Open bar - excluding shots?

Totally acceptable (and probably a good idea!). Most open bars (at weddings, work events, anywhere) don't include shots.

I don't think hosting an open bar has to be synonymous with "free for all".

You provide a reasonable spread to meet the vast majority of people's tastes. I wouldn't think by any means that has to include shots of hard liquor.

Thanks ladies. I just think it would lead to some unnecessary chaos with some of the wildlings that'll be in attendance lol.

It's fine. My venue didn't even allow shots either. All liquor had to be mixed with something, I think.

Thanks for the reference Olivia P.

I think that's acceptable. My venue won't allow shots

Our venue didn't allow shots and we were very happy about that.

Shots aren't allowed at my venue, I've found this common around me. Should be perfectly fine to limit that.

Our venue allowed shots so we didn't have a problem with that. We had signature shots and it helped move the bar line along which was nice.

It's appropriate to tell the bartenders your preferences. Make sure you let all of the bartenders know sometimes they will cycle out throughout the night.

As a "scotch neat" drinker, would this affect me if I was at your wedding? Just curious and not being snotty... I could totally see not wanting people doing shots and getting completely obliterated, but I would be super sad if you had a great whisky selection and I couldn't drink it my preferred way.

Not having shots is fine, as far as etiquette goes. Personally, that would be my choice too.

@Faluf - I didn't think to ask, so I don't know. It's a valid question. I would have to look at the wording in the contract again.

I think this is fine. Most of the venues we went too did not allow shots anyway. The alcohol had to be in a mixed drink and made by a certified bartender.

My Venue doesn't even allow shots. Beer, wine and a few preapproved specialty cocktails only

Yeah, I think it could be a little iffy either way. I, personally, have no interest in doing a shot of whiskey and I can responsibly sip from one pour for quite some time. However, like Mrs. Fall Bride said, others might try to game the system by ordering a "Jamesons neat" and taking it like a shot. (*shudder*)

I guess it would depend on your guests. If you don't think many people will want something that could be reasonably poured neat, I think the rule is very useful. It would SUCK at my wedding, though, since we're purposefully bringing in rare scotches and bourbons for our guests.

Venues we've looked at do not allow shots at all.

Shots aren't allowed at my venue...thank God lol

It's perfectly acceptable. A lot of venues do not allow them and some only allow for the bridal party which I thought was odd. I want shots so I made sure to add it to the list of questions and requirements to ask venues when I was searching.

I've never been to a wedding that DID allow shots! So it's definitely not unheard of!

Totally fine! I've actually never been to a wedding where they allowed shots.