Weddings have changed over the years. More couples now want to do things their own way rather than stick to old traditions. One of the biggest changes is how drinks are served at the reception; instead of the standard table service or a hotel-run bar, many people are now hiring in a mobile bar or bringing in a private bar service. It gives them more control, more options, and often a better experience for guests.
It’s not just huge, lavish weddings that can use bar hire services. From back garden receptions to countryside marquee weddings, they fit into any venue. You get a team who bring everything: the bar, the staff, the glassware, and sometimes even seating and lighting if needed. It means one less thing to worry about, and it makes the day feel more personal.
More choice, less stress
You can have a lot more say over what drinks are served when hiring a bar. You can offer your guests your favourite beer or cider, add cocktails with your names on them, or even bring in something fun like a prosecco van or a gin bar. Some couples choose to cover all the drinks, others prefer a cash bar or a token system. It’s up to you, and most bar hire companies are flexible and will work to your plans.
You also don’t have to deal with licences or paperwork yourself, as decent companies sort all that out for you. That includes ensuring the staff are trained, checking age ID, and keeping within the law on serving alcohol. Some will even help you work out how much alcohol to order if you’re providing your own stock. That’s handy if you’re trying to keep costs under control.
Fits the style of your wedding
One reason couples go for bar hire is that it can be made to match the feel of their wedding. If you’ve gone rustic, you can get a wooden bar with barrels and lanterns. If you want something more modern, there are slick, white LED bars that light up. Vintage trailers, horseboxes, and converted camper vans are also popular, especially for outdoor weddings or festival-style set-ups.
You also get a trained team who know how to work a busy event. They’ll keep things moving and keep the place tidy, and they might even stop your uncle from pouring his own pints when no one’s looking. And because it’s their job to run the bar, you don’t need to ask friends or family to help – they can just enjoy the day.
What to check before you book
Not all bar hire companies are created equal, so it’s worth doing your homework. Ask what’s included in the price – some charge a flat fee, others take a cut of the drinks’ sales. Check if they’ll supply enough staff for your guest numbers and if they can set up in your type of venue. It’s also worth asking for photos of previous events so you can see how their setup looks in real life.
Get everything in writing, down to extra fees, arrival times, and clean-up duties. Check that they have experience with events at your wedding venue, especially if it’s a country or rural area. You don’t want the bar showing up an hour late because they got lost in the lanes.
A simple upgrade that your guests remember
Ultimately, a bars hire for wedding setup can be so much more than just somewhere to get a drink. It becomes part of the wedding experience. Be it cocktails and flair bartenders or as simple as you want it to be, guests tend to remember the good times had around the bar, especially with a bit of character to it. For many couples, bar hire is a simple way to make the day feel more relaxed, more personal, and a little more fun. And after all the planning and build-up, that’s what a wedding should be.
