Open Bar vs. Cash Bar
Deciding whether to have an open bar or a cash bar at your wedding seems like an easy decision, but you have to be careful and consider several things before you jump to the conclusion.
Do your research with the caterers or hall that the wedding reception is to be held, to find out how much the drinks will cost, what types of arrangements can be made for open or cash bars or whether or not you can bring in your own alcohol to serve to the guests of your reception. With the inflation of prices lately, having an open bar for a large number of guests can quickly end up costing you more than the food, which is usually the single largest cost of a wedding reception. If the drink prices are high, but you still want to contribute to the beverages for your guests, consider subsidizing the drink prices by paying a couple dollars for each drink purchased. This is a great compromise providing reasonably priced drinks for your guests without breaking the bank.
If you are wondering how to arrange for an open bar, it is usually quite simple. Talk to the caterer or hall that is looking after your bar, or go to the local liquor store to talk to the manager there. If you are having the caterer look after it, they will tell you the quantities of liquor and wine for an open bar and how many drinks to expect to purchase for each guest attending, this is so you will know approximately what it will cost you. Generally, they will just keep track of the number of drinks sold during the reception, and invoice you for the cost of it later. Sometimes a deposit will be required.
If you are providing the alcohol yourself, the liquor store employee will have a good idea of how much you need for the number of guests that you have attending. Be sure to purchase enough as you can always take back what you don’t open.
Open bar invitation etiquette is really quite simple. Just be sure that in the information that you provide for the location and time of the wedding reception, you include a line indicating that there will be an open bar. If you are having a cash bar instead, it is a nice gesture to include a couple of drink tickets for your guest’s first round.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but the more common practice for wedding receptions now is to subsidize the drinks at the bar. This is because of the high cost of drinks compared to that of years before. This way, your guests can have a good time without spending too much money, and it doesn’t end up costing too much for the bride and groom.
Whichever way you choose to set it up, drink responsibly and have fun!