Open bar advice

Can you do a set amount and then switch to cash bar? That way you don’t spend a crazy amount, you know what you’re spending going in, and then it flips to a cash bar.

I think 10:30 or 11 would be fine. That's plenty of time.

11 is a good time to end—not too early, not too late

Hosting the bar 7-11 pm or 7-12 only is fine. You may have a sign that says, after midnight (or 11) we will provide only juice, soda, and coffee. The bar will remain open until 1 am for those who wish to purchase drinks after midnight . People gripe if you only host an hour or two. But hosting it 4-5 hours starting with cocktails is enough. And no doubling up on drinks near closing. You need to provide some refreshment, not a continuous alcoholic haze, as 5-7 hours of drinking produces in most people.

Is your reception going to last until 2 am? That seems awfully late. Of course it depends on what time your ceremony begins, but I think that sometime between 10 pm and 12 am is an appropriate end time. Last call could be 30 minutes before the end of the reception.

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That was our thought. They say they notify you as you get close to your set amount. Our plan was to pick an amount we felt comfortable with knowing that it would last a few hours.

Thank you for your input!

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I really like the sign idea. We did not think of that but that way they know it is coming.

Thank you!

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Noooo no no. The reception would end 10:30/11, but the venue has a built in game room and lounge area so we assume people will be staying up and hanging out after. The reception would be over but they keep the bar open until 2 am since lodging is on site and we are thinking it would be similar to guests going back to a hotel bar and paying for drinks there. This way they just don't have to leave to go somewhere else.

Thank you for your input!

I agree with others. I would only host til 10:30-11:00 and then people can pay. That’s more than generous.

Host the bar until the official end of the reception (10:30 or 11 like you said), then you’re off the hook as you’re no longer hosting the event.

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Just end the consumption bar when your wedding ends. You are not responsible for what they drink after that! That'd be like the bride and groom still paying for drinks at a bar after party.

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Then just hosting during the actual reception until 10:30/11 is totally fine. I would not expect you to continue hosting even if people do hang out. I would just put in your invites or something that the reception is from 7-11. You don't need to state that it will switch to a cash bar - that will be assumed when the reception ends.

Also, please dont' do a set amount and then switch to cash in the middle of your reception, it's super rude to pull the bait and switch on people like that!

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Totally agree, if anything we would cover any "additional" over our desired amount to get us to the end of the reception and then switch to cash.

Thank you for the feedback

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Perfect!!!!

When does the reception end? Is the reception going until 2am? I would say when the dj packs up and goes home that's when the "party" ends and therefore the open bar.

Good luck

You are fine to stop at whatever time you want. IDK if this helps but we are paying up to a certain amount, then the bar turns into a cash bar for the rest of the night. No reason to start your marriage broke due to an open bar LOL.