23 Bar Décor Ideas for Your Wedding

A wedding reception with an outdoor wood bar, a neon "sips" sign, and fresh floral arrangements with trees and mountains in the background. — Photo by Matoli Keely Photography

It's no secret that the bar is typically the most popular spot at any reception. After your guests sip their celebratory flute of champagne, chances are they're going to head to the bar for a refreshing drink. This is the place where your guests will congregate, taste your carefully-selected signature cocktail, and visit again and again throughout the night. And since it's such a popular hangout, why not make it an area to remember?

After all, if you incorporate the bar area into your overall design aesthetic, you may even save money. For instance, if your bar is covered in flowers, you can skip a flower wall. And if you include signature signage here front-and-center (like a monogram insignia!), you don't need it anywhere else.

But with that in mind, there are a few things you should consider first. One is that your wedding bar should complement your venue's setting. You don't want a rustic wooden design if your event is in a ballroom, just as you don't want a dark circular display at a romantic garden party. Additionally, don't forget to think about accessibility—because that's exactly what you need this bar to be: Accessible! Size and shape factor into this, so chat with your on-site coordinator, event planner, or rental manager to see what size you can fit in your space without going too big. Your guests need to move around, after all.

Ahead, we feature photos of unique bar set-ups that set the tone of the event in one single shot, along with tips from industry experts.

01 of 23

Combine Textures

An indoor wedding reception bar made of rattan wood with large, colorful floral arrangements and a blue velvet backdrop. — Photo by Shannon Moffit

We love the way that this couple combined a sleek rattan bar with large, textured floral arrangements—all set against a blue velvet backdrop for added dimension at their colorful Washington, D.C. celebration.

02 of 23

Feature Delicate Floral Arragements

A wedding bar featuring delicate flower arrangements next to decorative baskets at an outdoor wedding reception — Photo by Janine Licare Photography

Whether you're planning a romantic garden wedding or a minimalist, modern affair, decorating your bar with delicate floral arrangements can really help emphasize the dreamy aesthetic. Consider putting one or two flower stems in glass vases of different sizes and shapes for a sweet, demure effect.

03 of 23

Pick a Pattern

A blue and white patterned bar under an open, white tent at an outdoor wedding reception. — Photo by Brandon Lata Photography

If you want to get really creative, consider commissioning bespoke wallpaper to decorate your bar, as this couple did for their blue-and-white island wedding in South Carolina. Not only is the pattern itself stunning (and great for photographs!) but it's a wonderful way to display the color palette for your big day.

04 of 23

Opt for a Bar Cart

A white bar cart with pink roses, greenery, and glasses of rose and champagne in coups at an outdoor wedding reception. — Photo by Emily Nicole Photo

We love the retro touch of featuring a bar cart during your cocktail hour or wedding reception! It's the perfect addition of vintage flair or whimsy for an outdoor celebration—and this style looks beautiful when adorned with lush greenery and fresh roses.

05 of 23

Go Big and Bold With Flowers

An outdoor wedding reception with a white bar featuring enormous, colorful fresh floral arrangements. — Photo by Caroline Lima Photography

If you absolutely love flowers, an outdoor wood bar is the perfect opportunity to put fresh blooms front and center. We love the way this couple featured enormous, colorful arrangements with tons of fresh flowers at either end of their chic outdoor bar during their Texas wedding.

06 of 23

Play With Varying Shapes

An outdoor wood bar at a tented wedding reception, covered with greenery and fresh flowers. — Photo by Norman & Blake

"Consider a round bar, such as this custom-built bar for a mountainside wedding in the mountains of Vermont,” says Britt Cole and Francie Dorman, founders of 42 North. A round bar not only has a stunning visual impact (as well as a “wow” factor) but it's also a great way to relieve lines during cocktail hour. “The roundness allows guests to circulate from all angles with full access to enjoying a cold cocktail!" they added.

07 of 23

Create a Focal Point

A white cocktail bar at an outdoor wedding reception with landscaped lawn, palm trees, and a red-roofed venue. — Photo by Jose Villa

“For a tented summer wedding, we like to create a floorplan that makes the bar a focal point and gathering area,” suggests Tracie Domino, founder and creative director of Tracie Domino Events. Whether outdoors or indoors, strategize the design of your event space to fit around your bar setup.

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Integrate Decorative Details

An outdoor bar at a wedding reception next to large floral and greenery decoration — Photo by O'Malley Photographers

“Decorating a cocktail bar facade with a motif pulled from your wedding invitations is a festive way to incorporate a thoughtful detail into your happy hour,” says Aleah and Nick Valley, founders of Valley & Company Events. “Crests and botanical prints are especially fun and unexpected and can amp up the design factor during cocktails,” they added.

09 of 23

Opt for Something Portable

A gold bar cart covered in decorative vines with champagne flutes at an indoor wedding reception. — Photo by The Grovers

“Everyone goes to the bar, so why not make the bar part of your décor and a nice focal point?” says Merilee Hennings, owner of EverAfter Events. “We loved this gold cart displayed with cold champagne for guests to enjoy for this outdoor event.”

10 of 23

Make Sure Decorations Are Seasonal

An indoor wedding reception with a full-size tree inside by the wooden bar. — Photo by Davy Whitener Photography

When hosting a cocktail hour outside in the summer, remember the temperatures! “I typically stay away from dark heavy furniture pieces and gravitate towards linen and light-colored pieces,” says Neillie Butler, owner of Mariée Ami. “Also, be sure to think of drinks that help cool your guests down such as a signature vodka drink or a chilled glass of Rosè.”

11 of 23

Use Florals for Garnishes

Citrus cocktails in front of a chalkboard menu on a wedding reception bar with fresh flowers. — Courtesy of Kate Edwards Weddings

While flowers and herbs work beautifully as décor, you can take it one step further by turning your arrangements into garnishes. “It'll bring the table's natural décor right into the cocktail itself,” says Francesca C. Damico, events associate at Haven’s Kitchen.

12 of 23

Make the Bar Double Sided

A double-sided white wedding reception bar during an outdoor even on a sunny day. — Photo by Jen Rodriguez

“No one likes a line at the bar, so having a double-sided bar allows your bartenders to work more efficiently and get those drinks to your guests quickly,” says Vanessa Vierra, owner and creative director of Vanessa Noel Events. “We also opted for a large bar menu adhered directly to the bar to help guests choose their drink selections before they arrived at the bar.”

13 of 23

Feature a Mobile Setup

A white and orange retro mobile bar at an outdoor wedding reception in a forest. — Photo by Kay Kroshus

“While this bar trailer company, Petite Street Mobile Bistro, provides a cocktail tasting fully loaded with crafty drinks, they are always open to creating a bespoke cocktail that is a direct representation of the couple and their drink preferences,” says Paulette Alkire, lead wedding planner at Chalet View Lodge. A whimsical bar option can also provide a photo-worthy spot for you and your guests.

14 of 23

Go Completely Custom

A custom round wooden bar under a pergola at a wedding reception with greenery and bottles of wine. — Photo by Holeigh V Photography

“The bar was actually built by the groom,” says Jeannette Tavares, chief creative director at EVOKE. “They wanted a modern, timeless bar that felt clean and beautiful!” If you can't actually build your own bar, accomplish something similar on a smaller scale by incorporating personalized details, like custom drinks (favorites of the bride and groom) into the setup.

15 of 23

Go All-Out With Glassware

Clear and amber-colored glassware on a bar cart at an outdoor wedding reception. — Photo by Michael & Anna Costa Photography

The bar is a focal point for guests, and glassware is stunning when it's in a presentation state. “Shiny and on display, colored goblets in varying shapes and sizes enhance the guest decision-making process when finalizing their desired cocktail of choice,” says Sonia Hopkins, owner of XOXO Bride Events. “I love to upgrade the glassware to entice the eye.”

16 of 23

Give Guests Creative Freedom

Three kinds of rosé bottles on display on a purple bar table with glassware at an outdoor wedding reception. — Photo by Allan Zepeda

With a “Rosé Your Way bar,” or something similar, guests have the option to create their own cocktail based on their unique preferences. “Guests pick a Rosé based on the flavor profile suited for their personality and garnish it with candied edible flower petals,” says Alison Awerbuch, chef and partner for Abigail Kirsch Catering & Relationships.

17 of 23

Don’t Underestimate Your Design

A vintage stone bar with a large white floral arrangement with a wall of greenery behind it. — Photo by Perry Vaile

Your bar should be considered along with your other décor choices because it's a highly visited part of your floor plan. “This bar was a focal point under the tent, so we used a one-of-a-kind bar front that gave the feeling of old-world charm to complement the aesthetic of the venue,” says Ashley Culicchia Cash, owner and creative director at The Graceful Host. “Then we added a boxwood wall backdrop and included two huge urns with coordinating blooms and greenery to finish off the bar look.”

18 of 23

Get Resourceful With a Bar Back

Bar glasses on a stone bar shelf during at outdoor wedding reception — Courtesy of Revel Décor

“Create a summer garden-chic design by adding a little warmth of grey to your traditional white bar and finishing the design with a rustic bar back,” says Jacklyn Dahn of Revel Décor. “In addition to creating more space on the bar, utilizing a bar back provides another surface to bring the summer garden theme to life with soft touches of greenery and candlelight."

19 of 23

Incorporate Your Location

lounge area — Photo by Jose Ruiz Photography

“Wow the guests at your summer soiree by highlighting the destination and season in your bar décor,” suggests Rachel Abrams, director of weddings and celebration sales at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. “Our couple chose a stunning white lattice bar, and added elements of vibrant tropical floral to say, 'Welcome to paradise!'"

20 of 23

Create a Flower-Covered Base

flower-covered bar with driftwood in front of a white brick wall — Photo by Heather Waraksa; Florals by Saipua; Venue by 99Scott

To say that we're obsessed with this natural organic beauty would be an understatement. It's a fresh take on a traditionally flower-covered bar, and you can just tell it's authentic to the couple and the venue.

21 of 23

Build a Statement Shelf

A circular white iron bar with glasses and greenery at an outdoor wedding reception. — Photo by Jessi Nichols

Even if your bar appears minimalistic from the front, put a party in the back. A statement shelf, like this circular one, allows you to display all the pretty glassware you spent an arm and a leg renting. Plus: It's functional for the bartenders who are working so diligently to keep the drinks flowing!

22 of 23

Bring the Outdoors In

A tented wedding reception with a bar covered in greenery in front of string lights and columns. — Photo by Tec Petaja; Design by Calder Clark

This is a cool idea if you want to bring the outdoors inside your tented celebration or ballroom affair. Most rental companies even have faux options if you're into the idea of building an entire hedge of greenery on your own.

23 of 23

Break out the Monogram

An outdoor wedding reception with a white circular cocktail bar covered in roses, greenery, and a monogram. — Photo by Mike Cassimatis

A monogram detail in the middle of the wedding bar lets everyone know exactly who they're celebrating while also looking fancy and elevated in a pretty, gold script.