How to Plan a Wedding Bar in Massachusetts | Step-by-Step Guide
🥂 How to Plan a Wedding Bar in Massachusetts
A great bar is one of the most memorable parts of any wedding. But setting it up the right way takes more than just picking a few drinks.
At Another Round Bar, we’ve helped hundreds of couples across Massachusetts design seamless, elegant bar experiences. Follow this step-by-step guide to build yours with confidence.
🧭 1. Choose Your Service Style
Start by deciding what type of bar you want. This will determine your layout, staffing needs, and budget.
• Open Bar – You host drinks all night. Guests love it, and it keeps the vibe elevated.
• Mixed Bar – Hosted for part of the night, then transitions to cash bar.
• Cash Bar – Guests pay individually; great for casual or budget-conscious weddings.
✨ Pro tip: Most Massachusetts couples choose open or mixed bars for weddings of 100+ guests.
🍸 2. Select Your Bar Setup
Your bar should match your wedding style and guest flow.
Popular setups include:
• Rustic wooden bars for backyard or barn weddings
• Modern black or white bars for classic venues
• Custom finishes to match your theme
A well-placed bar prevents crowding and keeps your timeline smooth.
🧑🍳 3. Hire Professional Bartenders
Your bartenders set the tone for the guest experience.
We provide licensed, TIPS-certified staff who:
• Keep lines short
• Handle legal compliance
• Keep service fast and professional
This ensures your guests enjoy their night and your liability is covered.
🧮 4. Build Your Budget
Our pricing is transparent and predictable:
• $13 per person per hour
• Staffing fees based on guest count
• 20% gratuity
💡 Most couples spend $3,500–$6,500 for 100–150 guests. Larger events can range from $7,000–$10,000+ depending on duration and upgrades.
🧠 5. Organize Your Timeline in Harpsen
Once your service and budget are set, everything goes into Harpsen.
This platform keeps your timeline, service details, and vendors perfectly aligned, ensuring a stress-free experience.
🪄 6. Style the Bar with 5 Senses Events + Design
A great bar doesn’t just serve drinks — it becomes a visual centerpiece.
5 Senses Events + Design can style your bar with:
• Custom signage
• Florals and lighting
• Layout and décor upgrades
This transforms your bar from a service station to a wow moment.
📝 7. Book Early
Bar teams book up fast — especially for prime wedding dates in Massachusetts. Once you have your venue, lock in your bar to avoid last-minute stress.
