Cash bar after 3 hours of open bar...

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Felicia - it might have been because they opted for a capped bar where people can drink for free up to a preset dollar limit. The couple may have thought the cap was high enough to cover the whole night, but it wasn't. We had that option - set a cap after which time it turned into a cash bar.

I don't find cash bars offensive at all. I actually prefer them as I don't drink wine and am allergic to beer. As their guest, I certainly wouldn't want my friends to go in debt/feel bad because I choose not to drink the beverages they provide (now if they weren't providing any beverage - water, soda, coffee then I might do an eye roll) It is thoughtfull to let your guests know ahead of time so they can plan to bring cash.

We are hosting open bar for the full event but only because as a DW we have only 35 guests of drinking age. Didn't want to try to guess amounts people would drink to set a cap, and the cost per guest/hour for open bar came out to one-two drinks per hour

Andrea,

Mindy is probably correct, they may have had a capped bar limit where they told the venue how much they were willing to spend. Once it goes over that limit, the guests have to pay for their own drinks.

I believe someone may have mentioned a signature drink above, which might be a nice alternative to a completely open bar. Have them go light on the alcohol and make it available with beer and wine. Typically costs can be kept under control if you discuss things with the venue.

We are hosting the bar for the cocktail hour and 3 of the 4 hour reception. Some people do not hase hosted bars at all so whatever you can offer they should be appreciative and able to have a great time.

We are offering the two sig drinks that we will pay for and the rest of alcohol will be an option to our guests as a cash bar. We simply can't afford to pay for everyone to drink like a fish lol however, the option is available to them.