In the world of creative entertaining, the word “bar” has taken on a vast number of new meanings. It’s no longer relegated to alcoholic beverages - as Bloody Mary, Mimosa and ice shooter bars have been experienced by most event-goers, by now. To complement events of every size and for every budget or purpose, planners are now expanding the interaction and intent of bars to become stations where people want to linger, learn and become more involved with the event.
At SWAY, we’ve devised and constructed a number of interactive bars that have nothing to do with alcohol, whatsoever. They range from a “Wish” bar at a bachelorette party to a “Ketchup Art” bar at a popular hamburger chain location.
Here are some other ideas you may want to consider for your next event…or that will create the initiative for you to concoct your own bar installation:
Candy Bar
These are simple, inexpensive and colorful. Not only that but, with the myriad of candy brands and colors in the world, it’s an effective way to create cohesiveness with your brand in an aesthetically pleasing – and very tasty – way. Having a James Bond Goldfinger party? There a dozens of candy brands with gold wrapping or print and some that have ‘gold’ in their name. We only recommend that you think outside the box, though, and don’t just rely on colored M&M’s. Your guests will appreciate the time and thought that went into a more creative approach to their favorite sugar confections.
Floral Bar
Like candy, flowers now come in every color imaginable and it’s fun to have your guests interact by creating their own centerpieces, boutonnieres, headbands, corsages and take-home arrangements. It give them the chance to be creative and to meet another party-going they may not have met otherwise. Not only that, it also ads to your event’s décor and ambiance.
T-Shirt Bar
Tees have gone beyond bedazzling. Now, you can offer your guests the opportunity to fashion something of their own, incorporating your party’s theme, with indelible markers, puff paints, rhinestones, tie-die tubs, transfers and even portable screen-printing machines. We’ve seen it all and we can help you find the medium that fits your event’s needs…perhaps one you’ve never thought of, before.
Shoe Bar
Decorative bars aren’t limited to wearables, but it does help to have guests create and participate in something they will want to keep – and show others – for a long time to come. In the same way one customizes a shirt, tennis shoes, flip-flops, ballet slippers, work boots and other footwear can be used as a medium. And don’t think they have to be worn, post-adornment. Instead, they can be used as planters, book ends, drink holders, wall hangings or as autographed pieces of art auctioned off to raise funds for charity. You can do the same by having a bar that allows guests to make their own plates, books, cups, decorative eggs, vases, candle holders…the world is the limit.
The bottom line is: Don’t limit your bar to liquor and don’t limit your décor to static decorations. Use a creativity bar to establish an element of adornment that truly brings people into your event and reminds them why they are there. Or, call on SWAY’s creative team to help you actualize a bar that fits your theme, space and budget. Let’s cheer to more than cocktails!
SWAY Events