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Amanda
Dedicated June 2019

Cash Bar or Open Bar?

Amanda, on June 3, 2019 at 7:35 AM

Posted in Wedding Reception 57

FH and I are still deciding. He wants open only for cocktail hour. I want at least wine and beer until 8 or 9 pm. Thoughts?
FH and I are still deciding. He wants open only for cocktail hour. I want at least wine and beer until 8 or 9 pm. Thoughts?

57 Comments

  • Vicky
    VIP January 2020
    Vicky ·
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    Replace "get trashed" with "enjoy alcoholic beverages."

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  • Rachel
    Expert September 2019
    Rachel ·
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    😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
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  • Laura
    Master October 2019
    Laura ·
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    I agree with you 100%

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  • Vanessa
    Expert September 2019
    Vanessa ·
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    We are doing beer and wine only. Still unsure if we will do cash bar to those who want liquor... we have been to about 6 weddings together and the ones with open bar can get CRAZY in a good and bad way lol. We may play it safe.
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  • Ashley
    Super October 2020
    Ashley ·
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    Our venue only gave us the option of full bar or beer/wine, but there was literally a few dollars difference and our family/friends are drinkers so we went open bar with top shelf and a champagne toast.

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  • A
    Just Said Yes October 2019
    Amber ·
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    Went to a wedding once that was cash bar and nobody was told ahead of time. Thankfully the bride was one of my best friends, and I had the foresight to ask. They opted for all cash for the entire event (beer, wine and liquor). BUT they had an open bar for the wedding party and immediate family. I thought it was horribly tacky, and to this day cannot believe that was the case. Especially since all of the guests had to travel at least 3 hours to get there, pay for hotel rooms at the standard rate and were obviously expected to bring gifts. I’m getting married in April 2020 and will 100% be having an open bar.
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  • Sydney
    Savvy January 2020
    Sydney ·
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    We opted for a package with a hosted cocktail first hour, then cash bar the remainder of the night-- additionally they also get a glass of wine with dinner and champagne for the toast.
    If we did open bar, it would be AT LEAST another 7-10k (party people in family and friends) on top of already paying $17,000 for the package... I'm actually kind of sad and frustrated that we can't have the open bar but we can't afford it.
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  • Sharia
    Just Said Yes July 2019
    Sharia ·
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    My FH and I plan to have an open wine & beer bar for the night. After thinking about it, we may switch to a full open bar for as many hours as we can afford. My FH feels that most of our guests won’t drink the wine & beer and will buy drinks instead. Then that will be wasted money for us.
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  • Melissa
    Savvy October 2021
    Melissa ·
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    Open wine and beer for the entire afternoon/evening! Guests having to pay for anything is super tacky and very poor etiquette. I went to a cash bar wedding last year and it was way cringe-y. I ordered ONE $9 glass of crappy wine and was done after that and then the bride was going around begging people to dance because everyone, like me, was stone cold sober. Who wants to empty their pockets for crappy drinks? Not me and not the 60 or so other people either.
    You most definitely don't have to do an open FULL bar, that's crazy expensive. But absolutely wine and beer. Your guests will appreciate it and you will end up having a better time cause your guests are having a good time Smiley smile

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  • Kimpossible
    Dedicated January 2022
    Kimpossible ·
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    I say open no one really will have their wallet
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  • C
    May 2021
    Catherine ·
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    So... she likes cocktails, he likes beer, he gets to drink for free, she pays. Not really very fair.

    I have been to many weddings with cash bars (by the way, it's just called that, they take cards) and never thought anything bad about the wonderful couple that invited me to share their beautiful day. They gave me food, they gave me cake, they got me dancing, they showed me love. I would be sad if they went without something so I could have drink or two.

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  • C
    May 2021
    Catherine ·
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    Rachel, I think you might be right about it being an internet thing.

    I have been to weddings in 5 different states over (many) years and plenty were cash bars.

    I've also been to open bar weddings and I wouldn't say they were better. more fun or wealthier.

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  • D
    Super July 2020
    D ·
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    Longer time for beer and wine. People will definitely crowd the bar knowing cocktail hour is the only time they can have a free drink.
    I don't drink beer or wine but always support not having to have guests pay for alcohol even if it's only beer and wine.

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  • Cathy
    Dedicated September 2022
    Cathy ·
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    I think your guests will appreciate what you are providing! Don’t overthink it!
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  • S
    Just Said Yes September 2019
    Sara ·
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    My FH wants a cash bar the whole night as we both harshly ever drink. I am hoping he changes his mind, quickly!
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  • Lenaya
    Dedicated January 2020
    Lenaya ·
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    I love this idea!!

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  • Lynne
    Super August 2022
    Lynne ·
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    My cousin had an open bar at hers. We aren't serving alcohol mostly because we don't drink.
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