Open bar option or just for cocktail hour

I would try to have it be open bar for the entire reception if possible!

I'm never offended if i have to buy my own drink as long as I know ahead of time but etiquette states that your guests shouldn't have to pay for anything

Open bar for the entire event or beer and wine only if open bar isn't in your budget.

View Quoted Comment Unlike the idea of open bar during cocktail hour and then switching to beer n wine for the remaining time. Wedding planning is hard!

I would not expect my guests to pay for anything when coming to a wedding so I would do open bar the entire night or just beer and wine depending on your budget.

Guests shouldn’t be expected to pay for anything at your wedding. If you’re going to have a bar, it should be open for the entire cocktail hour and reception. Just beer and wine is completely fine.

View Quoted Comment Does open bar need to be top shelf or is house okay?

View Quoted Comment Whatever you can afford with your budget is completely fine. Your guests will be happy with whatever you provide.

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House shelf is absolutely acceptable. I would keep it open for as long as possible. To allow guests free drinks for only an hour, and then expect them to pay for them later, would be seen as very rude.

I say whatever you can afford. My cousin did 2 drink ticnets for everyone, then cash after that, and I think that worked out perfectly. If guests come to a wedding expecting free booze, then they're at the wedding for the wrong reason. Alcohol can get expensive!

If it's in your budget it'd be great to do entire night

I don't think anyone comes to a wedding expecting to purchase alcohol. I would def do the open bar if you can. i think thats a good price for 4.5 hours! i wouldn't worry about it being top shelf. most "rack" will be like Smirnoff and such. just not grey goose or ketel one.

View Quoted Comment Thanks ladies! 3600 isnt bad for 4.5 hrs so open bar it will be

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Good luck on your big day

Never expect guests to pay to pay for anything at a wedding. Offer what you can afford. Keep shopping around if it's out of your budget.