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Lisa
Super October 2021

Open Bar or Beer & Wine .... hors d oeuvre or No?

Lisa, on February 24, 2021 at 12:18 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 35
My fiancé and I are having to reduce our budget for the wedding (thanks Covid!). We’ve eliminated a few “extra” decor items and are pretty satisfied with those changes.



Our package includes beer, wine and champagne. So here’s were we are stuck and can only afford to add one option of the three listed.

Upgrade to an open bar for $10 per person ($1,000) or

Add two passed hors d oeuvres during cocktail hour (really only a half hour) for $4.50 each (thought about doing two different options ($900) or

Add one display station of a cheese/meat or veggie for $10 per person ($1,000) during cocktail hour

I’m leaning towards open bar especially since the cocktail hour is only a half hour. This gives guests time to get a drink and find their seat for the grand entrance and then dinner.

What are your thoughts? As a guest, what would you prefer?

Our guest list is a mix of non drinkers, beer and wine drinkers and mixed drink drinkers...

35 Comments

Latest activity by Lauren, on March 2, 2021 at 11:34 AM
  • Shirley
    Expert November 2020
    Shirley ·
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    Will there be any food at the cocktail hour? Also, would the open bar apply to the whole evening?


    The open bar seems like the best value to me, but hangry guests is never a good thing. Do you think your guests will be hungry by the time they get to your event? This depends on the timing of everything.
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  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Keep in mind that many people do not like champagne so find out if you swap that out for another beverage option or an appetizer upgrade.

    Bartenders are required by law to serve food with alcohol for liability issues. Otherwise you will have drunk guests with empty stomachs which is a dangerous combo. Always try to go with open bar. What appetizers do you currently have?

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  • Sara M
    Dedicated June 2022
    Sara M ·
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    I would choose Two passed hors d oeuvres You already have wine beer and champagne. I think that’s perfect ! Does that include soft drinks ? I feel like guest would look forward to the food more! (I would) I don’t go to weddings to drink right away maybe a little wine but no hard liqs. And the other reason why I like the cocktail food better is Because sometimes depending on ur guest size it may take a little time to get their entrée , the cocktail food can hold them up a bit.

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  • V
    Rockstar July 2019
    Veronica ·
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    I think you definitely need to serve some type of food otherwise guests will be drinking alcohol on an empty stomach which is never a good idea.
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  • Jai
    VIP May 2020
    Jai ·
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    As a guest I would either want the open bar or more appetizers during cocktail hour
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  • Ava
    VIP May 2022
    Ava ·
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    As a guest I would much rather prefer the open bar. It’s likely the best value for the money also!
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  • Michelle
    Master April 2021
    Michelle ·
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    As long as some type of appetizer is being served during the cocktail hour, I’d go for the open bar.
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  • Expert September 2021
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    I would prefer the open bar! I actually asked a few of my friends if they would notice if I didn't have appetizers during cocktail hour and they all said that they would only notice if there weren't alcohol. We are doing a grazing table instead of passing out hors d oeuvres and it wasn't ask expensive!

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  • Lisa
    Super October 2021
    Lisa ·
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    No other food until dinner. The open bar would be the entire night.
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  • Lisa
    Super October 2021
    Lisa ·
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    I actually have a few friends who love champagne, myself include. So I’m keeping that!


    There wouldn’t be any apps if we select the open bar since we have to cut back.
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  • Lisa
    Super October 2021
    Lisa ·
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    Yes soft drinks are included as well. Thanks for the input.
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  • Lisa
    Super October 2021
    Lisa ·
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    Thanks for the input!
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  • Lisa
    Super October 2021
    Lisa ·
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    That’s exactly what I’m trying to decided on... which one I can’t have both.
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  • Lisa
    Super October 2021
    Lisa ·
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    There wouldn’t be any apps if we select the open bar since we have to cut back. It’s one or the other.
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  • Lisa
    Super October 2021
    Lisa ·
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    Interesting! Our venue doesn’t offer grazing tables. So it’s either open bar or food. Ugh.
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  • Expert September 2021
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    If it were between the two, I think your guest may would appreciate the drinks more while waiting on dinner! Or at least, I would! But you know your crowd more than anyone!

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  • Ava
    VIP May 2022
    Ava ·
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    Normally I would say you should have food during your cocktail hour so people are not drinking on an empty stomach. However, since you’re cocktail “hour” will only be 30 minutes, I don’t think it’s worth the money to provide hors d’oeuvres for guests to eat 30 minutes before their meal. Plus, that 30 minutes will be taken up quickly by people chatting, standing in line to order drinks, finding their seats, etc.
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  • Lisa
    Super October 2021
    Lisa ·
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    These are my thoughts exactly. Is there even enough time for food. Everyone will be occupied with drinks chatting and finding their seat
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  • Lisa
    Super October 2021
    Lisa ·
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    I’m thinking they will enjoy the drinks more. Have to put some feelers out!
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  • Jai
    VIP May 2020
    Jai ·
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    Ok....open bar...
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