Planning your bar service at your catered event or wedding doesn't have to be a painful experience.  The following terms will help you understand terminology and the different types of bar service and charges associated to each.

Common terms "By the bottle, or by the glass", without having to "buy the bottling company".  Choose wisely to find the best value for you and your 

By the bottle

The host pay for bottles opened, even if not poured from.  In other words, only open what will be used because you're paying per bottle.  This service is appropriate for a beer, wine and a champagne bar.

By consumption

"By consumption" has the bartender keeping track of orders per guest and charges by the drink. At the end of the event the host pay the bar bill. Typically the cost will be $5 to $10 per drink.

Flat-fee per person

A bar fee that doesn't depend on how much each guest drinks, but instead, is a set fee per person. This is suitable for heavy drinkers due to the fact that they would consume numerous drinks. Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $35 per guest.

Standard drink menu

Usually the lowest-priced option, this gives you one brand each of rum, scotch, vodka, bourbon, tequila and Canadian whisky. It also includes wine, domestic beer, soft drinks, juice, water and mixers.