Exciting Ways to Use Bar Carts at Your Wedding

“We have been seeing a big trend in couples adding build-your-own food stations at weddings, and we wanted to create something similar through cocktails. The bar carts were our answer," shares Emily Kraus, National Beverage Manager for Wolfgang Puck Catering. "Many couples will feature a specialty cocktail at the bar. Inspired by this idea, we created something new and unique that also adds a more personal guest experience than simply walking up to a bar. The bar carts provide an opportunity for guests to get up close with the bartender and create a customized drink."

Couples who would like a fun, non-alcoholic option can also have an alcohol-free bar cart featuring hibiscus, chamomile, pomegranate, and lavender tinctures, house-made syrups in flavors such as cucumber basil, ginger, honey, jalapeno agave, and raspberry, as well as fresh produce including jalapeno, blackberries, basil, thyme, and more. These additions can then be mixed with a variety of tonics, sodas, and mixers in order to create a gorgeous, hand-crafted mocktail. Creations from the celebrity catering team include a guava soda with a chili rim and a non-alcoholic paloma.

For those who do like to drink, the team can also roll out beautiful bar carts featuring the couple's favorite libation. "The bride and groom choose one spirit and then we complement that with a variety of house-made syrups, fresh fruits, herbs, tonics, bitters, and vintage ice cubes," says Kraus. "The Spanish Gin & Tonic cart has been the most popular so far, with the Vodka Smash and Old Fashioned carts [close behind]. For this spring and summer, we are looking to introduce our Spritz cart. It’s perfect for those months!”

Gather ideas for your own celebration from the photos below – and feel free to create your own if you'd like to DIY your food and drink stations for any pre-wedding events or spring and summer entertaining!

For more wedding food and drink ideas from real weddings, visit our photo galleries!