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Photo by Kamia Lavarria
After a moving ceremony and before a long night of celebrating, who doesn’t want a drink to get the party started? For obvious reasons, the bar is the focal point of many receptions. And like any other element of your wedding, it’s a chance to make a statement and show off your style.
The purpose of a wedding bar sign is twofold: to let your guests know the beverage offerings at your cocktail and reception and to get even more creative with your décor. Whether you’re serving crafted signature cocktails, opting for beer and wine, or simply sticking with nonalcoholic drinks, a clever sign can be a great way to tie the bar together.
Ahead, we've rounded up 19 ways to dress up that bartop.
An Eye-Catching Painting
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PHOTO BY HOLLY CLARK, Planned by The Lake Como Wedding Planner
Every creative couple can incorporate their sense of artistry into the bar. Your eye is immediately drawn to this clever canvas, and between the bold visual and helpful annotations, guests know exactly what they’re going to get.
In a Sleek Frame
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PHOTO BY ROEY YOHAI STUDIOS, Planned by JZ Events, Calligraphy by BL Calligraphy
If your style is clean and classic, a simple double-sided picture frame makes for an elegant presentation that doesn’t add much to your budget.
It's also a great way to remind guests of your wedding hashtag!
With Cheeky Names
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PHOTO BY ERICH MCVEY, Paper Goods by CWS Designs
While you don’t need clever names for your his-and-hers custom cocktails, it’s a memorable touch that’s sure to elicit a few laughs. Small illustrations make the drinks even more compelling.
Bold Art Deco Script
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PHOTO BY KATE HEADLEY, Signage by Claudia Kimble
Sophisticated drinks need a sophisticated sign to show them off. The strong gold lettering of this eye-catching sign looks straight out of a Prohibition-era cocktail bar, fitting the aesthetic of this couple’s Detroit city wedding.
With Calligraphy
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PHOTO BY CHI-CHI ARI PHOTOGRAPHY, Planned by Tiffany Rivera of Simply Breathe Events, Calligraphy by Allison Dee Calligraphy
Elegant calligraphy introduces these his-and-hers cocktails, with bold type filling in all the details. A simple gold frame is attention-grabbing but doesn't take away from what's inside.
On Glass
PHOTO BY LIZ BANFIELD, Planned by A Day in May Events, Calligraphy by The Artistic Quill
A sign doesn’t need to call much attention to itself to be an attractive accent. A rustic frame and clear glass sign perfectly suits this Michigan backyard wedding.
With Your Wedding Logo
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PHOTO BY AMBER GRESS PHOTOGRAPHY, Paper Goods by Alison Murray
Your wedding logo is already on the invitations, programs, gift bags—why not carry the look over to the bar menu? This couple’s stylized initials introduce their signature cocktails.
In a Rustic Frame
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PHOTO BY JEREMIAH & RACHEL PHOTOGRAPHY, Planned by Greenwood Events, Calligraphy by Jessica Lee Calligraphy
If you’re planning a rustic event like this Montana ranch wedding, a wooden picture frame is a fitting display for an illustrated menu. Simplicity at its finest!
Illustrations in Flowers
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PHOTO BY KAMI OLAVARRIA, Paper Goods by Four Things Paper
All the elements of a classic Old Fashioned—bourbon, simple syrup, bitters, and ice—are beautifully illustrated in this hand-drawn sign. Embedding it in a stunning flower arrangement ups the drama factor.
Totally Transparent
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PHOTO BY HENRY + MAC, Planned by Unique Weddings by Alexis, Sign by Golden Hour Paper via Etsy
Silver lettering on a transparent sign is a great match for this Boston wedding’s minimalist aesthetic.
If you want to decorate your bar with other elements like flowers and bottles, opting for a clean sign will ensure the bartop won't look too busy.
As a Cocktail List
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PHOTO BY ROSS HARVEY, Planned by The Lake Como Wedding Planner, Paper Goods by Bernard Maisner
A good craft cocktail bar will have descriptions of every drink, helping guests decide exactly what to order. The concise menu at this Lake Como wedding does the same while still adding a touch of personality.
With Tasting Notes
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PHOTO BY AMY AND STUART PHOTOGRAPHY, Planned by Alison and Bryan, Paper Goods by Karli Strohschein Art
Want guests to appreciate the spirits they’re sipping? Helpful tasting notes described the top-flight Casa Dragones tequila served at this coastal California wedding, which can be done for any type of brand-specific liquor.
Pen and Ink
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PHOTO BY PAT FUREY PHOTOGRAPHY, Menus by Sandy Plum Design Co.
This intimate 12-person wedding shows that style doesn’t have to be over-the-top. An unfussy hand-lettered sign is an ideal fit for these Italian-inspired cocktails.
In Neon
PHOTO BY JANA WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY, Planning and Design by RO & Co. Events
“Glam meets retro” was the vibe at this winter Palm Springs wedding. It’s a theme echoed in this sign proudly displaying the names of the couple.
With Artful Accents
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PHOTO BY REBECCA YALE PHOTOGRAPHY, Planned by Toast Santa Barbara, Paper Goods by The Stationery Collection
If you like the idea of illustration, but want something soft and natural-looking, there’s no need to sketch out the drink itself. With a wedding inspired by an English garden party, calligraphy and delicate illustration are beautifully framed by flowers on the bartop.
On a Floral Frog
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PHOTO BY VALORIE DARLING, Planned by Leslie Kaplan of Encore Event Design, Paper Goods by Emily Devitt Designs
With floral elements and greenery as major design components of this California wedding, a floral pin frog is a charming stand for this custom cocktail sign.
With Graphic Design
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PHOTO BY KE-LI PHOTOGRAPHY, Paper Goods by Jordan Kopstein
Held at the Denver Botanic Gardens, this intimate wedding used a colorful floral motif, created by a graphic designer friend, for menus, name tags, and more; their cocktail sign echoes the theme.
On a Coconut
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PHOTO BY KATIE RUTHER, Planned by Destination Weddings Tulum
When your signature drink is in a coconut, who needs a sign? At this Tulum wedding, the couple’s wedding date and hashtag were engraved right on the coconuts themselves.
On Wood
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PHOTO BY JEREMIAH & RACHEL PHOTOGRAPHY, Planned by Greenwood Events, Calligraphy by Jessica Lee Calligraphy
White script on a rough wooden board is just informal enough for a pre-reception tequila shot.