NOT Having an Open Bar at Our Formal Wedding... Thoughts?

We recently went to a wedding with an open bar. Many under age teenagers were drinking. His family was sloppy, they provided wine and cognac at every table plus open bar. Then within 2 hr the maxed out. They reopened the bar. You and FH can't make everyone happy. Don't go broke getting everyone wasted. I've been to a wedding with a cash bar, it was fine. Provide wine for dinner guest would be happy.

What good is filet mignon without a glass of wine? Don't give your guests half the experience. Find other ways to budget.

Im not one that disagrees that cash bars are rude. Ive been to quite a few cash bar style weddings and it worked out fine. I wasnt offended, because at the end of the day, alcohol is not a necessity, just make sure you atleast pay to have tea and lemonade available to your guests. The only reason a open bar is probably necessary is if you have a guest list of people who mostly drink alcohol socially. Its a social stimulator for some people as my brother says. I would just make sure to include bar pricing details on the menu you send with your invitations so guests know ahead or time and can plan accordingly.

I can understand this, considering the cultural and religious situation you are in, to be honest. I also think the filet mignon sounds lovely. I know most or all people here will freak and tell you that you have to downgrade EVERYTHING in favor of alcohol, but let's be honest--who would rather have dry chicken and an open bar vs a filet mignon and a few nice drinks? Ummmm probably people who would just end up wasted and crazy at your reception! I see nothing wrong with this option. It's also a very cultural AND US regional thing. I'm in MI and cash bars are almost neither here nor there, just depending on your formality/family/situation, but I hear in some places (like WW, ahem) they are an absolute NO because apparently alcohol reigns supreme, while in other areas (out east, I heard?) they are the norm.

I was in a predicament where I could either have a cash bar or not involve my extremely large immediate family in my wedding. I spoke with an aunt who knows the feel of the family better than almost anyone, and she guaranteed me that my family gets it--they are a big crowd and heavy drinkers, aka THOUSANDS of dollars just for alcohol--and would definitely rather have a cash bar than not being invited or having no drinking options at all.

TLDR: You do you. Your option is acceptable, especially due to your specific societal situations. Don't let others in different regions tie your panties in a knot.

We decided that the best option for us was to have no alcohol at all. Certain members of the family aren't very good drunks, so to avoid a spectacle we chose the no option. The reception is at the church so we just said its in the contract. I've always been one that can have fun without alcohol anyways.