This post is in partnership with BevMo! and CrystalPlus. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Santa Barbara Wedding Style.

Deciding to include a reception bar and drink selection for your guests adds a fun element to your wedding, but can also add significant costs and stress to your planning process.

Turn to BevMo! to not only answer all of your beverage-related questions, but to also provide any variety of beer, wine, and liquor at the lowest prices. The specialty beverage retailer ships, delivers, or offers in-store pickup at one of 166 stores throughout California, Washington, and Arizona.

The first step in planning for your refreshments is to decide whether you will have an open bar or if guests will be required to pay per drink. You will then need to decide what drink types will be offered. For example, you could limit the selection to just beer and wine, you could purchase liquor to mix well drinks, or you could have a wide variety of beer, wine, along with a list of specialty drink cocktails.

Use BevMo!’s drink calculator to determine the approximate amount of alcohol you will need but also follow these basic guidelines to start:

Estimate each guest will have one drink per hour
One bottle of wine= six glasses
One standard liquor bottle= 15-16 mixed drinks
One keg= 165 beers

It also helps to decide on the percentage of each beforehand and limit beer, wine, and liquor to just two or three different varieties, such as just Merlot and Pinot Grigio for wine, to simplify. If you want to have specialty cocktails, choose a couple that are easy to make to eliminate the need for excess ingredients.

Don’t forget other bar essentials such as bottle openers, shakers, ice, koozies, straws, napkins, and of course, glasses.

If you’re looking for a specialized component to add to your bar, consider ordering engraved toasting flutes or drinking glasses from CrystalPlus. With free personalization and quick service, it’s easy to add a memorable touch.

In light of the emerging winter season, we have rounded up some drink options perfect for an event close to the holidays and fitting for colder weather. Find something for everyone, including smooth wines, delectable cocktails, and even some non-alcoholic choices. Cheers!