Old Fashioned Weddings: Open Bar Etiquette Explained

An open bar at a wedding is a generous gesture by the couple to cover the cost of drinks for their guests. It is a popular choice, with 79% of couples offering an open bar at their wedding, according to The Knot 2021 Real Weddings Study. While it is a costly option, there are ways to mitigate expenses, such as limiting the selection of drinks or only offering an open bar for a set amount of time. An open bar typically includes a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with the option to add a signature cocktail for a personalised touch. When it comes to the question of whether they make Old Fashioneds at wedding open bars, the answer is yes, but it is not a typical choice for a signature cocktail.

Budgeting for an open bar

Know Your Options

Firstly, understand the different types of bars you can choose from. The most common option is an open bar, where guests can order any drink without limit, and the host picks up the tab. This option can be expensive, and some guests may overindulge. Another option is a limited bar, which typically includes only beer and wine, or a few selected spirits. This can be a more cost-effective option. You could also consider a cash bar, where guests pay for their own drinks, but this is generally considered impolite and may not provide a good guest experience.

Calculate the Cost

The cost of an open bar will depend on various factors, including the number of guests, the duration of the reception, and the type of drinks served. A good rule of thumb is to allocate between 8-20% of your total wedding budget for the bar, with an average cost of $15-$45 per person. Consider the drinks you want to serve and calculate the cost per drink to get an estimate. Don't forget to factor in additional costs such as rental glassware, ice, labour, gratuity, and insurance.

Ways to Save Money

There are several ways to save money on your wedding bar:

• Opt for a daytime wedding—people tend to drink less during the day.
• Only serve beer and wine, or create a signature cocktail and limit the selection of spirits.
• Shop around for a liquor store that will allow you to return any unopened bottles.
• Serve pricey liquor or cocktails only at the end of the night, perhaps as a nightcap.
• Provide one wine glass per guest instead of two, to reduce the likelihood of guests drinking more than intended.
• Host the bar for a limited time and switch to a cash bar later in the evening.
• Offer drink tickets for a certain number of drinks, after which guests can switch to a cash bar.

Plan for Efficiency

To ensure your bar runs smoothly and efficiently, consider the following:

• Hire an experienced bartender who can help you refine your shopping list and prevent guests from overindulging.
• Calculate the number of drinks you will need accurately by considering your guest count, the duration of the reception, and the average drinking habits of your guests.
• Choose two to three signature cocktails to personalise your wedding, but avoid offering too much variety, which can slow down bar service.
• Opt for good-quality, mid-priced spirits instead of top-shelf options.
• Work with your caterer to select wines that complement the food menu.
• If you plan to put a bottle of wine on each table, buy more bottles to account for this.
• You may not need to provide a glass of champagne for every guest during the toast—many guests will stick to their drink of choice.

Remember to include any cultural traditions or creative touches that are important to you, such as a whisky tasting or signature cocktails. By planning carefully and making thoughtful choices, you can offer your guests a wonderful bar experience without breaking the bank!

Pros and cons of an open bar

An open bar at a wedding is when the host pays for all their guests' drinks. This is often the most popular choice for couples, but it can be expensive. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to have an open bar at your wedding.

Pros:

• An open bar provides your guests with a pleasant hospitality experience. Your guests won't have to think about bringing cash or a card, and it saves time at the bar.
• It's a better experience for your guests and makes for more of a celebration. Your loved ones have likely already spent money on travel and gifts, so it's a polite gesture to host them for the evening.
• You can personalize an open bar with a unique theme, or serve only beer and wine, or signature cocktails.
• An open bar is a nice gesture to your guests, so they don't have to worry about bringing money to the event.

Cons:

• The main con of an open bar is the cost. It can be very expensive, especially if you're serving premium liquor or Champagne.
• There may be issues with overindulgence, so portion control and hiring an experienced bartender are important.
• If you're serving a lot of different types of alcohol, you may end up with a lot of half-empty bottles leftover.

Overall, an open bar can be a great way to enhance your guests' experience at your wedding, but it's important to consider the potential costs and issues with overindulgence.

Tipping etiquette at an open bar

Should You Tip at an Open Bar?

While it's not required to tip at an open bar, it is often appreciated by the bartending staff. Since a gratuity is typically included in the cost of food and beverage services, guests are not expected to tip. However, some may still choose to do so, especially if they receive excellent service. If you're a guest at a wedding with an open bar, you may want to ask the couple if they are handling gratuity or if they prefer guests to tip.

If you decide to tip at an open bar, the amount you give is up to your discretion. A tip of $10 or $20 per guest is generally considered generous and can ensure good service throughout the night. You can also tip a certain amount per drink, such as $1 or $2, depending on your budget and the number of drinks you plan to consume.

How to Tip at an Open Bar

There are a few ways to tip at an open bar. Some bartenders may have a tip jar at the bar, making it easy for guests to contribute. If there is no tip jar, you can hand the tip directly to the bartender, especially if you receive exceptional service or a custom drink. If you are the host of the wedding, you may also choose to include the tip in the bartender's fee, eliminating the need for guests to worry about tipping.

Other Ways to Show Gratitude

In addition to tipping, there are other ways to show your appreciation to the bartending staff. Saying "please" and "thank you" goes a long way in expressing your gratitude. Being patient, waiting in line, and refraining from complaining about the drink selection are also considerate behaviours that can make the bartenders' jobs easier.

Tips for Hosts

If you're hosting a wedding with an open bar, you may want to consider a few things regarding tipping. Firstly, decide whether you will handle gratuity yourself or if you prefer guests to tip. If you choose the latter, you can provide a tip jar or a sign indicating that tips are appreciated. Alternatively, you can include gratuity in the bartender's fee and eliminate any confusion for your guests. Communicate your decision to your bartending staff to ensure everyone is on the same page.

In summary, tipping at an open bar is not mandatory but can be a nice way to show appreciation for good service. As a guest, you can choose to tip based on your experience and budget. As a host, you may decide to handle gratuity yourself or leave it to your guests. Remember to be respectful, patient, and grateful, and the bartenders will surely appreciate your kindness.

How to prevent overindulgence at an open bar

Having an open bar at a wedding is a great way to enhance the celebration and delight your guests. However, it's important to take steps to prevent overindulgence and ensure your guests' comfort and safety. Here are some instructive and focused tips to prevent overindulgence at an open bar for a wedding:

Hire Experienced Bartenders:

The most effective way to prevent overindulgence is to hire experienced bartenders who can efficiently manage the crowd and ensure responsible alcohol service. They will know how to pace guests' drinking and slow them down if necessary.

Create a Drink Plan:

Communicate with the bartending staff beforehand to set restrictions and guidelines. This could include limiting the number of drinks per person, setting specific times for certain drinks (such as cocktails during the cocktail hour), and restricting shots or strong drinks like martinis.

Offer a Variety of Drink Options:

While classic cocktails and alcoholic beverages are essential, it's also important to provide a range of non-alcoholic options. This can include specialty mocktails, zero-proof beverages, and fun drinks like juices and sodas. This ensures that all guests feel included, and it can help prevent overindulgence in alcoholic drinks.

Encourage Designated Drivers or Ridesharing:

Promote the use of designated drivers or ridesharing services among your guests to ensure everyone gets home safely. This can be done through signage at the venue or by including this information on your wedding website or invitation suite.

Set a Drink Budget:

Before planning your open bar, determine a budget for the drinks. This will help you make informed decisions about the types and quantities of drinks offered, potentially limiting overindulgence by controlling the amount of alcohol available.

Pre-Batch Signature Cocktails:

If you're offering signature cocktails, consider pre-batching them to speed up service. Faster drink preparation can help prevent long lines at the bar, reducing the temptation for guests to order multiple drinks at once.

Offer Tokens for a Limited Number of Drinks:

Consider providing guests with tokens for a set number of free drinks. Once they've used their tokens, they can choose to pay for additional drinks. This approach reduces the cost of a full open bar while still providing guests with drinks of their choice.

Provide a Limited Bar:

Instead of a fully open bar, you can opt for a limited selection of drinks, including beer, wine, and a signature cocktail. This helps maintain control over costs while still offering guests a satisfying experience.

Transition to Beer and Wine:

After the cocktail hour, you can transition to only serving beer and wine during the reception. This can help reduce overindulgence and keep your budget in check.

Remember, the key to preventing overindulgence is creating a balanced and controlled drinking environment. By hiring experienced bartenders, setting clear guidelines, and offering a range of drink options, you can ensure your guests have a memorable and enjoyable time without going overboard.

Variations of an open bar

• Beer and Wine-Only: Offering beer and wine is a great way to cut costs while still providing guests with complimentary drinks. This option is becoming increasingly popular, and it allows you to avoid the cost of providing a full range of liquors. You can also add a cash bar option for guests who prefer liquor drinks.
• Signature Cocktails: Instead of a full liquor setup, you can offer signature cocktails during the cocktail hour and then switch to beer and wine after. This option is more affordable and allows you to personalize the drinks to match your wedding theme. It also gives you a chance to put your unique touch on the evening.
• Limited Selection: You can offer a limited selection of drinks, such as beer, wine, signature cocktails, and basic mixed drinks. This helps to reduce costs while still providing a variety of options for your guests.
• Specific Consumption Times: You can set specific times for certain drinks, such as during the cocktail hour, meal, toasts, and after-dinner drinks. This helps control the amount of alcohol served and can be a more cost-effective option.
• Non-Alcoholic Bar: If you, your families, and most of your guests don't drink alcohol, you can skip the alcoholic options altogether. You can serve mocktails, sparkling water, and soda instead. For toasts, you can offer sparkling cider for a festive alternative.
• Cash Bar: While it is not a popular option, you can also consider a cash bar where guests pay for their own drinks. This can be combined with complimentary drinks during specific times, such as a cocktail hour or toasts.

When deciding on the variations of an open bar, it is essential to consider your budget, the preferences of your guests, and the overall style of your wedding. An experienced bartender can also provide valuable advice and help you regulate drink consumption to ensure a enjoyable and safe celebration.

Frequently asked questions