Cash Bar vs. Open Bar

How much $ can you afford to put towards the bar without putting yourself into a stressful financial situation? Are there other things that you can cut in order to provide more? Put the amount you can afford into the bar tab, and then have it turn to a cash bar once that amount runs out. My perspective is you really need to do everything you can to provide drinks for your guests. But at the same time it isn’t worth going into debt or financial strain over. Best to find a middle ground.

This is a loaded question on here because you will get lots of opinions on this one. Personally we cut in other places so we could offer an open bar to our guests, but that was important to us. You could do just beer and wine and put a limit on it. I struggle with inviting someone to such a large event and expecting them to pay for drinks and they are bringing a gift. Again, this is just my opinion and I know people have different budgets. Be prepared for lots of feedback on this question.

Good luck!

Cash Bar is not ideal.

Think of it this way, if you are hosting a birthday party and inviting 15 people over, you would provide drinks whether or not you're big drinkers. If you are totally sober, that might be a different story.

But if you plan to imbibe, you should absolutely provide enough for everyone. You are hosting them. Asking them to pay is considered rude to most. It's also inconvenient to ask guests to bring cash in to a ceremony/ reception.

There are simple ways to save.

Offer wine and beer only.

Offer beer and a signature cocktail only.

You do not have to do an expensive open bar. But offering enough for everyone is gracious and appropriate.

Are cash bars the norm in your area? If not I would cut from other places to be able to afford an open bar. In my opinion food and alcohol are the most important part of a wedding and should be budgeted accordingly. We spent $8500 on open beer and wine for 160 guests in California.

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I completely agree! But my Fiance and my family both think a cash bar is fine. I do think my best option is beer and wine, and maybe a cash bar if they would like something else.

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That is a lot of money!! Thank you for the comment.

In my area cash bars are seen as tacky. The cost of your event shouldn’t be passed onto your guests. Can you do beer and wine only or another form of a modified open bar?

In the end, it's whatever you want to do! It's your party!

Here's the thing about Cash Bars, people will probably leave earlier than normal if they have to pay for drinks.

I've seen people do a 50/50...meaning half the night is open bar and the other half is cash bar. I don't know how they got that approved with their venue but it's been done. Anything out of the ordinary like having a cash bar just be sure you put that on your invitations so everyone knows what to expect.

If you want to prioritize in terms of money...the bar and food would probably be the thing that most people care about. You could cut other things down in your budget like decor and flowers to make more room for the bar. Just a thought...

I am personally not a fan of cash bars. They are also not proper etiquette. When you invite guests to your wedding you are responsible for funding everything. I wouldn’t want my guest to have to pull their wallets out at my wedding or have to keep up with their wallets/purses all evening. I agree with the PP’s. I would try to cut in other areas. I would definitely do beer and wine only, as that will save you a lot of money. And as Gen said, as a last resort, I would do a open bar cap with how much you feel comfortable paying and once that amount is met, change it to a cash bar. At least at that point you have provided drinks for a least a portion of the night.

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Yes, the venue will let us do pretty much whatever we want. We can do any combo of things to create an open bar. This includes beer, wine, frozen margaritas, signature drinks, and a full open bar. I am stuck on which options to go with. I should mention that on the open bar, depending on the alcohol we choose, drink prices range from 4.50 to 6.50, same with the mixed drinks I believe. Most of my guests drink liquor or beer, so I am leaning towards beer and a signature cocktail? I want to give my guests drinks without breaking mine and my parents bank accounts. I guess I should've made that more clear in my original post!

Loaded question! Don't get overwhelmed when people start getting dramatic in the comments.
Cash bar depends on your area and socail circle. In my area cash bars are the norm.
An alternate idea is only having open beer and wine selections. It's cheaper, most people like beer and wine anyway. You can do full open with a cash cap as well.
Personally I think too many sink money into the bar, your guests will be fed, you'll serve them something to drink, dessert, they all will survive one night of not being completely wasted. Nobody has ever died of lack of alcohol.

If you can avoid a cash bar, I would. As a guest, I appreciate being fully hosted whether that's with beer/wine or a total open bar. Some of your guests may be travelling from out of town, taking off work etc. to celebrate you. It's nice to thank them with a good meal, drinks, etc. However, if you truly can't afford it and don't have anywhere else you can save, let your guests know ahead of time that it will be a cash bar. Good luck!

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Thank you! I would love to provide my guests with some drinks, but don't want a 5000$ bar tab at the end of the night.

View Quoted Comment Agree!

Ditch the favors (nobody cares). Skip wedding programs. Print one menu per table instead of per plate. There are a few areas you can still pull money from and redirect to bar tab. 👍

I don't suggest a cash bar. Open bar is best but you're fine with beer and wine and a mixed drink of your choice. It is true people tend to leave early when they have to pay at a wedding. And NO there isn't a ton of people getting trashed.

View Quoted Comment Yes. All good tips to save!!!!

I think most guests prefer open bars, especially if you have heavy drinkers. Could you do an open bar up to a certain amount?

Cash bars are tacky. You wouldn't invite someone to your house for dinner and then charge them for every glass of wine they drink, would you? This is the same.

You don't have to have alcohol at all, you could just do beer and wine to cut some costs, but guests should not be expected to supplement the cost of your wedding.

Would your venue be open to a consumption bar? That way you only pay for what guests actually order to drink!

I say open bar but you have to do what you feel is best.