Open vs. Consumption Bar

We went back and forth with this, as half our guests don't drink at all. But our venue's consumption bar also charged $2 for soda, iced tea, juice and a $75 set up fee. I think it would be about the same price but went with open bar. Primarily for people who don't finish drinks, spilled, misplaced, etc. With consumption bar, I just know I would get annoyed at someone spilling a $12 drink!

My parents spent $2,000 more than they would have paid for an open bar at my sister's wedding because they did a consumption bar. It was the same thought process that so many people don't drink but so many other people drank A LOT and they ended up spending way more money. There was not a question at all when we started planning.

We're doing consumption because a third of our guests don't drink or will leave early, another third are light drinkers and the last third, well, they'll get out of control.

I personally think consumption is the best way to go because you're only paying for they pour. To spend $48 on someone who will have wine with just dinner is a complete waste in my book or grandma who doesn't drink at all. Even if people spill shots or misplace drinks, it still is less in the long run vs paying for people who will drink one or none at the reception.

Most of my fam won't drink but FH fam and friends will drink like fish so it evens out.

We are doing a consumption bar. Most of FH family doesn't drink at all so pp rate would be a waste. Plus our venue allows us to throw more money into the bar in real time if the balance gets too low.

We're having an open bar. We're getting beer and mixed drinks, and if the bartender runs out of anything, he grabs another bottle or keg, and we pay for it after the reception.