Open Bar Vs. Cash Bar

Having and open bar vs. a cash bar at your wedding should never be something you have to consider. An open bar is where the alcohol is provided for your guests free of charge. A cash bar is where your guests have to pay for their own drinks. Any etiquette guide states that an open bar vs. a cash bar is the wrong way to decide to cut costs. If there is one thing guests despise it is the cash bar.

When you come to your senses and realize open bar vs. cash bar is a moot point then you have to figure out how to arrange for an open bar. If you are working with a full service reception facility then you can simply ask them for an open bar. You may have a choice on how much this will run per guest depending on the level of liquor quality, the amount of liquor you choose and the time allotment for the open bar. You could decide to have top shelf liquor served during cocktail hour, but then only wine and beer the rest of the evening. If you are supplying the alcohol yourself you will want to go to your local wine retailer and ask them about bulk ordering. You may receive a special discount for large orders and you may also be able to return any unopened bottles.

Etiquette does not require you to state on the invitation that you will be having an open bar. This is another reason to go with an open bar vs. cash bar. There will be no discussion involved. In a wedding there are so many topics to consider and debate and everyone has an opinion. If you can alleviate some stress from your life then you should do so. Do not let open bar vs. cash bar weird you out.

The last things you will have to consider are the quantities of liquor and wine for an open bar. This is especially true if you are providing the alcohol yourself but will apply to a full service reception hall. You will want to talk to your hall and see if there is a per cork fee. That is you may set up to have x number of bottles of Shiraz but if you only use half then a per corking fee will net you a refund on un-open bottles.

Open bar vs. cash bar should be a very quick topic to discuss. Cash bar, don’t do it. People come to weddings for drinks and dancing. If they wanted to pay for alcohol they would just have gone to a club.