Hi, lovelies! Yesterday, we talked about how fun a beer tasting couples shower would be as an alternative to a traditional bridal shower. And we’re back to share another favorite: a stock the bar engagement party, which also works great for a wedding shower for couples. Here are some fun ideas on how to plan a stock the bar party for your favorite engaged couple. What is a “stock the bar” party? What do you need to plan one? What kinds of gifts do you give to a couple that are fitting for a stock the bar party theme? Read on to find out all of that… and more! Enjoy!

A stock the bar wedding shower or engagement party is a festive soiree thrown in honor of a newly engaged couple. (If you prefer, you can throw a stock the bar couples shower in lieu of an engagement party.) This type of party theme is ideal for the couple who already owns many of the typical wedding registry essentials (like cookware, bedding, kitchen gadgets, etc.) The name is just as it sounds: you’re gathering people together to toast to the happy couple and bring gifts related to their home bar. This may include things like:

-bottles of champagne, beer, liquor, or wine
-glassware for their bar
-coasters
-napkins
-bar tools
-mixers + salts + rimming sugars
-and more!

This engagement party theme is also the most fun way to toast to the couple in excitement for the planning ahead! And who doesn’t love that?!

For starters, you’ll need an awesome invitation. Here are a few we love!

Invitations

These coaster wedding invitations are ideal for a stock the bar party! By HewittAvenue.

Here’s another design we also love: “let’s stock their bar”! By LuxuryBellaPaperie.

And another favorite: an invitation for a co-ed bridal shower for stocking the bar. I like the envelope design, too! By Carrie ONeal.

Here are the envelopes (you can get them addressed for free, one thing left to do on your party list, yay!)

This invite has a cute little poem on it to help guests know what to bring! A wedding registry like this is also a must-have for every couple (and it’s OK to put on the bridal shower invite!) By NolieSmiles.

These cups from RubiandLib will go great with it!

Decorations

After you send invitations, it’s time to start thinking about your decor. Here are a few examples.

This garland is by ConfettiMommaParty and looks great!

Everything you choose doesn’t have to say ‘Stock the Bar’ on it. You can play up the words a bit and opt for this garland that reads, “Drunk in Love”. Cute! By LuluDesignsNC.

Party cups are always nice to have! These are personalized stock the bar party cups by the lovely Rubi + Lib.

For another fun design, try these by Sip Hip Hooray:

For the actual party itself, you’ll want to decide if you plan to serve fun cocktails of all kinds OR focus on a wine tasting party or beer tasting party. This will help you to narrow down the drink choices and figure out the best decorations for your space.

Don’t forget plenty of coasters and drink napkins! I love these stock the bar napkins by Sip Hip Hooray as one example. The foil adds a little something extra. :)

These napkins are also adorable and they’re by Just Simply L. The option underneath it is by For Your Party, both great places to buy your engagement party or co-ed bridal shower napkins.

And these, by SequinsAndLipstick.

You can add fun, personalized stir sticks to the occasion, thanks to these by For Your Party. Get them here.

Streamers and party balloons are must-haves, especially these fun balloons by CheeseAndU. Buy here.

Toast

A stock the bar party always includes a toast to the happy couple. The host can provide one, or you can ask the Best Man or Maid of Honor to say a few words.

Signature Drink

You can offer the couple’s favorite drink(s) as a signature cocktail. Here’s a sign to make it happen! By Mangolia Papers and Co.

It is even more fun if you add extras, like garnishes and rimming salts or sugars. These are by Dell Cove Spices; don’t they look delish?

See more of these salts and sugars for your party here.

Food

For food, the casual fare is best at this type of party. Pizza, wings, appetizers… you get the idea! And don’t forget festive cookies and a cake for cutting after the food is served.

These beer cookies — complete with fizzy bubbles! — are by TheLittleBakerCo.

And these Modelo cookies are also a fun touch! By TheCookieExchange.

If your party is more geared towards wine-related bar-stocking, here are some cookies for it! By Nicolettsy.

Here’s a fun assortment of “Whiskey Bent” cookies for a stock the bar engagement party, co-ed shower, or bachelorette party! By Borosimplysweet.

Jack Daniels, anyone? Another fun stock the bar engagement party dessert by BentleyBakeryCookies.

And a few more, both by SugarSugarSweetShop:

Games

Play some fun drinking games! This stylish one is called Drinkopoly and it makes a nice gift for the couple to keep after the party. By Refinery and Co.

Here’s another option and this looks like a fun one: Drink-o-rama! Check it out here.

Favors

Last but not least, don’t forget party favors! Here are some of our favorites.

How about some custom drink koozies? We spotted these at Sip Hip Hooray. Available in MANY colors and styles (see them all here).

You can edit this design from “housewarming” (as shown below) for a stock the bar engagement party or bridal shower. It says, “I helped UNstock the bar”. Haha! Also from SipHipHooray.

Shot glasses are another great favor to give your guests. These are perfect and I love the design!

This “Cheers” bottle opener is a fitting take-home favor for guests. By Beaucoup.

Or this corkscrew, which also says “Cheers” on it! By Beau-coup.

This next one is a wood coaster (personalized!) with a built-in bottle opener. Great idea! Buy it here.

A popular favor for a stock the bar engagement party? A heart wine bottle stopper, like this one! Buy here.

I also like this bar tools keychain, from here.

And last but not least, check out these engraved wine glasses from Scissor Mill.

Or these stemless wine glass favors by Beau-coup.

Gifts for a Stock the Bar Party

What kinds of gifts should you give the couple for a “Stock the Bar” engagement party or bridal shower? Here are a few suggestions for this type of theme.

Ice Bucket

Andrew and I registered for a similar ice bucket for our wedding and we LOVE it! I use it every time we have a party and it is such a great accessory to have. The ice bucket here is a great one. I like the addition of garnishes — mine doesn’t have it! Cool idea. Buy it here.

Bartender Tool Set

A set of bar tools is an excellent gift for a stock the bar wedding shower. This one by Stock Harbor includes a cocktail shaker, double jigger, corkscrew, strainer, muddler, bottle opener, bar spoon, and ice tongs. Great reviews on this one! Buy here.

Beer Caddy

This cool, rustic beer caddy is a great gift for the couple. You can add your own six-pack of beers they’ll enjoy. By RefineryandCo.

Whiskey Barrel Decanter Set

This cool whiskey barrel decanter set has a SHIP inside… and two matching drinking glasses! By The Wine Sevant.

Whiskey Barrel, Personalized

This wood whiskey barrel can actually age your beverage inside! It is personalized with the couple’s names. By Sofia’s Findings.

Engraved Whiskey Growler

You can get a fun whiskey growler engraved for the couple from here.

Wine Opener Set with Custom Box

This beautiful gift set is perfect for wine-lovers! The wine tools are packed inside this beautiful personalized box with the couple’s names on it. By AmericanStationery.

Engraved Whiskey Decanter Set

This is the most beautiful decanter I’ve ever seen! It is personalized with engraving on the front, back, glasses, bottle — everything! By MagicWoodShop.

Stainless Steel Drink Bucket

This will come in handy for any party they throw at home! It’s a beautiful design by ChilledDesigns.

And there you have it… tons of inspiration for your Stock the Bar Wedding Shower or Engagement Party! What do you think of this party theme? Are you planning one, or hoping someone plans one for you? I love this idea for housewarmings, too! It’s a fun way to stock your bar and have a memorable party with your family and friends.

Share your thoughts in the comment box below!

Have fun!

xo
-E.

Updated 2019 to reflect new finds!