Athens, Georgia Wedding Experts: How to Stock the Bar at Your Wedding
- insightmediamgmt
- Oct 8
- 6 min read
Stocking a wedding bar can feel like a balancing act: you want variety without waste, elegance without excess, and a layout that keeps guests sipping happily without long waits. At Chapman Hill—nestled in the rolling hills of Northeast Georgia, not far from Athens and Jefferson—you have the advantage of a beautifully rustic setting. That backdrop invites a thoughtful bar setup that complements the charm of the venue while giving your guests a memorable drink experience.
Below is a guide to help you plan, shop for, and manage your wedding bar at Chapman Hill—whether you hire professionals or DIY some elements.
Photo - @amyephoto | Floral - @cchsffamily | Catering - @thecateredkitchen | DJ - @club_rett_weddings
1. Choose Your Bar Style
First, decide what kind of bar service you want. Each option has pros, cons, and logistical considerations, especially in the unique setting of Chapman Hill.
Open (Full) Bar
With an open bar (a hosted bar), guests can order from the full menu without paying. It’s the most generous option—but also the most expensive. You may want to cap by time (cocktail hour only, or limited hours) or limit certain top-shelf liquors.
Limited Bar
You select a subset of drinks—often a few signature cocktails, plus beer and wine. This option gives you control over costs and keeps the bar manageable.
Cash Bar
Guests pay for their drinks. This is rarely recommended for weddings, because it can feel less hospitable. It might work for some after-midnight hours, but as a full approach, it’s less common.
Self-Service / Drink Station
In some venues, you might consider a self-service bar or drink station (guests pour their own drinks). But in many states and venues, laws or licensing require a bartender to serve alcohol. Always check local regulations and Chapman Hill’s policy. If you go this route, use signage and assign attendants to restock—don’t leave everything entirely unsupervised.
Photo - @amyephoto | Floral - @cchsffamily & @morgan_county_ffa | Catering - @thecateredkitchen | Bar - Hill Top Bartending
2. Estimate Quantity: How Much to Buy
Getting drink quantities right is both art and math. Here’s how to do it wisely:
Estimate by Guests & Duration
A standard rule: assume one drink per guest per hour. Over a 5-hour reception, that’s about five drinks per guest. Some will drink less, some more—this gives you a baseline.
Ratio: Liquor, Wine & Beer
A common guideline is:
50% liquor
25% wine
25% beer
Within wine, split between red and white. If your wedding is during warm months (common in Northeast Georgia), lean toward more white / rosé. If you plan a champagne toast, build that into your total (or consider letting guests use their drink of choice for the toast).
photo - @valentino_lauren @kchesbro | floral - @jldesignsweddings
Sample Breakdown
For 100 guests over 5 hours (average drinking):
Champagne / sparkling wine: ~17 bottles
Red wine: ~10 bottles
White wine: ~10 bottles
Spirits: ~11 one-liter bottles
Beer: ~100 bottles or cans
Scale proportionally for more guests.
Photo - @emilylaurenphoto | Coordination - @lovelydayweddings
3. Choose Liquor, Wine & Beer
Your menu should reflect your style and guest preferences—but simplicity is often best.
Liquor
Limit your offerings. Too many options lead to waste and confusion. A good mix is:
Vodka
Bourbon
Gin or rum
Tequila
Choose mid-tier brands—you want good taste but avoid overspending on ultra-premium labels.
Wine
Depending on your food, pick varietals that complement the menu. If you want rosé or sparkling wine, you can substitute those for some of the white wine allotment. You could also put bottles on tables (if your servers will pour) or leave bottles at each table (but that increases quantity needed).
Beer
Choose a few familiar options (a light, a medium, a craft or local option). You don’t need craft overload—people appreciate simplicity.
Mixers & Non-Alcoholic Offerings
Don’t neglect mixers (tonic, soda, fruit juices, cola,) and garnishes (lime, lemon, mint). Also plan for non-alcoholic or mocktail options so everyone is included.
Photo - @dusktilldawnmedia | Coordination - @heartstringsandtraditions
4. Adding Signature Cocktails & Custom Touches
Signature drinks bring personality to your bar. Here’s how to do them wisely:
Offer two or three signature cocktails at most. More than that can slow the bar.
Pre-batch (premix) them so bartenders can pour quickly.
Make them reflect your story—local flavors, favorite spirits, or ties to your region in Northeast Georgia.
Always include at least one mocktail version so non-drinkers or designated drivers can enjoy something thoughtful.
Floral: @a.fancy.situation | Photo: @christiscandids | Bar: @pourponymobilebar
5. Logistics & Bar Setup at Chapman Hill
Because Chapman Hill is in a more rural setting and may have rustic spaces or outdoor transitions, logistics matter. Here are tips to make your bar setup flow well:
Multiple Bars or Stations
To prevent long lines, have multiple bars or drink stations placed thoughtfully (e.g. near cocktail hour area, near dance floor). For every 80–100 guests, consider a separate bar with its own staff.
Self-Service & Ice Buckets
Leave ice buckets of beer or sodas for easy “grab and go.” That way, bartenders can focus on cocktails.
Timing & Availability
Have some drinks available ahead of time—maybe bottles of wine on tables or a small welcome drink. Don’t make guests wait too long for their first beverage.
Return Policies & Unopened Bottles
Try to buy from a retailer that allows returns of unopened bottles—this can reduce waste.
Venue & Licensing Rules
Check with Chapman Hill whether they permit you to bring your own alcohol or require a licensed bartender. Understand any corkage fees or local regulations in Jackson County or Georgia state.
Photo: @alexisannphoto.co @stanfill.photofilm | Floral: @a.fancy.situation | HAMU: @lemoinelooks |
Bar: @pourponymobilebar
6. Avoiding Bar Line Backups & Guest Frustration
Good bar flow keeps the party humming. Some best practices:
Batch signature cocktails for quick dispensing
Multiple bars or stations to spread guest load
Ice buckets of beer/soda so guests can dispense without waiting
Strong staffing—make sure the number of bartenders matches guest count
Pre-opening drink access via bottles on tables or a welcome drink
Clear signage so guests know where to go and what’s offered
7. Budget & Cost Considerations
Alcohol can take a big bite out of your budget, so plan wisely:
The average cost for wedding alcohol in the U.S. runs around $2,800 (though this depends heavily on region).
Because Chapman Hill is in Northeast Georgia, costs may be lower than in major metro areas, but factor in delivery, staffing, and possible corkage or permit fees.
If you buy your own alcohol (versus venue-provided), keep a buffer for extras and returns.
Prioritize core items first—make sure wine, beer, and basic liquors are covered before splurging on specialty bottles.
Limit drink hours or transitions to reduce consumption.
Photo - @saraheubanksphoto | Coordination- @lovelydayweddings | Catering - @thecateredkitchen | Floral - @a.fancy.situation
8. Sample Bar Plan for a Chapman Hill Wedding (100 Guests, 5 Hours)
Here’s a hypothetical layout to help you visualize:
Category | Estimate | Notes |
Champagne / Sparkling | ~17 bottles | Includes toast or optional bubbly stations |
Red Wine | ~10 bottles | Consider varietals that pair with your dinner menu |
White Wine / Rosé | ~10 bottles | Lean toward more white in warm weather |
Spirits | ~11 one-liter bottles | Vodka, bourbon, gin/rum, tequila |
Beer | ~100 bottles / cans | Consider local or familiar favorites |
Mixers & Garnishes | Ample supply | Soda, tonic, juice, citrus, mint, ice |
Bartenders / Staffing | 2–3 bar stations | Based on guest movement & layout |
Self-serve ice buckets | 2–3 stations | Beer and soda dispensing without lines |
Add in the cost of glassware rentals, garnishes, bar tools, and staffing. Walk the venue with your bar vendor ahead of time to map out power, lighting, and layout.
Start by choosing your bar style (full, limited, cash, or self-serve), then build quantities based on guest count and duration.
Simplicity is your friend—don’t over-extend your offerings.
Logistics matter—multiple bars, good staffing, ice buckets, and clear signage all make a difference.
Know the venue rules at Chapman Hill and local Georgia alcohol laws.
Test your setup if possible to spot bottlenecks or surprises.
A well-stocked bar complements the natural beauty and relaxed elegance of Chapman Hill, making your reception both refined and fun.
***
Thank you so much for stopping by our blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owned venues. As you plan your wedding we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours. You can find locally owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map. Below is a shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country!
We’re thrilled to be nominated for the 2025 Best of Georgia Awards! Every vote counts, and we need yours. Cast your vote today to help Chapman Hill Weddings + Events win!
Comments