Modified Open Bar

This is a modified open bar. You don't need to post it anywhere. Is rum a traditional drink in your family? Why would rum be of importance?

No, no importance, just an example lol. Most people I know drink beer whiskey or vodka which was why we chose those two.

I would say no. I'd have really generic drinks though, like vodka cranberry or whiskey sour.

@ Ashley, even though we have set drinks.. she said if someone comes up and asked for a drink, and all the stuff is there for it, that is not an issue!

She is great.

I am planning on the same bar, I am not putting it anywhere on my invites. There will be a big enough selection that people will be able to find something they enjoy, even if I don't have scotch or rum on the menu.

@Elayna That's what we chose to do as well. We did rum, tequila, and whiskey cocktails for our signature drinks and signature shots. I happened to tell my grandpop and uncle in causal conversation that there wouldn't be vodka because that is their main drink. They were happy with beer. Honestly if the cocktails are good, most people won't be crazy about the fact there isn't a certain liquor they wanted.

Modified bars are becoming more popular since open bars are really expensive. If you want to add it on the website you can but it's not necessary by any means.

It's nice to have a sign saying what the signature drinks are, but people will figure out that it isn't a full open bar. Most people don't assume that unless they see lots of different types of liquor. And even if they say "hey I'd like a rum and coke" the bartender can quickly correct them, so no biggie. You could spread by word of mouth a little though to let people know ahead of time. I told a lot of my friends that it is full open bar because I didn't want them sneaking in flasks.

Semi open would imply that other drinks are available, but not paid for. It doesnt sound like that is the case. If there is nothing guests will be asked to pay for, there is nothing to communicate to them.

Similar to how if you have a buffet you don't worry about communicating what won't be available, and generally don't ask anything other than how many people and maybe if there are food allergies/preferences. Other than that, they show up and get what's available.

Yes I am definitely saving money by doing this. I felt the price was wonderful.

I have seen the bar signs and plan to get one of those.

Thanks ladies.. I won't put it on the site or anything. I have not been to a wedding with this type of set up and was not sure the proper etiquette for it.

I don't think it's necessary. Agreed with @TRJessie, just make a bar sign to indicate what IS available.

We did an open bar, served 3 wines, 3 beers, vodka and bourbon. We didn't have any signs and we did not hear any complaints about selection.