Open Bar is a Must?!

We are doing open wine and beer, no liquor. Perhaps you could compromise and set a limit (I.e., $1,000) of what you’ll cover at the bar, and then it turns into a cash bar? I’ve been to a wedding like that before. The bride and groom cover up to a certain amount of alcohol, then people are responsible for paying themselves. Although, I will say, the open bar is really preferred. People don’t want to pay for a party they likely already spent money to attend. Dresses, nights off, babysitters, driving time, flying in... I would try to pay as much as you can.

My FH’s family and friends are pretty religious - like MIL has never had a drink in her life and lots of pastors and religious university teachers will be attending. In-laws are helping pay for the reception and while uncomfortable with it, said that we could have booze, but their money wasn’t to go towards it. We also knew that if there would be a ton of drinking then quite a few people would not come.
We decided to only buy wine for the tables during dinner service, have a champagne or sparkling cider toast and then have a cash bar. We’re keeping the reception very short and then heading to a bar afterwards where we have secured a private room with free signature drinks and $2 wells for those that want a party. I know the people that like to drink with us can hang at the reception and not complain because what’s really important is celebrating our marriage and not the after party.

We have opted out of the open bar as well. Neither my fiance or I drink much and the cost was just so high that we couldn't figure it out. We are doing a BYOB in hopes that the family and friends that just can't servive the evening with out a drink will be happy as well. I am also so worried there maybe disappointed guests but have been reminded by several close friend that this is our day not theirs.

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This is great advice. "If I want a classy lobster dinner, but can't afford it, should I make my guests pay? No....The host should host the party they can afford." WISDOM. Love it!

We are having an beer and wine open bar for 2 hours. The guest are welcome to purchase their own mixed drinks if they choose too. This way they have options they can choose from. There is no right or wrong. Ultimately it’s your wedding they are attending and they are there to share your memories and happiness with you. Everyone attending understands how expensive a wedding can be and they will supposed what ever decision you both make.

We are going to have beer and wine for the cocktail hour and open bar for the reception. That will save a little bit, plus we also chose a venue that allowed us to bring our own alcohol, so we plan to stock up throughout the year at Total Wine, Costco and BJs. Not only will that save money buying from wholesale places, but they allow you to return unopened bottles. (Although most people keep the bottles for other parties after the wedding)
we have been to a few weddings that didn’t offer beverages and sadly, hardly anyone danced. You don’t have to do anything you cannot afford, but if you really cannot afford the open bar, maybe you can opt out of the cocktail hour and have an open bar until you reach a set amount (which you could discuss with the bartenders ahead of time) and switch to cash bar after you reach your limit. Most catering companies provide bar services for a reasonable price.
Also, a keg goes a long way and they’re not too expensive, depending on what kind of beer you get.

Guests should be thankful you invited them and are feeding them! I don’t believe an open bar is a must AT ALL - I am actually getting slammed in another forum for not having an open bar and I think that is so rude... if it’s not in your budget, it’s not in your budget period. It’s definitely not in ours. I don’t believe alcohol is a must to celebrate you and your fiancé, if someone happens to think it is then they can pay for it Don’t let a dumb poll or greedy people ruin this for you!

I know everyone wants to go to a wedding and there be free alcohol. I mean come on doesn't everyone. This is my thought on the idea. We are spending money on the venue and everything that goes with it, We are spending money on food, entertainment , decor and so on. So on top of all this money already being spent I have to spend money on an open bar? No Thank you. People will drink there hearts out yes. They also will get a drink put it down, forget about it and get another. So they are wasting my money. They wouldn't do that if it was there money buying the drinks . So at my wedding, we are offering 2 drinks that they can get during cocktail hour or save them for the reception, after that they are on their own if they wish to consume until their hearts desire.

We are having an open bar. Some venues will let you bring your own alcohol. Ours is a solid price that includes catering l, ceremony site, and venue site so I think it was included.

We are going to either offer drinks complimentary during the cocktail hour or offer 1-2 drink tickets and then have it convert to a cash bar.