Event Bar Services

Weddings • Events • Community

Pour With Confidence

Great drinks, great service, and zero stress – that’s what our in-house bar service delivers. With a Vermont State Liquor License, full insurance coverage, and professional bartenders who know how to keep a party moving, we take the complexity out of beverage service so you can focus on celebrating with your guests.

Whether you’re planning an elegant champagne toast, a Vermont craft beer celebration, or a full open bar that goes until last call, our experienced team will work with you to create the perfect bar experience for your event.

What's Included

When you book bar service at the Old Lantern, you're getting far more than just drinks:

Professional Bartenders | Experienced, friendly staff who keep lines moving and guests happy
Full Liquor License | Vermont State Liquor License and all required insurance coverage included
Complete Glassware | Stemmed wine goblets, water goblets, and full selection of bar glassware (included in venue rental)
Bar Setup | We handle all setup, breakdown, and cleanup of the bar area
Non-Alcoholic Options | Extensive selection of sodas, juices, mixers, and specialty non-alcoholic beverages

Bar Service Packages & Pricing

All prices are subject to 10% VT Liquor Tax and 20% Gratuity

Package-Based Hosted Bar
(Unlimited Open Bar)
Charged at a flat rate per guest for unlimited drinks during your event. This approach simplifies budgeting with no surprises. This is the most popular (and recommended) option for events where moderate-to-heavy consumption is expected.

Bar Service Charge is completely waived for package-based open bar

Packages are based on 6-hours of service, with additional hours available at prorated rates.

Beer & Wine
$48 per guest

Beer, Wine & Standard Liquor
$62 per guest

Beer, Wine & Premium Liquor
$75 per guest

Included in package:

Non-alcoholic sodas
One signature ‘mocktail
Two signature ‘cocktails’ – from our list or create your own!
Two draft lines available for special requests

Hosted Bar (Open Bar) Pay only for what’s poured, with the final bill calculated after the event. This is the most popular option for events where light to moderate consumption is anticipated.

Bar Service Charge is 50% discounted to $250 per 100 guests.

Beer, Cider & Seltzer
$6-9 each

Wine by the bottle
Starting at $40 per bottle

Cocktails
$12-16 each

NAs, Sodas & Mocktails
$3-5 each

Included in package

One signature ‘mocktail
Two signature ‘cocktails’ – from our list or create your own!
Two draft lines available for pre-purchased, special request selections

Cash Bar Guests purchase their own drinks at standard prices. A great option for fundraisers, community events, or celebrations where budget is a primary concern.

At the discretion of management, clients may be required to hire private security to monitor the grounds at cash bar events.

Bar Service Charge applied at a rate of $500 per 100 guests

Bar Service Variations

Limited Open Bar You select which beverages to offer (beer and wine only, signature cocktails, etc.) and cover the cost. Guests can upgrade to premium options at their own expense. This hybrid approach gives you budget control while still offering hospitality.

Drink Tickets Provide guests with a set number of tickets (typically 2 per person 21+) for complimentary drinks, with additional drinks available for purchase. Popular for corporate events and networking gatherings.

Bar Service Add-Ons

Champagne Toast: Starting at $5 per guest. Includes house prosecco and NA option.
Rate discounted to $3 per guests for package-based open bars

Wine Pour: $3 per guest, plus cost of bottles opened
Per guest fee waived for hosted bar packages

Satellite Bar Services For larger events, a secondary bar can be setup to help disperse the crowd. Satellite bar service is subject to a service fee, depending on the complexity and style of setup and service offered.

Specialty Bar Services

Welcome Drinks Greet your guests with a signature beverage as they arrive. From champagne to craft cocktails to seasonal mocktails, welcome drinks set the tone for your celebration.

Champagne Toast Nothing says celebration like champagne. We’ll coordinate timing with your event flow and ensure every guest has a glass ready for your special moment.

Late-Night Coffee & Cordials Keep the energy going with an end-of-evening coffee service featuring Irish coffee, espresso martinis, or classic after-dinner drinks.

Signature Cocktail Development All open bar packages include two signature cocktails – select from our extensive list of suggestions or create your own! For cash bar service, signature cocktails can be selected from our specialty cocktail list and renamed to add a personal touch!

Seasonal Specialties From warm apple cider cocktails in fall to refreshing cucumber gin drinks in summer, we love creating seasonal drink menus that celebrate Vermont’s changing landscape.

How It Works

1

Initial Consultation During your venue walkthrough or planning meeting, we’ll discuss your bar vision, guest demographics, and budget. This helps us recommend the right service style for your event.

2

Beverage Selection Choose your service type (open bar, cash bar, limited bar, etc.) and select your beverage offerings. We’ll provide recommendations based on your guest count and event style.

3

Finalize Details
Three weeks before your event, we’ll confirm final guest count, bar hours, and any specialty drinks or services. This is when we lock in your package pricing if applicable.

4

Event Day Our bartenders arrive early to set up, stock the bar, and ensure everything is ready before your first guest arrives. During your event, they’ll keep drinks flowing, manage inventory, and handle all bar operations seamlessly.

5

Post-Event For consumption-based bars, we’ll provide an itemized invoice within 3-5 business days. Package bars are settled at the time of booking. Either way, you’ll never be surprised by hidden fees.

Bar Hours & Music Curfew

Our venue is fortunate to have an 11:00 PM music curfew – one of the latest in Vermont!

For multi-day rentals, bar hours are flexible across your event days. Friday rehearsal dinners, Sunday brunches, and Saturday receptions can all include bar service tailored to each occasion.

Responsible Service

The safety and wellbeing of your guests is our top priority. Our bartenders are trained in responsible alcohol service and hold all required certifications. We reserve the right to refuse service to any guest who appears intoxicated, and we work closely with you to arrange transportation options (shuttles, rideshares, designated drivers) for guests who need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we bring our own alcohol?

Our Vermont State Liquor License requires that all alcohol served at events be purchased and served through our licensed bar service. This protects both you and us from liability issues and ensures professional, responsible service.

Can we do a tasting before the event?

For signature cocktail development, we’re happy to schedule a tasting during your planning process. For standard bar selections, our team can provide recommendations based on your preferences and guest demographics.

What if we run out of something?

We carefully stock based on your guest count and event duration, but if we do run low on a specific item, our bartenders will seamlessly shift guests to similar alternatives.

Do you accommodate special requests?

Absolutely! All open bar packages include two signature cocktails and draft lines allocated to special requests. We are always happy to chat about bringing in your favorite beverages, too!

What about service for outdoor spaces?

We can set up satellite bars or cocktail stations on the west lawn, east lawn, or covered porch. These outdoor bars are perfect for cocktail hours or creating different “zones” during your event.

Ready to Raise a Glass?

Whether you’re envisioning elegant champagne toasts, Vermont craft beer celebrations, or creative signature cocktails, our bar service team is ready to bring your vision to life.

Contact our events team to discuss your bar service needs and receive a customized proposal for your event.
Cheers to a celebration your guests will remember!