Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Selecting Your Catering and Bartending Service
One of the most common questions we get from couples is about bartending and catering options. We’ve crafted this guide to cover everything, helping you create a seamless dining experience.
First, it’s important to know and select your Catering Options BEFORE your bar as sometimes you can book them together
At The Venues, we prioritize full-service catering to ensure smooth setup and dining. However, we also offer flexible options like food trucks and drop-off services for smaller events.
Full-Service Catering
Full-service catering often includes chefs, servers, dishware, linens, and complete food and bar service, ensuring every detail is covered for your special day.
Food Trucks
If you prefer a unique dining experience, food trucks are a fun option! We work with mobile bartending companies to provide food service support, including bussing of tables.
Food Drop-Off
For smaller gatherings, we allow food drop-off, but you’ll need to arrange a mobile bartender and server to assist with food maintenance, bussing and drink service.
Choosing the Right Food Service Style
Plated Dinner: Ideal for formal events; each guest receives a preselected meal. Plated dinners can really elevate your event.
Buffet Service: Guests select their food at a buffet station. Double-sided buffets are recommended for faster service at larger weddings. Buffet can be one of the more cost effective options, but can still feature fresh, seasonal food.
Food Stations: Interactive and casual; guests can explore different dishes throughout the evening.
Family-Style: Platters are passed around the table, creating a cozy, engaging environment. Note: This may limit space for table centerpieces.
Food Trucks: Great for a casual vibe and memorable guest experience. Our garage door can roll up or some trucks can pull up to our windows
If you go with Full Service Catering, Food Trucks can be great for Late-Night Snacks or Dessert Feature
Bartending Services: Options and Tips
The Venues doesn’t hold a liquor license, giving you the flexibility to personalize your bar service. From full-service caterers to unique mobile setups, we have options to suit any vision.
Full-Service Bartending by Catering Partners
Our full-service catering partners provide licensed bartenders who know our venue well, eliminating the need for additional bartending services.
Mobile Bartenders for Unique Events
If you’re going non-traditional or using food trucks, a licensed mobile bartender is required. Here are some of our top mobile bartending vendors:
Dee Luxe Events: Professional with a fun twist, offering options like a horse trailer or tap bar for a rustic-chic touch.
Pours and Petals: A stylish camper bar bringing a unique vibe (available seasonally, April through November.).
Types of Bars to Consider
Open Bar: Pay per person for unlimited drinks over a set duration (1-2 hours or the entire event). We highly recommend this so for guest experience, it reduces lines at the bar.
Limited Open Bar: Covers specific drinks like beer and wine, with guests paying for other options.
Cash Bar: Guests cover the cost of their drinks.
Consumption Bar: You set a specific amount, and guests enjoy until it’s reached.
Mocktail Bar: For alcohol-free celebrations, featuring a creative, alcohol-free menu.
Interactive and Themed Experiences
Interactive Beverage Elements: Offer unique, interactive options like a DIY mimosa bar or whiskey tasting table.
Photo Opportunities: Mobile bars (like the camper bar) also make excellent photo backdrops—something guests will love sharing!
Special Stations: Consider starting or ending the evening with a memorable drink like a champagne toast or a boozy coffee bar.
Cocktail Hour Enhancements: Unique ideas for cocktail hour include a champagne tower, craft beer flight, or a themed tasting table for an engaging guest experience.
Pre-Ceremony Beverage Options: A pre-ceremony drink station with non-alcoholic spritzers or iced teas can welcome guests warmly as they arrive.
Seasonal Drink Offerings: For winter weddings, consider a hot cocoa bar with toppings; for summer, refreshing options like frozen cocktails or spiked popsicles can be perfect.
Bar Setup & Décor Customizations
Signature Drink Menus: Let us help you create a custom or themed signature drink menu with playful descriptions to add personality to your bar.
Glassware Choices: From vintage glassware to copper mugs, choosing distinctive glassware can elevate the drinking experience and add flair.
Custom Plastic Glasses: For a personal touch, you can also order custom plastic glasses with your names or wedding branding, creating a fun keepsake for guests to enjoy during—and after—the celebration.
Bar Decor & Signage: We can help arrange decor like neon signs, framed cocktail menus, or floral accents around the bar to make it a focal point for guests.
Unique Non-Alcoholic Beverage Ideas
Add an extra touch to your drinks menu with these guest-pleasing, alcohol-free options:
Coffee Bar: Offer a selection of syrups, toppings, and brews.
Infused Water & Iced Tea Stations: Display seasonal lemonades, infused waters, and teas in spouted decanters.
Mocktail Bar: A crafted, non-alcoholic cocktail menu adds sophistication.
Boozy Milkshakes: Customizable with or without alcohol for a fun, inclusive treat.
Hydration Stations: Liquid IV and Pedialyte
We’re here to help you plan! Our planning team can assist with timing for key events like cocktail hour and dinner service, as well as setting up guest interaction zones for a lively and social atmosphere.
Let us know if you have any questions or need further assistance in planning your perfect bar and dining experience!