Open Bar Etiquette: Wedding Edition

An open bar at a wedding means the couple pays for all alcoholic drinks, so guests don't need to worry about bringing cash or cards. It's a way to enhance the guest experience, creating a relaxed atmosphere and speeding up the bar line. A typical open bar includes a selection of beers and wines, as well as spirits like vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, scotch, bourbon, and tequila, along with mixers like juice and soda. While it's a generous gesture, it can be costly, and there's a risk of guests overindulging. Couples can opt for a limited open bar with a signature cocktail or beer and wine only to keep costs down.

Open bar vs cash bar

When it comes to weddings, one of the biggest expenses for the couple to consider is the alcohol and how to provide it to their guests. While it is costly to host a wedding, it is also expensive for guests, who may be spending money on gifts, clothes, travel, and more.

An open bar is typically expected at weddings, with 79% of couples opting for this option. It is seen as a classy way to treat your guests and is often viewed as the norm at celebrations. With an open bar, the drinks are prepaid by the couple, either by consumption (calculated at the end of the night) or by package (an upfront amount based on the number of guests). This means guests can enjoy drinks freely without having to worry about their budget. It also removes the need for transactions at the bar, reducing lines and wait times. However, the biggest con of an open bar is the cost, which can be very high depending on the quality of drinks served. There is also the risk that guests may overindulge, leading to excessive drunkenness.

A cash bar, on the other hand, is where guests pay for their own drinks. This option can save the couple a significant amount of money, especially if they have a limited budget. It also reduces the risk of guests overindulging since they are paying for their drinks. However, a cash bar may be considered tacky or lacking taste, and it can be inconvenient for guests, especially if they have to bring cash.

As a middle ground, couples can opt for a limited bar, where only certain types of drinks are served, such as beer and wine, or signature cocktails. This option can help keep costs down while still providing guests with free drinks.

Ultimately, the decision between an open bar and a cash bar depends on various factors, including budget, the number of guests, and the type of crowd. It is important to consider the pros and cons of each option and choose what is best for the couple and their guests.

What drinks to serve

When it comes to an open bar at a wedding, the drinks served will depend on the couple's preferences and their guests' tastes. Here are some ideas and suggestions for drinks to serve at an open bar wedding:

Standard Alcoholic Drinks

While an open bar can include any drinks the couple chooses, some liquors are considered standard. These typically include vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, and tequila. Couples may also choose to include additional liquors such as brandy, amaretto, or scotch. It is essential to consider the guests' preferences and offer a variety of options.

Wine and Beer

Wine and beer are popular choices at weddings, and many guests appreciate having these options available. Offering a selection of red and white wines is standard, and couples can also choose to include rosé or sparkling wine. For beer, it is common to offer a few different options, such as a lager and a pilsner.

Signature Cocktails

Signature cocktails are a great way to personalise the wedding bar and offer guests something unique. Couples usually offer two to three signature cocktails, and these can be served during the cocktail hour or throughout the entire reception. Some popular signature cocktail ideas include Moscow Mules (vodka, ginger beer, and lime), Margaritas, and Cosmopolitans.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

It is essential to provide non-alcoholic options for guests who do not drink alcohol or prefer to take a break from drinking. Some ideas for non-alcoholic drinks include mocktails, sparkling water, soda, and juice. Couples can also offer coffee and tea as an alternative.

Calculating Drink Quantities

To ensure there is enough alcohol for the wedding, it is crucial to calculate the quantities needed based on the guest count and the duration of the reception. Online wedding drink calculators can assist in determining how much alcohol to purchase. It is generally recommended to assume that each guest will consume one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening.

Working with a Bartender

Hiring a professional bartender can be beneficial, as they can help refine the drink selections and ensure that the bar is well-stocked throughout the reception. Bartenders can also assist in creating signature cocktails and ensuring that guests do not overindulge.

Cost

The cost of an open bar at a wedding will depend on a number of factors, including the number of guests, the type of alcohol being served, and the provider of the alcohol.

The average cost of an open bar at a wedding is around $2,500, with taxes and fees bringing the total to over $3,000. This estimate is based on a survey conducted in 2018, so it's possible that the current average is higher.

The number of guests is a significant factor in determining the cost of an open bar. The more people there are drinking, the higher the total bar cost will be. The average number of wedding guests is 126, which would result in a bar cost of around $2,500. A larger wedding of 250 guests could cost around $5,000, while a smaller wedding of 80 guests could cost around $1,600.

The type of alcohol being served also affects the cost. A limited open bar, offering only beer and wine, typically costs between $15 and $20 per person. A full open bar with limited beer and wine options can range from $20 to $35 per person, while a premium open bar can cost $35 to $45 per person.

Another factor to consider is who will be providing the alcohol. If the couple purchases the alcohol themselves, they can save money by buying in bulk from a warehouse. However, they need to ensure that this is allowed by the venue and that they are not violating any contract agreements. If the alcohol is provided by a professional bar service, caterer, or the venue, the cost is usually a fee per person.

In addition to the cost of alcohol, other expenses to consider include rental glassware, ice, labour, gratuity, and insurance. These costs can add up quickly, especially if a bartender is hired to serve the drinks. Bartender prices vary depending on experience and location, but an average rate is $40 per hour.

To save money, some couples may choose to offer a limited bar, where only certain types of drinks are served, such as beer and wine, or beer, wine, and a signature cocktail. This option can help reduce costs while still providing guests with complimentary drinks.

Overall, the cost of an open bar at a wedding can vary significantly depending on the specific choices and circumstances. It is important for couples to carefully consider their budget and make decisions that fit within their financial constraints.

Pros and cons

Pros of an open bar at a wedding:

An open bar at a wedding means that the couple foots the bill for all the night's drinks, so guests won't have to pay for their drinks. Here are some pros of having an open bar at a wedding:

• Your guests will love it: Alcohol is often considered the lifeblood of a party, and your guests are likely to indulge more freely without having to worry about the cost.
• You can turn your wedding into a party: An open bar can encourage a wilder atmosphere, reminiscent of university parties.
• No calculations: With an open bar, you won't have to worry about budgeting for drinks or calculating how much alcohol to buy.
• A better experience for guests: Your guests won't have to worry about bringing money or closing out a tab at the end of the night.

Cons of an open bar at a wedding:

• Overindulgence: With free-flowing alcohol, there is a risk that guests may drink too much, which could put a damper on your big day.
• Cost: An open bar can be expensive, especially if you're serving premium drinks or liquor.
• Waste: If you offer a full bar with many options, you may end up with partially consumed bottles of various liquors.

How to prevent overindulgence

An open bar at a wedding is when the host pays for all their guests' drinks. While it's a great way to get the party started, it's important to consider how to prevent overindulgence. Here are some tips to ensure your guests enjoy themselves without going overboard:

Hire an Experienced Bartender

The best way to prevent overindulgence is to hire an experienced bartender who knows how to regulate drinks. They can keep an eye on how much each guest is drinking and slow down service if needed. Be sure to create a plan with the bar staff beforehand, setting restrictions such as no shots and limiting the number of drinks per person.

Offer a Variety of Drink Options

In addition to alcoholic beverages, be sure to provide a variety of non-alcoholic options. This can include specialty mocktails, zero-proof beverages, and soft drinks. By offering a range of choices, you can help ensure that guests have alternatives if they want to take a break from alcohol or don't drink at all.

Combine with Other Bar Options

You can combine an open bar with other options, such as a cash bar or a limited bar. For example, you could have an open bar for the first few hours and then switch to a cash bar later in the evening. This can help limit consumption and give guests the option to stop drinking after the open bar closes.

Provide Food and Snacks

Serving food alongside drinks can help slow down alcohol consumption and give guests something else to enjoy. Consider providing a variety of appetizers, snacks, or even a full meal, depending on the timing of your wedding. This can help ensure that guests don't drink on an empty stomach and can pace themselves throughout the event.

Encourage Other Activities

In addition to drinking, provide a range of other activities for guests to enjoy. This can include dancing, games, or even a photo booth. By offering a variety of entertainment options, you can help ensure that guests have other ways to enjoy themselves besides just drinking.

Inform Guests in Advance

Finally, it's a good idea to inform your guests about the bar situation in advance. This can be done through your wedding website or invitation suite. Letting guests know what to expect can help them plan and make informed decisions about their drinking.

Frequently asked questions