hire bartenders, or you can choose to have guests mix their own drinks.
Find Musicians and DJs
When it comes to booking musicians and DJs, your best bet is to hire professionals to play music that is appropriate for an outdoor event. DJs and musicians can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $30,000, depending on their experience and the scale of the event. If you need help finding the right musicians or DJs for your event, there are a number of websites where you can post a request for vendors. You can also ask your guests to bring their own music-playing devices and host an impromptu dance party. Another alternative is to host a karaoke party and let guests take turns singing on stage. Alternatively, you can also have live musicians play music during the event. If you choose this option, you should keep in mind that you’ll probably have to hire a soundproofed area for them to play in.
Conclusion
An outdoor bar is a unique way to host a wedding. When planning an outdoor bar, you should keep in mind that certain factors will affect the overall cost of the outdoor bar. For example, if fall is your chosen season, and you want to create a harvest-themed event, you will have to purchase more decorative items than you would if you were hosting a summertime bbq. Hire decorators, caterers, musicians, and DJs when planning your event, and keep in mind that you can save money by hosting the event during fall or winter.
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