Dry Hire vs. All-Inclusive Bar: What Lafayette Couples Actually Need to Know
If you've started shopping around for bar services in the Lafayette area, you've probably noticed that not all bar companies work the same way. Some give you a price that seems GREAT until you realize it doesn't include the alcohol. Others quote you one number that covers everything.
These are two very different models, and choosing the wrong one for your situation can turn into a real headache. Let's break down what each actually means so you can make a decision that works for your wedding.
What is a dry hire bar?
A dry hire bar service provides the setup, the bartenders, and the equipment (sometimes), but not the alcohol. You're responsible for purchasing all of the beer, wine, and spirits yourself, then handing it over for them to serve. You’re usually also responsible for the insurance, drinkware, mixers, ice, and certain equipment and garnishes needed.
On paper, this can sound like a money-saving move. And sometimes it is! But there's a lot more to think about than just the price difference.
What is an all-inclusive bar service?
An all-inclusive bar service (what we do at Bar Rouler) provides literally everything: the setup, the bartenders, the alcohol, the mixers, the garnishes, the ice, the disposable drinkware - all of it. One vendor, one invoice, one conversation.
You tell us what kind of bar experience you want, and we handle everything from there through the end of the night.
The real pros and cons of each
Dry hire: the honest version
The upside:
You have complete control over what brands and bottles show up. If you've got a friend who can get you a deal on bourbon or you genuinely enjoy sourcing alcohol, this can work well.
Generally, this is the cheapest option, since you are only paying for labor.
The downside, for most couples:
Figuring out quantities is harder than it sounds. Miscalculate and you're running out of wine at hour two. Overbuy and you're figuring out what to do with 11 bottles of leftover tequila.
You're responsible for transporting everything to the venue. On your wedding day. Or the day before. Either way… not fun.
Your venue may have restrictions. Some Lafayette venues have policies about outside alcohol being brought in, and not every dry hire service has the licensing to work around that. Most reputable venues want to ensure that your bar service has an ATC permit and an offsite catering permit.
The legal piece is real. In Louisiana, serving alcohol at events requires specific licensing. If your dry hire bartender doesn't have an ATC offsite catering permit, there are scenarios where your venue or planner could be exposed if something goes wrong.
All-inclusive: the honest version
The upside: Nothing falls on you. No liquor store runs. No quantity math. No day-of logistics around alcohol. The bar just shows up ready to go.
The downside: You typically pay a premium over what it might cost you to buy alcohol at retail, though this gap is often smaller than people expect once you factor in all the time, coordination, and risk that an all-inclusive service absorbs.
So which one is right for you?
Dry hire makes sense if:
You have a genuinely simple bar (beer and wine only, for example)
You have a small guest count
You enjoy the sourcing process and have time to manage it
Your venue has no restrictions and you have easy day-of logistics
Your budget is very tight and you can absorb the extra coordination
All-inclusive makes sense if:
You want zero bar-related stress on your wedding day
You want a custom cocktail menu without managing it yourself
You're already coordinating a lot of vendors and don't want another moving piece
You want one set price and no leftover bottles to store for months or try to return
You want proper licensing and liability coverage built in
For most couples planning weddings in the Lafayette and Acadiana area, the all-inclusive route ends up being the better fit. Not because it's always cheaper on paper, but because the peace of mind is genuinely worth it.
The question to ask yourself
How would you feel if you had to make a decision about the bar at 4pm on your wedding day?
If the answer is "honestly, fine, I'm good at this stuff" - dry hire might work for you.
If the answer is "I would absolutely lose my mind" - all-inclusive is probably your move.
Bar Rouler - Lafayette, LA All-inclusive wedding bar service for South Louisiana.
Questions about which option is right for your wedding? Reach out and we'll give you a straight answer! Even if that means pointing you in a different direction.
Serving Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, Breaux Bridge, New Iberia, Opelousas, and surrounding Acadiana parishes.
