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Tara
Beginner February 2020

Open or cash bar

Tara, on November 6, 2019 at 7:32 PM Posted in Planning 0 19
It’s almost wedding time! And one thing we can’t decide on is having a open bar or a cash bar!! What is your thoughts! MIL doesn’t think people should have to pay for their alcohol. I’m not 21 so can’t enjoy the bar myself

19 Comments

Latest activity by Delaney, on November 7, 2019 at 3:09 PM
  • Chandra
    Master May 2019
    Chandra ·
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    You're probably going to get a lot of responses saying guests should open their wallets at your wedding!
    I'm also a fan of open bars, but we had only beer and wine and guests could buy liquor if they wanted it.
    • Reply
  • Mrs. S
    Master November 2019
    Mrs. S ·
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    We’re not allowed to have liquor at our venue so we’re having beer and wine only which is definitely cheaper.
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  • Megan
    Super October 2020
    Megan ·
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    I’m a fan of open bars, and we will be having one.

    You could always compromise by:
    - having an open beer/wine only bar
    - serving beer/wine and guests can buy liquor
    • Reply
  • Crystal
    Devoted October 2020
    Crystal ·
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    The only time I’m pro a cash bar if the bride/groom are under 21 or are non drinkers.
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  • Meghan
    Master October 2019
    Meghan ·
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    We had an open beer & wine bar. I think inviting people to an event you are hosting, and then making them pay for their own drinks is tacky. Therefore, I think some form of an open bar is the best option.
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  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
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    Open bar or modified open bar.
    • Reply
  • Veep
    VIP May 2017
    Veep ·
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    We had an open bar for several hours, it closed during dinner for but there was wine at all tables. It worked out well for us.
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  • Molly
    Devoted October 2020
    Molly ·
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    We are having an open bar during cocktail hour and then during the rest of the reception will be cash bar. i think it all depends on how many guests you have to determine whether or not you can afford it..

    • Reply
  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Rockstar March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    Open bar (just beer & wine is fine). Good wedding etiquette is to offer food & drinks for guests as a thank you for attending your wedding.

    If you’re opposed to providing alcohol, usually guests don’t miss it much at a brunch wedding. Also ok to skip if you’re doing a simple “cake & punch” reception at a non-meal time.
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  • Jazmyn
    Savvy November 2019
    Jazmyn ·
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    Open bar for sure but consider what you can afford. We are doing beer, wine, and a signature cocktail.
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  • Mary
    Devoted November 2019
    Mary ·
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    Open bar all the way!! It was the best decision we made! Everyone had a ton of fun and we had a very wide array of alcohol to chose from! Totally with it!!
    • Reply
  • Alisha
    Rockstar April 2021
    Alisha ·
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    We are doing open for cocktail hour and reception. We didn’t want our guest to pay out of their pockets. We wanted our guests to have a good time.
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  • M
    Savvy August 2020
    Morgan ·
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    We’re buying a certain amount of liquor and beer and once it runs out then it turns into a cash bar. It is what we could afford.
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  • Alyssa
    Super December 2021
    Alyssa ·
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    Cash bars are tacky if you ask almost anyone. You are inviting people to a party, they should not be asked to pay. Limit your bar if you want, but just because you're underage doesn't mean you make your guests pay.

    • Reply
  • Watts
    Super March 2020
    Watts ·
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    I think providing some alcohol is important, soft drinks should always be free. You don't have to provide unlimited alcohol, especially since you can't drink. I think either a limited bar or you pay up to a set amount and then it turns to cash.
    • Reply
  • jessiematt
    Savvy September 2022
    jessiematt ·
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    I almost view it as insulting to have a cash bar. I'd rather the wedding be dry than make guests pay. Maybe you could just do wine and beer. I know that's a cheaper alternative. Some people also just do a champagne toast.

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  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
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    I wouldn't do open if you wanna save money. So maybe limit to a wine and beer bar only
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  • L
    Lady ·
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    Your MIL is absolutely right that if you have any alcohol available, the guests shoudln't have to pay for it. Dry weddings are fine if you'd rather not have alcohol at all, but whatever you decide to serve (including food, NA drinks, etc) guests should not have to pay for.

    • Reply
  • Delaney
    Savvy December 2020
    Delaney ·
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    I would choose an open bar!

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