So you’re at that part in your wedding planning when you have to make an important decision. Should you go with an open bar or a cash bar? It’s the age-old question and the answer can be tricky.
A cash bar is one where you offer lots of different alcohol choices and the guests have to pay cash for each drink they order. An open bar is one where you supply all the liquor and soft drinks and foot the entire bill at the end (or beginning) of the wedding.
So which is right for you? There are some people who say they’d rather die than have a cash bar. They consider it tacky and rude. Their theory is that if they’ve asked guests to travel and dress for their special day that they should never be expected to pay for their drinks once they arrive. There’s some logic to this.
The folks who say the cash bar is the way to go figure they are providing a meal and dancing and such. The cocktails will have to be out-of-pocket expenses for anyone who’s drinking. Their budgets are tight and they find not paying for all the alcohol is the way to cut costs.
So who is right? Neither and both. No one has a right to dictate to you how to spend your wedding budget. The cash bar came about due to strapped couples who just couldn’t afford to serve alcohol to 300 or more guests. Even if you only have 100 invitees, your money still may be tight and the cash bar is the only place you can think to cut.
You have a few options to consider. If you really want an open bar, but think you can’t afford it, you can limit the number of drinks available. Make a diet and a regular soda available and a few types of beer. You can stop there, or you can offer wines too. If you really want mixed drinks, offer just two or three. You might post a small menu card at the bar to let people know it’s an open bar and that these are the selections available to them. Also, if you choose to go with barware favors, you might be setting the scene for lots of drinks.
Another option is to go and get all the drinks at a warehouse club or discount store. Providing all the sodas and juices yourself can cut down significantly on what the restaurant would charge you to serve the same items, but check with the staff as every restaurant sets their own policy on what you can bring in yourself and what you must allow them to supply. You’ll of course still have to purchase the vodka and beer on your own if they allow you. If you go this route, designate someone to make sure it all makes it over to the reception. You and your bridal party should never be seen lugging alcohol the day of the wedding.
Still another option before you is the unlimited open bar with cuts elsewhere. If it’s important to your parents, your groom’s parents and you as a couple to have an open bar where everyone can order anything they want, then go ahead and do it. Find other ways to cut costs such as on appetizers and flowers. Offer just a few appetizer choices and make the flower arrangements yourself. This should be enough to offset the cost of an open bar.
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