Bar - Bars
The word “bar” has a couple meanings when it is used in the context of Event Planning. First a bar is a lounge type area in which people can order drinks of all kinds. They are usually equipped with televisions and offer appetizers and finger foods such as hot wings and nachos. A bar can also mean a table or area set up at an event where people can order drinks. Within this context, there are three different types of bars.
- Soft
- Beer and Wine
- Full
A soft bar is a bar where the bartender only serves non alcoholic drinks such as sodas, water and juices. A beer and wine bar is a car where the bartender serves non alcoholic drinks as well as beer and wine. A full bar is a bar where the bartender serves non alcoholic, beer, wine and all other alcoholic drinks, such as cocktails and shots. There are also two kinds of bars which relate to the cost factor. The client can either choose to have a:
- Open or Hosted Bar
- Cash or No Host Bar
An open or hosted bar is when the client throwing the party has prepaid for the bar service and drinks. Guests could feel free to offer tips to the bartender but they should not be charged for drinks. It is the client’s decision which beverages they decide to host. For example, a client could decide that only beer and wine is hosted and all other liquor has to be paid for by the guest. The cash or no host bar is when the guests must pay for all alcoholic beverages out of pocket. This is typically done when the majority of the crowd are light to non drinkers and the client doesn’t want those who choose to consume taking advantage and running up the bill. So, the guests can have as much as they would like but they do need to pay for it.
Obviously, the soft bar is the most economical and they progress in price from there. The person who serves and makes the drinks for bar patrons is called a bartender and this person must be licensed. It is assumed that they have a working knowledge of beer, wine and hard liquor so that they can appropriately accommodate their customers. There are many cocktails made with vodka, rum, schnapps, gin and other liquors so bartenders are required to be able to make these drinks.
When the word bar is used in the event planning industry, it also relates to the design of the bar within the context of the event’s décor. There are lighted bars and high cocktail tables that have spandex material draped over the top of them. These bars add an incredible flair to ones décor and because they are lighted, attract attention from the guests. It is also a good idea to always have a familiar selection of beer, wine and liquor (also soft drink) brands in one’s bar. This denotes elegance, class and sophistication. Soft bars are the most economical and because of this it is necessary to make it very attractive and “hip.” This can be done again, with décor or adding flair to old drinks by adding fruit or other flavored sweeteners. A soft bar could serve raspberry spritzers and other sparkling drinks to make the bar a little more exciting rather than the usual Coke and Pepsi.
