Deborah Chan
One of the most hotly debated topics in wedding planning is whether to have an open bar or a cash bar. An open bar can be pricey, but it's a convenient option where guests can drink without paying. A cash bar, on the other hand, can help keep costs down for the couple, but it may be seen as inconvenient or inappropriate by guests who are already paying a lot to attend the wedding. The decision depends on various factors, including budget, guest expectations, and the desired atmosphere.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Open bar | Guests can drink without paying; the couple covers the full cost of the alcohol; the most expensive option; not in everyone's budget |
| Cash bar | Guests pay for their drinks; the couple may provide a limited selection of complimentary drinks; the least expensive option; can be viewed as tacky or inconvenient |
| Consumption bar | The couple pays a tab upfront and can add more money to keep the open bar going, switch to a cash bar, or close the bar when the tab runs out; can be cheaper or more expensive |
| BYOB package | Venues supply a bartending service but allow the couple to bring their own alcohol, which can be purchased wholesale; not many venues offer this package |
| Dry bar | No alcohol; guests only have access to non-alcoholic drinks; can be controversial |
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What You'll Learn
Open bars are expensive, cash bars are cheaper
Open bars at weddings can be extremely expensive, with costs varying depending on the number of guests, the type of drinks offered, and the duration of the service. For example, an open bar can cost anywhere from $15 to $60 per person, with an average of $25 to $40 per person for standard offerings such as beer, wine, and well drinks. If you have a large guest list, the bill for an open bar can easily run into the thousands of dollars.
One way to save money on an open bar is to limit the number of hours it is open. For example, you could have an open bar during cocktail hour and dinner, and then switch to a cash bar for the rest of the night. This can help reduce costs while still providing your guests with some complimentary drinks.
Another option to save money is to have a limited bar, which typically includes only beer and wine, rather than a full range of liquors. This can be a good compromise between an open and a cash bar, as it is less expensive for the couple while still providing guests with some free drinks.
Cash bars, on the other hand, are typically much cheaper for the couple hosting the wedding. With a cash bar, guests are expected to pay for their own drinks, which can free up a significant amount of the wedding budget for other expenses. While some people may consider it tacky or inconvenient, it is a common option, especially in certain regions.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind with cash bars. Firstly, it is important to let your guests know ahead of time so that they can bring cash if needed. Additionally, some venues may charge a setup fee for a cash bar, which can range from $500 to $1,000.
Ultimately, the decision between an open bar and a cash bar depends on your budget, guest expectations, and the atmosphere you want to create at your wedding. While open bars can be expensive, there are ways to save money and ensure your guests have a good experience. Similarly, while cash bars are cheaper, they may not be well-received by all guests, and there may be additional costs to consider.
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Guests' expectations vary by region
Guests' expectations regarding wedding bars vary depending on the region and the social circle. While open bars are standard in some regions, cash bars or drink tickets are more common in other parts of the world. For example, cash bars at weddings are reportedly more common in the northeast of the United States, whereas, in other regions, they are considered unthinkable.
In some cultures, it is customary for guests to bring their own alcohol to weddings, which can help reduce costs for both the couple and their guests. However, in other cultures, it may be considered rude or inappropriate to ask guests to pay for their drinks at a wedding.
Some guests may feel disappointed or awkward about paying for their drinks at a wedding, especially if it is a formal or upscale event. On the other hand, a cash bar can help keep costs down for the couple and prevent guests from overindulging.
To strike a balance between budget and guest experience, some couples opt for a limited bar, serving only beer and wine, or offering a few complimentary drinks, such as a "welcome drink" or "signature cocktail," with additional drinks available for purchase.
Ultimately, the choice of wedding bar depends on the couple's budget, guest expectations, and the desired atmosphere. It is advisable to gauge the preferences of your social circle and clearly communicate the beverage options to your guests in advance.
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Guests may overindulge at open bars
Firstly, setting clear expectations in advance can help prevent overindulgence. Couples can mention on their invitations if the bar will be limited or specify times when drinks will be available. For example, a hosted bar can be a good compromise, where drinks are paid for at the end of the night, with no limit on consumption. Alternatively, couples can opt for a consumption bar, where they pay based on what their guests consume, with the option to switch to a cash bar once the tab runs out.
Secondly, encouraging responsible drinking can help manage overindulgence. Couples can provide water stations and snacks throughout the venue and ensure non-alcoholic beverages are easily accessible, such as mocktails, artisanal soft drinks, and warm beverages like coffee or tea. Waitstaff can also be instructed to offer non-alcoholic options alongside alcoholic ones during toasts.
Thirdly, it is important to have a plan for handling intoxicated guests discreetly. Bartenders should be trained to recognise when someone has had too much and politely cut them off. The couple can also assign a designated person from the wedding party to keep an eye on things and assist any guests who need help getting home.
Lastly, the couple can consider their guest list and their drinking habits. If they have many guests prone to overindulgence, they may opt for a cash bar or limit the offerings to beer, wine, and a signature drink. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the couple's preferences, budget, and guest expectations.
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Cash bars are viewed as tacky or inconvenient
While opinions vary on whether cash bars are considered tacky, many people believe that it is rude to make guests pay for their drinks at a wedding. This is because guests may already be paying a lot to attend the wedding in terms of travel, accommodation, gifts, and attire. In addition, guests may not carry cash or a wallet to a wedding, assuming that their drinks will be covered by the hosts.
Some people also believe that cash bars are inconvenient because guests may have to leave the venue to find an ATM if they run out of cash, which can put a damper on the evening. In addition, guests may not be aware of the bar being cash-only until they arrive, which can be frustrating and inconvenient for those who don't usually carry cash.
To avoid any inconvenience, it is generally recommended to let guests know ahead of time if the bar will be cash-only. This way, they can come prepared and bring cash or a wallet if needed.
The perception of cash bars also seems to vary by region and social circle. For example, cash bars may be more common and acceptable in certain areas, such as the Northeast or the UK, while they may be considered unacceptable or rude in other regions.
Ultimately, the decision to have a cash bar or an open bar at a wedding depends on various factors, including budget, guest expectations, and regional norms. While some people may view cash bars as tacky or inconvenient, others may find them acceptable or even preferable. It is important for couples to consider their specific circumstances and make a decision that aligns with their values and priorities.
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Alternatives: dry bars, BYOB, limited bars, drink tickets
If you're unable to offer a full open bar at your wedding, there are several alternatives to consider. One option is to have a dry bar, which means no alcohol is served. This can be a good choice if you or your partner are sober or if you prefer a alcohol-free celebration. Another option is to allow guests to Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB). This can be a more affordable option, but it may not be allowed by your venue, and it might be seen as informal or inappropriate by some guests. It's important to know your crowd and consider the size and type of wedding you're hosting.
If you want to provide some drinks but not a full bar, you could opt for a limited bar. This might include beer and wine, and a signature cocktail or two. You can choose to offer a selection of beers or stick to one light and one dark beer. For wine, it's generally recommended to have at least one red and one white option, with Pinot Grigio and Cabernet being popular choices. If you want to include liquor, vodka is a good starting point. You can also provide unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, and mixers.
Drink tickets are another alternative to an open bar. Guests can exchange these tickets for drinks, and you can choose to provide a certain number of tickets per guest or sell additional tickets. This option gives guests the flexibility to choose their drinks while helping you control the cost. However, some guests may dislike this option, especially if they need to bring cash to purchase additional tickets.
When deciding on the bar setup for your wedding, it's important to consider your budget, the preferences of your guest list, and any restrictions or requirements of your venue. You can also combine options, such as having an open bar during cocktail hour, a cash bar during dinner, and then reopening the bar later in the evening. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and there are many ways to ensure your guests have a good time without an open bar.
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Frequently asked questions
An open bar means guests can drink whatever they want, without paying for their drinks. The couple covers the full cost of the alcohol. A cash bar means guests are expected to pay for their drinks.
Wedding guests won't have to carry cash or wallets to the wedding. It's also considered better hosting etiquette to provide drinks for your guests.
An open bar can be very expensive, especially for larger weddings. It may also result in guests overindulging.
A cash bar can significantly reduce costs for the couple, freeing up budget for other expenses.
Guests may view a cash bar as tacky or inconvenient, especially if it's a formal or upscale event. Guests may also be more likely to leave earlier if they have to pay for their drinks.
