Weddings in New Orleans are known for their music, food, and lively celebrations. But when it comes to planning the bar, many couples quickly realize that drinks can take up a big chunk of the budget. The good news? With the right planning, you can keep the drinks flowing without breaking the bank.
At Tap Truck NOLA, we specialize in helping couples create unforgettable beverage experiences that fit their style and their budget. If you’re planning a 2025 wedding in New Orleans, here’s how to keep your bar plan cost-effective and stress-free.
1. Know Your Guest Count and Drinking Style
One of the most common mistakes couples make is overbuying alcohol. The key to saving money is to estimate realistically based on your guest list.
A general rule of thumb is:
- 1–2 drinks per person per hour of your reception.
For example, a 5-hour reception with 100 guests = 500–1,000 total drinks. Not everyone will drink the same amount, but this guideline helps you avoid overspending on extra stock that goes untouched.
2. Choose Kegs Over Bottles
If you want to save money (and reduce waste), kegs are the way to go. Buying beer, cider, or even wine in bulk kegs is significantly cheaper than individual bottles and cans.
With Tap Truck NOLA’s mobile bar setup, we serve straight from the taps, keeping the drinks fresh, cold, and cost-efficient. Plus, fewer bottles mean less cleanup and less waste — another win for your budget.
3. Limit the Open Bar
An open bar with unlimited liquor options sounds great, but it’s also one of the fastest ways to drive up costs. Instead, consider:
- Offering beer, wine, and one or two signature cocktails.
- Serving liquor only during a cocktail hour.
- Creating a cash bar add-on for high-end spirits while covering the basics.
This way, your guests still enjoy variety, but you’re not footing the bill for every premium drink ordered.
4. Create a Signature Cocktail
Signature cocktails are not only fun and personalized — they’re also budget-friendly. By featuring one or two pre-selected cocktails, you cut down on the number of mixers and liquors you need to stock.
For a New Orleans wedding, think of local flavors like:
- A light Hurricane-inspired spritz for summer.
- A Pimm’s Cup twist for spring garden weddings.
- A classic French 75 with a sparkling touch for evening celebrations.
Your guests will love the creativity, and you’ll save money by streamlining your bar menu.
5. Don’t Forget Non-Alcoholic Options
Providing water, sodas, or mocktails is essential — and it’s cheaper than you might think. These options not only keep guests hydrated (especially in the New Orleans heat) but also help pace alcohol consumption, stretching your budget further.
Pro tip: Infused water stations with lemon, cucumber, or berries look elegant and cost a fraction of stocking endless bottled drinks.
6. Hire a Mobile Bar Service
One of the smartest budget moves you can make is hiring a professional mobile bar service. At Tap Truck NOLA, we:
- Help calculate exactly how much you need (no overbuying).
- Serve efficiently from vintage trucks with multiple taps.
- Reduce waste by pouring straight from kegs.
- Provide bartenders, so you don’t need to hire separately.
By bundling everything into one service, you avoid surprise costs — and add a stylish centerpiece to your reception.
Final Tips for a Budget-Friendly Wedding Bar
- Plan early: Prices on alcohol can vary — buying in advance saves last-minute markups.
- Ask about corkage fees: Some venues charge for outside alcohol, so confirm before ordering.
- Prioritize what matters most: If champagne toasts are important, budget for them and trim elsewhere.
- Lean on experts: Services like Tap Truck NOLA can guide you to the most cost-effective plan.
Celebrate Big Without Overspending
You don’t need to sacrifice style or guest experience to save money on your wedding bar. With smart planning and the right mobile bar service, your New Orleans wedding can be unforgettable — and affordable.
👉 Ready to plan a budget-friendly bar for your big day? Contact Tap Truck NOLA to book your mobile bar and let us help you celebrate in style without overspending.
