Here’s How to Set Up a Make-Your-Own Cocktail Bar at Your Wedding

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Make-your-own cocktail bars have been trending in the wedding world for about a year or so now, and while they sound like a fun, interactive option to have available to your guests, we were a bit skeptical of the whole concept when we first caught wind of it (having guests wield their own bottles is not likely to end well).

Nonetheless, we were curious to know how a couple would actually go about having a make-your-own cocktail bar at their wedding, so we ran the idea past a few of our industry buds to get their thoughts—and, as we suspected, there are some regulations involved.

Here’s the deal: If the venue that’s hosting your affair carries a liquor license, it’s illegal to have your guest pour their own drinks. In that case, you’d need a bartender to man the drink station and actually pour the champagne before your guests spruce it up with mix-ins and garnishes.

The same holds true if you’re having a backyard wedding. Due to potential liability issues, your caterer will likely require that a professional does the pouring. (And if you don’t have a caterer for your affair, well, you’d still do well to have a point person of some kind keep an eye on things in that corner of the party.)

Rules aside, make-your-own cocktail bars can be a neat addition to the drink offerings at your wedding. If you’re interested in setting one up at your reception or engagement party or any pre-wedding event, here’s a really helpful checklist of everything you’ll need to properly set up shop and toast to the occasion.

RELATED: Here’s How to Be Smart About the Make-Your-Own Cocktail Bar Trend at Weddings 

RELATED: Here Is a Handy Math Equation for Figuring Out How Much Alcohol to Get for Your Wedding

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