Open bar at a wedding cost in 2026
Open bar at a wedding costs $15 to $90 per guest in 2026, and most people pay about $50.
What moves the price
- The type of bar matters: beer and wine only costs less than a full bar.
- Premium and top shelf brands add to the price per guest.
- Where you live changes the price a lot.
- The number of guests and hours of service set the total.
- Gratuity and service charges often add 18% to 22% to the bill.
What is included
A per guest price from a venue or caterer usually includes drinks, bartenders and basic mixers. Tax, tip and service charges are often extra. Bartenders hired on their own may charge $100 to $300 each for the event.
Open bar cost per guest by type
| Bar type | Cost per guest |
|---|---|
| Beer and wine only | $25 to $45 |
| Full open bar, house spirits | $40 to $65 |
| Full open bar, premium brands | $65 to $90 |
| Full open bar, top shelf | $90 to $120 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Zola.
Total bar cost by number of guests (full open bar, house spirits)
| Guests | Total |
|---|---|
| 75 | $3,000 to $4,875 |
| 100 | $4,000 to $6,500 |
| 150 | $6,000 to $9,750 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Zola.
Ways to pay less
- Pick beer and wine only, or a signature cocktail, to cut the cost per guest.
- Choose house brands and skip top shelf liquor.
- Shorten the bar hours or close the bar during dinner.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Open bar at a wedding costs $15 to $90 per guest in 2026, and most people pay about $50. Most people pay about $50 per guest. The low end is $15 and the high end is $90.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The type of bar matters: beer and wine only costs less than a full bar; Premium and top shelf brands add to the price per guest; Where you live changes the price a lot.
How can I pay less?
Pick beer and wine only, or a signature cocktail, to cut the cost per guest. Choose house brands and skip top shelf liquor. Shorten the bar hours or close the bar during dinner.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: Zola, Paperlust, ThePricer. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
Related costs
Compare prices
Related jobs people check next, with the usual 2026 price.
| Job | Usual price |
|---|---|
| Opening a bar cost | $110K to $850K |
| Wedding dress alterations cost | $300 to $800 |
| Opening a restaurant cost | $175K to $750K |
| Wedding cake cost | $300 to $840 |