Open Bar vs Cash Bar

Hello. You might want to check other threads regarding this. I think cash bars are very tacky. At minimum try and squeeze beer and wine into your budget.

I agree with PPs - cash bars are really quite tacky and to those who have traveled any distance to celebrate with you it's kind of an insult. I get the budget thing, but I would look at cutting down in other areas like florals or decor which won't make a huge difference to guests in the long run. I'd do the open bar for the minimum and keep people at least somewhat happy and grateful they traveled to celebrate.

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As a wedding guest I expect food and alcohol to be provided ... I'd be ticked off if I was required to buy my own drinks ...

Believe me when I say we have cut every extra expense and guest list. I'm doing quite a bit myself, limited decor, flowers, and my friend is making the cake. Is it bad to have an open bar for just a short amount of time?

Can you just have open beer and wine? No liquor?

Can you just do beer and wine instead of a full open bar?

I agree that a cash bar is tacky, but this isn't something to cut your guest list over, like a lot of people have suggested. Is there a different part of your budget that you can take money from to make this work? Be creative and I'm sure you can move things around enough or save a little more here and there.

Also I think three hours is plenty long for an open bar, just make sure that the guest know it's limited.

Either have an open bar or don't have one at all. That's my thinking.

We did 3 hour full hosted open bar and switched to beer and wine for the remaining 2 hours. It was perfect and my guests were happy. We gave them a warning that it was going to switch around the 3 hour mark and it was good.

Everyday....

Lol @Beachy they're not going to tell you to your face that they're unhappy...

Can you do open beer and wine only?

Can you do a consumption bar?

Actually, I asked their opinion prior to even agreeing to it. After they said it worked out well. And my sister would totally tell me to my face lol.

If you did a 3 hr open bar, your wedding should only be 3 hours long.

@Beachy, FWIW, I think your setup was fine. ETA drinks were provided all night n guests had a heads up.

I even asked here before I agreed to get an idea for it. My former venue was kinda dumb about it. Luckily a hurricane made me switch.

No cash was pulled out for any alcohol at my wedding. And alcohol was served. No one should be complaining lol

OP, could you pay for the $500 minimum?

How many guests is this for?

Beer and Wine. Depending on the size of your guest list this will be super affordable.

Never a cash bar.