Planning an Eco-Friendly Event Bar

Are you going green at your wedding or planning an eco-friendly event? Don't forget to think about the bar. Your event planner will undoubtedly have lots of ideas relating to venue choices, food menu, and eco-friendly decor, but the bar is often not really thought about until the last minute. There are a lot of options available to "green" your bar and a well-crafted bar menu showcasing organic, all-natural cocktails will excite your guest's tastebuds and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Here's a few tips for “greening” your event bar:

• All-Natural Beer, Wine, and Spirits – There are tons of options when it comes to organic liquor. It is important to note though that not all organic liquors are created equal. Don’t just buy without tasting. Sample the goods first or consult a professional. Some of our favourites include Nelson Brewery, Summerhill Estates Winery, White Bear Winery (not organic but affordable and 15% of proceeds go to rainforest conservation in northern BC), and Prairie Organic Vodka.
• Organic or All-natural fruit and mixers – Organic juices and sodas are readily available and, while they may cost a bit more, your taste buds will thank you.
• Homemade Ingredients - Ask your bartender to get creative and prepare some homemade, natural mixers in advance or do it yourself. You’ll find tons of recipes for homemade syrups, nectars, and sugars that not only showcase natural ingredients, but are relatively inexpensive.
• Avoid Plastic Cups – This may seem like a no-brainer but many people are still convinced that plastic cups are a good option. Cheap to buy and no cleaning required. But think about the waste. Consider renting glassware from a rental company. Not only is it more environmentally friendly, it’s also way classier and adds a more upscale feel to your reception. If you insist on disposable glassware, consider going with biodegradable cups.
• Ban Bottled Water – Of all the things you can do at your wedding to be green, there is perhaps no greater one than eliminating bottle water. I won’t go on a rant about how awful this stuff is for your health and the environment (check out http://www.tappedthemovie.com for more info if you’re interested) but will instead say that there are cheaper options. Why not just rent pitchers and have wedding staff keep them filled with tap water? Better for you, better for you wallet, and better for the planet.
• Recycling – Proper recycling is more than one garbage bin and one blue bin. Set up separate recycling bins and proactively separate throughout the night. Save yourself time at the end by planning ahead. Organic waste, plastics, paper/cardboard, glass, and garbage should all be separated for proper recycling. If you’re hiring someone to do the bar, they should have no problem doing this and will even take everything with them when they leave.

For more tips on creating your ultimate eco-friendly event bar, contact us directly or post your question here and I’ll get back to you asap.