open Bar? cash Bar?

I would go with an open beer and wine bar. I don’t believe that guests should be required to pay for anything. But limiting it to beer and wine will help keep your cost down.

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Agree 100%

I agree with PP- your guests should not have to open their wallets at an event you invited them to

I agree with other comments! An open wine/beer bar sounds just right for this event You can discuss with your venue/caterer as to who will provide this service, and they'll be able to layout different packages at different price points (usually it's a budget concern when it's an issue of open vs. cash) and will be able to work with you on details.

If it is a budget concern, something that can help to ask is if you can provide the alcohol and they provide the bartenders. This provides you an opportunity to return any unopened bottles. But make sure you get a realistic amount so you don't run out 30 minutes into the reception.

Good luck!

View Quoted Comment Thanks so much!!

If you don't have big drinkers, I'd do a full open bar based on consumption or just open beer & wine.

Personally, unless it is an extremely low-budget wedding, I would always prefer an open bar. It can be just wine & beer (although, many guests will likely really appreciate a full bar!). I would do everything possible to avoid a cash bar. As others said, I don't think guests should have to pay for anything at the wedding, and in some social circles, people will definitely be rolling their eyes at a cash bar -- especially if the couple didn't seem to spare other expenses.

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Yeah I understand. We are spending a lot of money on everything, our food, the décor, and the reason why we are thinking about a cash bar is because, 1.) our families aren't the judemental type 2.) We don't want to pay for an open bar if they wont drink it. We've been to weddings where our friends pay for an open bar for "drinkers" in their families and they end up wasting more because they didn't drink up to the bar limits. I'm not trying to skimp out on anything BUT we don't want to waste money because our wedding and honeymoon is very expensive.

I would say since you do not have big drinkers to do a open beer and wine bar only. My FH and I have guests coming that drink often so we did a full bar with beer, wine and liquor to accommodate them. Since you don't have big drinkers, don't spend extra money on alcohol that guests may not drink.

Beer and wine!


Depending on where you get wine at (I would ask before buying), you can return any unopened bottles of wine

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Makes sense! As others suggested, it sounds like a consumption bar might be the perfect solution in your situation. You'll only pay for drinks your guests order -- no waste and at the same time you are hosting your guests well and in line with the rest of the wedding. Good luck!

Free beer, wine and soda. (I went to a work party and had to pay for a Diet Coke!)

I personally hate cash bars, even when I didn't drink. Cash bars are a good way for the hosts to save money, but they always feel cheap to me as a guest, especially if you have a designated "cocktail hour" as part of your wedding but are expecting guests to pay for themselves. If budget is an issue, I'd recommend an open beer/wine bar and then cash bar for liquor, or having open bar for a limited time and then cash bar after. At the very least I recommend that hosts serve complementary wine with dinner (preferably along with a champagne toast) so that guests don't have to pay for all of their own alcohol all night. Also, if you are going to have a cash bar at any point in the evening I think its polite to give guests a heads up so they know to bring small bills.

View Quoted Comment I would ask if they offer a consumption bar to avoid this. That way you are only paying for what the guests actually drank.

I agree either consumption or open wine and beer bar

Some places let you do consumption bar also. You put a certain amount down and once that total is reached, it becomes cash bar. I would do that or do open bar but only beer and wine.

We’re doing open bar for soft drinks, wine, and beer. Cash bar for any mixed drinks!