The Conversation
An open bar is a great way to show friends and family just how much you love them. But it’s probably going to leave your wallet feeling rougher than the maid-of-honor after one too many free gin and tonics. Hiring a fully-staffed bar will make wedding costs skyrocket, so to cut costs and flex your DIY prowess, mix things up with one of these 10 DIY bar ideas.
1. Mojito Bar: Set out all the ingredients and a few different fruits for guest to muddle in if they want. For a more involved cocktail recipe like this we might suggest creating a cool board with directions so everyone knows how to perfectly concoct a delicious mojito. (via Sugar Plum Sisters)
2. Bourbon Bar: Grow some hair on that chest with a bourbon tasting. Pick out a few different bourbons, pour them into decanters and set out some crushed ice and garnishes like fresh mint, lemons and limes. (via Garden + Gun)
3. Blood Mary Bar: Make a couple of gourmet bloody mary mixes, put out everything pickled and make a spiced salt for the rim with ground peppercorns, Old Bay, ground celery seed and kosher salt. Side note: How adorable is that window pane direction list? (via Buzzfeed)
4. Martini Bar: Secretly hoping James Bond is going to show up at your wedding? Well, your chances are significantly greater if you’ve got one of these stations set up. (via Sugar and Charm)
5. Hot Chocolate Bar: Here’s an idea for a winter wedding we’re totally drooling over. Prepare concentrated hot chocolate in various flavors. Let them harden and pop in a stick. Then all you need to do is add hot milk. And you already have a stirrer! Add in some Bailey’s, schnapps or Kahlua to make it a little more adult-friendly. (via And Now This)
6. Beer Bar: Okay so we admit this option is definitely the most labor-intensive. But if you or your partner have a knack for woodwork, this is sure to impress everyone in attendance! (via Wedding Party App)
7. Sangria Bar: This sweet wine drink is easy to prepare. All you have to do is slice up some fruit for guests to muddle and throw in. Beware though, this beverage goes down dangerously easy. Keep an eye on Grandma. One too many of these and she might try to turn “Thriller” into a striptease. (via Wedding Chicks)
8. Tiki Bar: Summer is now officially over, but there’s never really a bad time for a tiki bar. Skip the expensive Hawaii wedding and make things tropical at the drinks table instead. (via Buzzfeed)
9. Gin and Tonic Bar: Here’s an easy option that only requires two main ingredients. Have mint, rosemary and basil ready to be muddled or adorned in a glass. Slice up limes, lemons and grapefruit to let guests add a refreshing twist to the classic. (via Wit and Delight)
10. Mimosa Bar: Did you and your love bond over a strong love of brunch? Share your favorite weekend cocktail with guests. (via Kojo Designs)
What cocktail would you mix up at your wedding? Did you have a DIY bar that you want to tell us all about? Share below!
Cortney is the senior writer and special projects editor at Brit + Co. She typically covers topics related to women's issues, politics, and lifestyle. When she's not buried behind her computer you'll find her exploring New York City or planning her next big adventure.
More From Cocktails
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.
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