Photography: Caroline Jurgensen

There’s no denying it–planning an event can be stressful! Everything from finding the perfect photographer to creating a guest list starts with you. You spend so much time and effort considering every detail and putting together the perfect vendor team. But at the end of the evening, once you’ve transported your guests from ordinary life to an extraordinary event, you realize that all the planning was worth it. 

At Perch, we’ve encountered legendary birthdays, glittering Bat Mitzvahs, and fairytale weddings. Over the years, we’ve found that the occasions that stand out most in our minds share a common thread–unique details and matchless aesthetics. One such detail is the bar–a furnishing item that’s not to be underestimated. These versatile furnishings might seem like an afterthought or a practical necessity, but we know from experience that they can be the pivotal piece that pulls everything together. But what’s the secret to making the most of your bar’s design potential? Let’s find out!

1. Determine Your Style

Photography (from top left): Stephanie Brazzle, Rachel Elaine Photography, Ryan Ray, Sarah Kate Photo

Begin by evaluating your event vision and identifying the aesthetic you’d like to achieve. What design features have you already selected? What is the overall feel of your venue? What are your vibes–polished and classy, or laid-back and intimate? Once you’ve determined your style, it’s time to take a look at the many bar options available. If you’re not sure where to start, then we have some good news–our collection of bar rentals is suited for a variety of aesthetics! Whether you’re searching for a tried-and-true classic, like our Round Hampton Bar, or for something entirely unique and modern, like our Riviera Bar Façade, we’ve got a bar just for you

Planning an elegant affair? Consider neutral colors and luxe mirrored finishes, like our Amelia, Nantucket, or El Dorado Bar. Or perhaps you’re drawn to a more polished, minimal look? Our Newport and Shiplap Bar provide a clean appearance–the perfect canvas for colorful accents and florals!  For those of you as obsessed with the “Austin look” as we are, consider adding the rustic Beeville or Durango Bar to your rental wishlist. Looking for a playful pop of color instead? We have some incredible full-color bars–like our brand new Jackson and Hamilton Bar. And for anyone planning a garden party wedding or event, our Lattice Bar is truly the perfect choice!

In the end, determine what you want the bar to do for you. Do you want to blend into a stunning venue or showcase a focal piece? Do you want your bar to serve as a blank canvas for the rest of your decor or reinforce your color palette and monogram? We welcome you to peruse our collection and explore our portfolio to gather more inspiration. You can also reach out to our design team anytime. We’d love to help you discover the ideal bar for your event style!

2. Add a Personal Touch

Photography (from top left): Catie Ann Photography, Menary Weddings, Cory Ryan Photography, Michelle Rice Photography

The next step is all about tailoring your bar to match your event or desired aesthetic. Although not all of our bars are customizable, many of our bars are–giving you the perfect opportunity to add a personal touch to your rental decor! One of the most-requested customization options are custom inserts. From mirrors, to wallpaper, to custom monograms, we work with you hand-in-hand to choose custom inserts that are tailored to you and your event needs. Our Convertible Hampton and Round Hampton Bars are the perfect canvas for any pattern, texture, or color. Feeling festive? Set the mood with brightly colored wallpaper or bold glittering decals! Want to feature more of your event’s color palette? Add a custom color insert to our Riviera Bar. And if you’re looking to make a statement with something whimsical and elegant, consider choosing our Savannah Bar Facade, which can be filled to the brim with colorful florals. For a truly “out-of-the-box” idea, you could even hang a personalized sign on our Boxwood Bar Facade! Whatever your customization needs may be, know that our team is here to help you explore every possible option.

3. Sprinkle in the Details 

Photography (from top left): Benfield Photography, Ryan Ray, Jenna Routh Photography

Time for the finishing touches! Complete your look by incorporating a few other complementary pieces and accessories. Try layering your bar on top of a Perch rug or topping it with one of our Perch lamps–perfect for a bit of mood lighting! To complete the vignette, we recommend backing your bar with our Gold Shelves to display everything from candles to champagne glasses. Your bar is the perfect place to showcase stunning floral arrangements and custom signage featuring specialty cocktails. If you’re planning a child’s birthday, you can even use your bar to show off the birthday cake, party favors, and presents. The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

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At Perch, we understand that key pieces–like a well-placed bar–can differentiate a special occasion from a spectacular one. We’re always excited to help our clients unearth the perfect furnishings for their events, and there’s nothing we enjoy more than tailoring our pieces to your story. Are you ready to build a beautiful bar? Let’s get started