Open bar vs Cash Bar

I feel like ultimately you have to go by your budget. I'm in my late 30s so I've been to plenty of weddings and I've been to two where there was no alcohol, somewhere was just beer and wine, one where we as guests were supplied one drink ticket and the rest of the night was Cash. Some open bar and some cash bar. Ultimately you need to go with what is in your budget regardless of what your guests may think. If they really want to drink and they can pay for an open bar.

I personally hate cash bars and think they are passing on the cost to your guests. I would prefer a dry afternoon wedding over a cash bar. But that might be because I always have to travel to weddings and don’t like spending over a thousand dollars and then having to buy my own glass of wine. I also would cut the guest list to be able to serve everyone alcohol over a cash bar but that’s just me.

Do a limited bar with beer and wine. That’s it but do not do a cash bar. That would not be good for your guests

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I was thinking maybe two hours of open bar and the rest of cash bar, thanks for your advice

I agree i am getting married next yr july I am byob but i am having a very small group guests. If I had a open bar i would pay a deposit for a certain amount and once that amount is reached then everyone is on their own as far a alcohol.

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Yess!! I feel you girl, I think exactly the same... I'm thinking of cutting the number of guests, it would be a good option. Thanks!

View Quoted Comment Okay... I will!! Thank you 🙏🏽

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I have been to a wedding where for one hour, cocktail hour, drinks were free (of course we got in what we could lol) then afterwards cash bar. I feel that is a fair compromise.

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The idea of ​​the deposit for the bar is not too bad, I will consider it, thanks!

I think a deposit is a good idea but remember...serving alcohol is not a requirement. It is nice but do not feel that a cash bar is a bad thing either. I think you have found a happy medium. Ultimately people are there to enjoy your union and the reception is a thank you, regardless how you choose to host it. Good luck and I agree with one of the PP that it is best to stick to beer and wine for cost purposes. Most people will drink one or the other.

Personally I find cash bars extremely tacky. It’s totally ok to just offer beer & wine. I even attended a very Christian wedding where there was only one bottle of red wine & one bottle of white wine per table. Nobody complained.

Either since I dont drink very much. Please if you are doing a cash bar, let people know ahead of time. It would suck to go to a wedding and not have budgeted for a cash bar. Or even to have left your cash or cards at the hotel. There is also the option of beer and wine only. Or to give them their first drink on the house and then cash bar after that.

We're doing an open bar because we're drinkers ourselves and we just wanted our guests to come and enjoy theirselves. Definitely stick to your own budget though! Just like couples shouldn't expect gifts, guests shouldn't expect an open bar!

I think ultimately, whatever you decide, you need to communicate to your guests. If they know in advance they will need to pay for drinks I think it's much better than showing up to a wedding realizing last min you have to pay for drinks....

I can't think of anyone who would prefer a cash bar over open. I personally think that it's rude and somewhat tacky to expect guests to open their wallets at your event.

I would have never considered a cash bar. When you host a wedding, I believe it is your responsibility to host the entire event. We did an open beer and wine bar for our entire cocktail hour and reception. Look into this option. Only serving beer and wine cuts down on the price.

Open bar for sure, just choose the alcohol type that you can afford (beer and wine are cheap). Also, depending on where your guests are located, they may have to buy their hotel, airplane ticket, rental card, dress/suit, and any other expenditures just to get to your wedding. The last thing they want is to pay for drinks. If you really can't afford alcohol, just don't have a bar at all.

Definitely open. I've never been to a wedding that didn't have an open bar. I don't think guests should have to pay for their drinks. I'd rather have a dry wedding than a cash bar.

Usually people give their guests some type of alcohol included. whether it be beer, beer and wine, or full open bar. it is really up to you and what fits in your budget. i would suggest beer and wine

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Yes, well ... everything depends on the number of guests attending, if they are less than I expect that going to fit in my budget without any trouble, so far wine and beer is the best option, thanks🙏🏽