Drinks budget

As per the previous thread you made about this and the drinks being expensive

#2 with the consumption cap is your best option - but be aware that with only 2K and the number of guests you are likely to have that cap hit in the first hour or two. I would speak to your venue about doing a limited open bar and offering beer, wine, and brunch cocktails

Am I going crazy or have you posted a thread just like this before??

I guess number two would be the best option (none of them are great, you really shouldn't ask your guests to open their wallet at your wedding) but I'd limit it to just beer and wine so the consumption cap lasts longer.

ETA: Whew, not going crazy. https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/consumption-bar-with-a-cap/4f0d82ad00e4277c.html

I think that if you at any point want to have a cash bar - it is totally fine. I like the option where you have an open bar during cocktail hour and then champagne during lunch with an option of a cash bar if someone wants to continue to drink. I've gone to weddings where there was 1 or 2 drinks provided for free and then if you wanted more there was a cash bar and it was totally fine. People who were getting married aren't drinkers and didnt feel like spending twice as much on booze. I am a drinker so if i had to i'd likely do beer and wine and save that way, but to each their own!!! everyone understood that couple and no one had a problem buying drinks if they wanted to.

Also, since it's a lunch wedding and depending on how many people you have - you might not hit $2k... so speaking with the venue and their experiences is a good idea as many suggested! they might tell you lunch weddings of your size never go over 1k... who knows!

Don't pay for champagne that nobody wants and then make guests pay for drinks other than that. I know 1 person who drinks champagne.

I agree - I have heard of so many weddings where the champagne toast goes to waste. OP - have $2000 towards beer, wine and perhaps a signature drink. Please have a backup plan if it goes over $2000, NO ONE likes to pay for drinks at a wedding.

The one thing you have in your corner is it is an afternoon wedding. Ours was an afternoon wedding and we hosted a consumption bar. Granted it there was no dance and it was over by 3 however, mixed drinks at this place are NOT cheap.

Please stay away from a cash bar at all costs.

If they charge all the same across the board Just do beer, wine and either two signature cocktails or two brunch cocktails. Not everyone drinks beer or wine, but not everyone will drink liquor either. You may have some people who choose not to drink if no liquor is offered but that would only be a few people.

They included drink tickets with either invitations or they were given away by staff when people were leaving the ceremony area. They had funny sayings on it - it was cute.

And hmmm it's tricky! i guess how little your crowd drinks could balance how much the others do?

Genevieve - please no drink tickets. Pleeeeze. For my first wedding my then father in law (bless his soul he was sweetie but on this.......) suggested drink tickets. My mom (my dad had passed) was open bar all the way, period of sentence, lol, was like hellz no!

It gives it a carnival/county fair feel plus who says I won't give my two tickets to my hubby, which I will do as I don't drink?

Even a cute saying on a drink ticket does not make it right. I know this may not be in your wheelhouse, I am trying to be proactive, lol!

Edited to add to answer your question if it goes over $2000 - have a stash of funds to pay for it. Blunt time, I know, but get rid of favors, photobooths, extravagant gifts for bridal party, ANYTHING extra. People remember food and drink, not your linens or chairs. They won't.