Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Ceremony & Reception Wedding Reception Ideas Wedding Food, Drink & Menus 20 Bar Carts That'll Transform Your Wedding's Cocktail Hour and Reception By Lauren Pardee Lauren Pardee Lauren is a former associate digital editor for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 10, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos John Schnack Photography If you're a wine, Champagne, or cocktail connoisseur, a wedding bar cart is the perfect way to share your passion with guests. Plus, setting up a great bar scene is crucial to planning a successful reception, which makes these small-scale carts the perfect solution for brides and grooms looking to elevate their big-day party with unique alcohol options. Beyond showing off your signature cocktail or playing up your love for craft beer, a bar cart also allows guests to self-serve—which might ultimately save you money if you decide to forgo a bartender. These stations have aesthetic purposes, too: They add tons of character to an event's overall design (talk about a win-win scenario!). Showcase your beverage offerings by dressing up your bar cart with florals, stunning glassware, or vintage details. Take this modern-cart by Jennifer Cole Florals and White Lace Events & Design, for example, which perfectly represented this whiskey-loving couple with a styled bourbon cask. So, how can you go about adding a bar cart to your cocktail hour or reception? Consider working with a rental company, which can provide you with an option that'll fit your big-day décor. Alternatively, you can buy one—think of it as a long-term investment!—and bring it back into your home post-nuptials (it'll act as a wedding-day keepsake and elevate your living room). Luckily, there's a bar cart out there to match both your wedding and home-style: From rustic farm wagons and dainty garden carts to glamorous, old-Hollywood displays, the design options are endless. Intrigued? When planning your big day, be sure to add a bar cart to your high-priority checklist. In the meantime, get inspired by the following photos, which showcase all the unique ways real brides and grooms utilized their own mini bar stations—they just might inspire your own. 01 of 19 Vintage Garden Braedon Flynn At this garden reception, a vintage bar cart, which displayed tequila and an arrangement of elegant, white orchids by Gilly Flowers & Events, referenced the floral theme. 25 Beautiful Garden Wedding Venues 02 of 19 Fruit Garland Liz Banfield Florist Jackie Reisenauer of Minneapolis' Munster Rose upgraded this modern Champagne bar cart with privet berries, bay leaves, and kumquats, which beautifully complemented the drinks' garnishes. 21 Bottles of Bubbly to Sip on the Morning of Your Wedding 03 of 19 Rustic-Meets-Vintage Amy & Stuart Photography This couple displayed their signature drinks—made from moonshine, lemon juice, honey syrup, and watermelon lemonade—on this rustic, antique bar cart. 46 Signature Cocktails by Spirit 04 of 19 New Year's Eve Refills Lauren Jonas The bartenders at this New Year's Eve wedding pushed Champagne-filled carts, decorated with garlands by Wimberly Fair Designs, around the reception so guests would have easy access to refills. Fun and Festive Ideas for a New Year's Eve Wedding 05 of 19 Beer Wagon Michelle March These craft beer-loving newlyweds highlighted their reception's brew selections on a rustic wagon bar cart, which attendees could visit as they pleased. The Best Beer-and-Food Pairings for a Fall Wedding 06 of 19 Fall-Inspired Wagon Brklyn View Photography This large farm-style bar cart subtly referenced this fall wedding's autumnal motifs. 11 Clever Ways to Elevate Your Barn Wedding 07 of 19 Signature Drink Sign AJ Dunlap A sign by Mason Dixon Designs, which hung from this mini drink station, directed guests towards the bride and groom's signature cocktails. Wedding Bar Signs to Elevate Your Cocktail Hour 08 of 19 Wildflower Cart Emily Wren Photography This ethereal glass bar cart looked as if it belonged in a wildflower field thanks to winding floral vines and arrangements by Faye and Renee Floral and Event Design. 09 of 19 Rose Gold Detailing Fulleylove Photography F. Dellit Designs included thematic florals on this feminine bar cart, which matched the blush, peach, and bright pink tones throughout this wedding's décor. 20 Pink Wedding Ideas That Pack a Punch 10 of 19 Masculine Antiques Hudson Nichols Photography This bar cart was decorated with a vintage camera and books, along with masculine alcohol bottles that enhanced its antique vibes. 11 of 19 1920s-Inspired This Modern Romance How incredible is this 1920s-inspired gold-and-glass bar cart? A dramatic arrangement by The Flower Method played into the Gilded Age theme. 34 Romantic Red Wedding Bouquets 12 of 19 Dessert Wine and Treats Jessica Gold Photography Bar carts can display more than boozy beverages. This bar-meets-dessert station displayed edible cookie shots filled with Kahlua milk by Cheers! Cookie Shots, a darling cake by Bake Cake Shop, and dessert wine, along with a bright floral arrangement by R. Love Floral and a fun sign from Blue Eye Brown Eye. 37 Wines Experts Uncork for Special Occasions 13 of 19 Copper-Toned Aesthetic Melissa Jill Photography This autumn-inspired bar cart, adorned with cascading greenery by Inspired Environments, offered guests copper mugs and an ice bucket, along with apples and peaches. 58 Genius Fall Wedding Ideas 14 of 19 Awning Wagon Sarah-Jane Ethan Photography This wooden wagon featured a beautiful awning that shaded pre-made cocktails from the sun. 17 Ways to Keep Guests Cool at Your Warm-Weather Wedding 15 of 19 Gold European Finishes Thomas Steibl This elegant station by Elisabeth Cardich of A Very Beloved Wedding was decorated simply with a mahogany box, crystal liquor bottles, and an arrangement of pink and yellow roses and ferns by Fiona Seidl—it perfectly captured the vibe at this European-inspired wedding. The Meaning of Rose Colors 16 of 19 Summery Cocktail Selection Kristin La Voie Photography Summer-ready orange and red signature cocktails doubled as colorful décor along with a calligraphed sign by Calligraphy by Cristine on this gold cart. How to Choose the Perfect Signature Drink for Summer 17 of 19 Parisian Vibes Purple Tree Wedding Photography This bar cart's soft blue, blush, and gold color palette—brought to life by its cupcakes and cake pops by Dolled Up Cupcakes, sparkling wine, and liquor offerings—contributed to its Parisian aesthetic. How to Plan the Perfect French-Themed Bridal Shower 18 of 19 Faux Grass Display The Arroyos Faux grass elevated this dessert-filled bar cart and complemented this reception's floral backdrop by My Little Flower Shop. How to Create a DIY Faux Flower Wall for Your Wedding 19 of 19 Emerald-Themed Cart Courtney Bowlden This emerald-themed bar cart displayed green cocktails and glassware, which tied into the botanical wedding's overarching theme. 20 Beautiful Ways to Add a Pop of Green to Your Wedding Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit