This Is Not Just a Shopping List

Our bar planning services are designed to take the guesswork out of hosting. Rather than providing a basic list of items, we create a thoughtful, experience-driven bar plan tailored specifically to your event.

Every recommendation is carefully considered - from beverage selections and quantities to mixers, garnishes, and service flow - ensuring your bar feels seamless, balanced, and intentional throughout the event.

We approach beverage planning with the same attention to detail we bring to staffing and service. Quantities are calculated using real-world consumption patterns, guest dynamics, and event variables, allowing you to feel confident that your bar is properly stocked without unnecessary excess.

The result is clarity, control, and peace of mind - knowing your bar has been planned with precision, not guesswork.

• Beverage planning tailored to your event style

• Guest-count modeling based on event flow and duration

• Consumption ratio analysis

• Signature cocktail development (when selected)

• Detailed quantity calculations

• Garnish, mixer, and ice planning

• Optional vendor sourcing with purchasing links

• Risk reduction to prevent running out or over-purchasing

Our Planning Considers

Our recommendations are informed by more than headcount alone. We factor in real-world variables that significantly affect consumption, including event duration, seasonality, guest demographics, and beverage preferences.

A summer wedding drinks differently from a winter corporate event. A younger guest list consumes differently than a mixed-age crowd. These nuances matter - and they’re built into every plan we create.

Independent & Client-First Recommendations

While liquor retailers often provide quantity estimates, their recommendations are designed to support retail sales - not necessarily event efficiency. Our planning is independent, experience-based, and focused on your event’s actual needs.

This approach helps minimize unnecessary over-purchasing, particularly for items that are difficult or impossible to return.

Our bar planning services are available as optional add-ons, allowing you to choose the level of guidance that best fits your event.

Clients who book bartending services through Service Gem Events receive complimentary access to our standard bar item calculator. Custom shopping lists, signature cocktail planning, and purchasing guidance are available through the services outlined below.

Packages & Pricing

Designed for events serving beer and wine only, with no signature cocktails.

Includes:

• Beverage quantity calculations for beer and wine

• Cup size recommendations and quantities

• Ice amounts based on event duration

• Standard garnish suggestions

• Napkins, straws, and bar essentials planning

Ideal for:
Simple, streamlined events without custom cocktails.

Included with Bartender Services:
When bartenders are contracted through SGE, clients receive access to our bar item calculator at no additional cost. This tool covers beer and wine quantities, but does not include signature cocktail planning.

Basic Shopping List

$100

Signature Cocktail Planning

$175

Perfect for events featuring up to two signature cocktails, alongside beer and wine.

Includes:

• Everything in the Basic Shopping List

• Planning for up to 2 signature cocktails

• Detailed ingredient ratios and quantity calculations per cocktail

• Specialty garnish planning specific to each drink

Ideal for:
Couples or hosts who want a polished bar experience with a personal touch, without going fully custom.

Included with Bartender Services:
Our bar item calculator is included when bartenders are booked through SGE. Signature cocktail quantities and ratios are calculated separately as part of this service.

Full Custom Bar Plan

$250

Our most comprehensive planning service, designed for weddings and large-scale events.

Includes:

• Everything in the Signature Cocktail Planning package

• Planning for up to 4 signature cocktails

• Specialty spirits and themed menus

• Mixer, garnish, and specialty item sourcing

• Purchasing links provided for convenience

Best for:
Weddings, multi-bar events, or hosts who want everything mapped out with precision and ease.

Signature Drinks Only

$50 per signature cocktail

-or-

$125 for up to 3 signature cocktails

For clients who only need help planning custom cocktails, without beer or wine calculations.

Includes:

• Ingredient ratios and quantity calculations per signature drink

• Cup, cup size, and quantity recommendations

• Garnish planning

• Straw recommendations (if applicable)

• Recipe formatting for easy reference

• Optional purchasing links

Ideal for:
Clients using our bar calculator for beer and wine, but want professional guidance on signature cocktails.

Custom Bar Planning Request