Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Super October 2012

Cash bar vs. Open Bar

Flag
Hide content

Jean, on January 8, 2012 at 8:08 PM

A recent topic had me thinking... If you are on a strict budget for a wedding, is it okay to do one hour of an open bar then a cash bar the rest of the night?? One hour of open adds $24.00 a person (where $46.00 is the starting cost per person for food); if we did another three hours we would be...

A recent topic had me thinking...

If you are on a strict budget for a wedding, is it okay to do one hour of an open bar then a cash bar the rest of the night?? One hour of open adds $24.00 a person (where $46.00 is the starting cost per person for food); if we did another three hours we would be looking at 54.00 per person just for alcohol alone. Beer and Wine is almost as expensive, and a signature drink is not cheap either.

Most of our guests are drinkers and like to have a good time, and I just feel bad that we can only provide one hour of open bar during the cocktail hour.

Alas, I am just a bride who has champagne taste on a beer budget

Thoughts everyone??

Show all

27 Comments

VIP September 2011
Clare316 · on January 12, 2012 at 3:08 PM
Flag

Hide content
Could you do just a wine and beer open bar? I know you said it's not that much different in price, but if you multiply that by the # of guests it may add up in savings. You do have plenty of time to save up until October...
- Reply
Champion October 2009
2d Bride · on January 12, 2012 at 3:09 PM
Flag

Hide content
Hearing these stories, I am even more grateful that we got an open bar for 60 people for five hours for only $250.
- Reply
Super October 2012
Future Mrs. P · on January 12, 2012 at 3:10 PM
Flag

Hide content
My original venue was a hotel no outside food or drink. We had the option of doing a cash bar but would have to pay for the cashier by the hour. A consumption bar where we would put a set anount at the bar and when the tab was up it was up. I think if your crowd are big drinkers and your budget is limited then one hour is better than nothing right.
- Reply
VIP December 2012
Anonymous · on January 12, 2012 at 3:18 PM
Flag

Hide content
FH wants cash bar (Argh!) and I want Open bar. As a compromise we are either doing:
- 1 hour of open bar and the rest cash, OR
- cash bar all night with free beer & wine
I think either one is fine. Not everyone can afford to do open bar all night, and at least you would be offering them SOMETHING for free, whether it be unlimited beer & wine OR open bar for an hour.
- Reply
Master April 2012
krisalicious · on January 12, 2012 at 3:20 PM
Flag

Hide content
@2d seriously! We've gone through more than $250 worth of liquor at a house party with way less people than that. I think you burgled your venue.
- Reply

Super October 2012
Jean · on January 12, 2012 at 3:36 PM
Flag

Hide content
@Kris S.; thank you I hate being sick...it's amazing how offended people can get over alchohol..

@Devin R; good point!!

Thank you everyone for your input and advice...I am going to check with my coordinator to see if we can do either wine service with dinner or just buy several bottles with dinner instead...

Like some of you have mentoned; something is better than nothing
- Reply