The Top Event Aesthetics of 2025: How Bars Can Make a Statement

No matter the occasion—a wedding, an impromptu backyard birthday, or a long-planned garden soirée—there’s usually one thing that’s constant: the bar.

The right bar can transform your event and elevate the entire guest experience. From flawlessly matching the surrounding fauna, walls, or guests’ clothing attire, to being either just big or small enough to fit the room, there’s a bar centerpiece that can match any aesthetic. And if the venue you’re renting doesn’t have a bar that perfectly matches your vibe, you can always rent one. The experts at Party Rental Ltd., a Boston-based event rental company, have seemingly endless options (plus, they even set it up and break it down for you). Here are a few ways to make sure your bar is suited to your space, your style, and your guests.

Arch Bar in Blush from Party Rental Ltd. Photo credit: Yoke Media

Whimsical Wonders

If you’re looking to adorn your bridal shower in bright colors or need a fairytale flair for your birthday, there’s always a playful touch to be added. Think: pink balloons floating around the space or pastel flowers in bud vases throughout the venue. And to complete the decor, a brightly-colored bar at the center of the room. All that’s left is the drink of choice.

Glow Illuminated Bar from Party Rental Ltd. Venue: The Newbury Boston. Planning and design: Sarue Event Design. Florals: Petal By Sabrina. Photo credit: Yoke Media

Glam Galas

Throwing a black tie wedding or a grand birthday bash in a ballroom with soaring ceilings? You need a bar that makes a statement. A circular bar gives guests 360-degree access and feels luxe without being over-the-top. One that glows? Even better.

It fits in perfectly at events hosted in venues such as The Newbury Boston. Complement the vibe with classic white florals (roses and orchids, please), gleaming flatware, and a royal-worthy catering menu. It’s old school glamour, reimagined for the modern crowd.

Chandler Arc Bar and Back Bar by Party Rental Ltd. Photo credit Yoke Media

Modern Organic Moments

Earthy textures meet sleek silhouettes in this effortlessly elevated aesthetic, where rattan, wood, and sculptural shapes take center stage. These elements look best in light, airy venues, particularly those with floor-to-ceilings windows or an indoor-outdoor flow.

Set your bar near natural light and frame it with tall plants or minimalist arrangements. With this layout, your guests will take in gorgeous outdoor views and have a perfectly picturesque spot to snap the photos you’ll see online later.

Metropolis Round Back Bar from Party Rental Ltd. Venue: SoWa Power Station. Caterer: The Catered Affair. Planning and design: Sarue Event Design. Florals: Winston Flowers. Photo credit: Yoke Media

Decidedly Different Displays

Make your signature drinks part of the decor with unique displays like an ombre bar (no lines required!). The above is just one example of a non-traditional route that can be used to welcome guests to the event. Just grab a drink and go—either to the dance floor, the buffet, or to your friends waving you over. Regardless of whether you’re hosting a cocktail party at your Back Bay brownstone or renting out the late-industrial style SoWa Power Station in the South End, that special, inspired drink station will have your event talked about for months after.

This approach works especially well for cocktail parties, gallery events, or home-hosted soirées where you want to keep guests circulating. Add an interactive guestbook or photo booth to keep the energy (and the memories) flowing.

Tudor Bar with Chandler Back Bars from Party Rental Ltd. Venue: Provence sur Mer in Newport. Styled by: Sunday Social Events Photo. Photo credit: Yoke Media

Coastal Comfort

There’s something inherently celebratory about a coastal event. Whether you’re heading to Newport, or booking a breezy venue on Cape Cod, the beachside aesthetic never goes out of style.

To bring the look together, opt for a white-paneled bar topped with hydrangeas or peach anemones, accented with natural wood or driftwood-style décor. Add coastal bites like lobster rolls and stuffed quahogs, string up twinkle lights, and you’ve got the kind of seaside soirée that doesn’t need sand to feel like summer.

Waverly Communal Table from Party Rental Ltd. Venue: Provence sur Mer. Planning and design: Sunday Social events. Florals: Petal By Sabrina. Photo credit: Yoke Media

Art Deco Dreams

Whether you’re channeling a vintage speakeasy or a modern twist on Jazz Age elegance, this look is all about drama, decadence, and flair. For that, a versatile bar is key to fit the mood.

Rent a vintage bar setup, add boutique florals and softly glowing candelabras, and cue the live jazz. Whether you’re going full Gatsby at a swanky spot in the city or just borrowing a little 1920s flair in another moody venue, this theme turns any venue into a timeless scene.

Have a vision for an upcoming event? Party Rental Ltd. will make that process a breeze. Beyond just bars to serve up drinks, the event rental service also offers tabletop decorations, chairs, candles and lighting, and more. With their expertise, your dream event will be brought to life.

Cheers to that.