Why Bar Package Pricing Matters

Whether you're planning a wedding, gala, office celebration, or rooftop soirée, your bar setup isn’t just about drinks—it’s about guest experience, service flow, and budget control. The bar often accounts for a significant portion of your catering spend, so knowing what you're getting (and why it costs what it does) can make or break your event planning.

At NY Green Apple, our bar catering services in NYC are designed with flexibility and clarity in mind. We help clients navigate bar package options that suit both their style and their bottom line. Here's how it works.

Types of Bar Packages Explained

Not all bar packages are created equal. Depending on your guest count, event length, and preferences, you might choose from a few common models:

• Open Bar: Unlimited drinks for guests—flat-rate pricing based on guest count and time
• Consumption Bar: You pay for what’s poured—billed per drink
• Limited Bar: A set selection of wine, beer, and 1–2 signature cocktails
• Ticketed Bar: Guests receive a fixed number of drink tickets; additional drinks are paid out of pocket

Not sure what all the terminology means? This breakdown of bar terminology makes it easy to understand the lingo and make the right decision.

What’s Typically Included in a Bar Package

A full-service bar package usually includes more than just alcohol. Here's what you can expect in a standard offering:

• Beer, wine, and spirits (based on your selection)
• Mixers, sodas, juices, and garnish supplies
• Bartenders and barbacks
• Ice and chillers
• Glassware or compostable cups
• Setup, breakdown, and trash removal

Some higher-tier packages may also include cocktail stations, infused drinks, or flair bartending. If you're looking for extra beverage variety, check out our beverage catering packages for additional ideas.

What Affects the Cost of a Bar Package?

Bar pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are the biggest factors that influence your total:

• Guest Count: More guests = more inventory and staffing
• Event Duration: Longer events require restocking and additional personnel
• Drink Menu: Premium liquor and signature cocktails increase costs
• Glassware: Real glass vs. compostables can affect setup and cleanup
• Venue Access: Rooftop or remote venues may add delivery or permit fees

You’ll also want to consider your bar team’s capabilities. For example, offering shaken cocktails requires a bartender who’s trained in drink-making techniques for events that scale fast without sacrificing quality.

Sample Bar Package Tiers

To help clients plan confidently, we often offer three bar package levels. While pricing varies based on timing, guest count, and customization, here's a general idea of how these tiers break down:

Package	What's Included	Best For
Standard	Beer, wine, 1 signature cocktail, basic mixers, 1 bartender	Office parties, casual receptions, birthdays
Premium	Full bar with top-shelf spirits, 2 signature cocktails, glassware, 2 bartenders	Weddings, brand activations, formal galas
Custom	Curated spirits list, custom drink menu, mobile bar setup, cocktail stations	VIP events, multi-day conferences, creative experiences

Want to align your bar offering with your menu? Our glassware recommendations for cocktails can help ensure a seamless presentation from pour to plate.

How Much Alcohol Will You Need?

When selecting your package, one of the most important details is estimating your alcohol volume correctly. A typical rule of thumb is 1–1.25 drinks per guest per hour.

To avoid waste or running short, visit our guide on how to calculate alcohol per guest based on your actual event timeline and drink menu.

Don’t Overlook Staffing and Equipment Costs

Bar packages often include more than alcohol. The cost of experienced bartenders, barbacks, mobile bar furniture, coolers, and cleaning labor all contribute to your quote. You may also need special gear like drink dispensers, garnish trays, or custom signage.

For a checklist of setup must-haves, see our guide on essentials for a fully stocked bar.

Legal & Liability Considerations

Depending on your venue, you may need additional insurance, permits, or certified staff to serve alcohol. These are costs that are often built into your bar package but can vary widely depending on local laws.

Want to know more about compliance? We break it down in our overview of bar liability insurance explained and our policies on responsible alcohol service.

Customizing Your Drink Menu

The best bar packages let your personality shine. Many of our clients choose to feature 1–2 signature cocktails based on their theme, cuisine, or brand.

Want to keep your options efficient and crowd-pleasing? Browse our expert picks for understanding different types of liquor so you can offer drinks that appeal to a wide range of guests.

Plan Your Bar with Confidence

Bar packages don’t need to be confusing. With the right guidance, you can serve something great while staying within budget and staying stress-free. From drink count to service flow, we’ve helped hundreds of clients create seamless bar experiences.

Let’s build one for you. Contact us to get started with a quote tailored to your event needs.