How do we let guests know what's included in our open bar?

I don't think you have to, honestly. It sounds like everyone will find something they like to drink.

My concern is just if a guest looks at the bar and selects something not included and then is asked to pay. Other than asking the bartenders I am not sure how guests would know what's included.

We actually asked the bar to remove all liquor not included and they were not very receptive to the idea.

This might be weird, but does the venue need to offer everything they have available or can they just offer what is part of your package? I'm just thinking the bar is going to get packed, and it could get confusing-- not everyone will see the list, things will move slowly as people have to pay, and maybe a bartender will accidentally charge someone for something they shouldn't have.

Otherwise, I'd probably just include a list of drinks that can be made with the alcohol that is available. You don't really want people just taking shots, and i'm not sure people would get what the list means.

Hmmm-- I'd probably be pushing for them to get rid of the other liquor. Otherwise, maybe they could create a separate and obvious display (using the bottles) of what is available? I've seen them do this with wine bottles at weddings, so I imagine it could be done with liquor, too.

I would suggest not calling it an "open bar" as that gives the assumption everything is free. You might want to call it a "hosted" or "limited open bar". The bar tender will handle it from there.

Would your venue be open to the idea of covering the better liquors with a sheet or a cabinet? (Since they won't move it)

You can work with the venue on call drinks and see if either works:

--Ask them to offer an alternative ("Sorry, we don't have that; how about Stoli?")

--Ask them to give the guest what he's asking for and mark it down; pay for that drink as a one-off.

ETA: I would push them to remove the liquors you are not offering; otherwise work with them so you can buy the premium drinks for the guests...

When I bartended, I knew to inform guests when they ordeedr a drink that wasn't included in the hosted bar. I would just say something like "Just so you know, the hosted bar includes Stoli, not Grey Goose. Would you like to stick with Grey Goose?" 99% of the time they'd change their order.

It also might be helpful to make little signs for the bar area that say: "Hosted bar includes..." and then your list. But I agree--it's odd that they won't move the liquor. I would never display liquor that wasn't part of the hosted bar.

Agreed, just get rid of the liquors that you aren't paying for. You're offering plenty of choices, but if you want, I've seen couples offer "Bride's favorite drink/ Groom's favorite drink" to give people ideas of what they can have with the liquor that's on hand.

I agree as well. Having the liquors not available on display gives the impression that they are available.

I find it also odd that they won't move the liquor. I let our venue know that we ONLY want beer, wine & soda. Nothing hard because of personal reasons and preference. They have to set up the bar, so they will only be setting up what we would like offered.

Is the bar already set up IN the reception ballroom/location or is there a "set up" fee for the bar? If there is, then couldn't they just do what our venue is doing? Odd, odd odd....

I agree with the "signature drinks"! It's not like the drinks are pre made they can always order the booze the way they want it.

Can they only display what is available? Or is it like a regular bar where that's pretty hard just to take down a bunch of bottles?

My suggestion would be to make a cute drink "menu" for each side of the bar and then leave the rest up to the bartenders.

I know I wuold change my order if I was told that the liquor of my choice wasnt' included.

Definitely don't stress