The Open Bar vs. Cash Bar Debate
Everyone seems to have a very strong feeling one way or the other when it comes to the open bar versus the cash bar. The bride and groom can either pay for their guests’ drinks or have the guests pay for the drinks themselves.
Many people feel that it is wrong to invite people to a party and then expect them to pay for their own drinks. Others find it perfectly acceptable since the cost of drinks can become a huge burden for the couple to pull from their budget. So how does a couple decide between an open bar and a cash bar for their wedding?
There are the two extremes. The couple can offer a full open bar. The reception venue may add up the drinks as they are ordered or may set a specific price per person to be paid in advance. The other extreme is offering a cash only bar. Guests will need to pay for all of their own drinks regardless of what it is they are ordering. Another option is to offer an open bar during cocktail hour and dinner and a cash bar afterwards.
There is a compromise that the couple may find appealing. This is to offer a limited selection of drinks at no cost to the guest. This generally includes soft drinks, wine, and beer. If a guest wants hard liquor then they would pay for it themselves.
The debate between the cash bar and the open bar can often be divided by where the couple lives. In many places it is expected that there will be a cash bar while in other places a cash bar is highly frowned upon. It is up to the bride and groom and whoever is paying for the wedding to decide which option is best for them.
Where do you stand in the cash bar versus open bar debate? Should a couple foot the entire bill for their guests’ drinks? Is one of these more acceptable where you live? How will you handle this when the choice must be made? Or perhaps you have been to a wedding recently and you have strong feelings about their choice of a cash bar or open bar. Tell us about it and help other couples make their decision!
October 21st, 2007 at 4:29 pm
I’m in the middle of planning my wedding and an facing this very decision right now. It all comes down to money and what your friends and family expect. Our friends are not drinkers, but most of our family is. Do we make our family pay? They will be doing most of the drinking, but what do they expect from us? It is a very confusing situation. We are leaning towards a cash bar. It’s not what we are into, so I don’t think we will be paying for it. Maybe a cash bar will cut down on the late night embarassing moments. People might not drink as much when they have to pay for it themselves. Good question.
October 30th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Consider offering only wine and beer. You can get really good deals on a few cases of wine. Have a few bottles at the tables during the meal or have the staff serve your guests. A keg of beer is also very reasonable. This is your decision, but if you feel you need to do something this may be the way to limit both the cost and the amount that guests drink.
December 10th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Kuvashan
Just wanted to drop a note to let you know what a great site you have. It is a great resource and a great place to drop by.
January 30th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
This day is about you and your new husband not what people think or trying to spend every last sent you have. cash bars are great!! you dont want to make money off your day but any kind of debt is no way to start your future. We are having a toonie bar this will cover the cost of the bar, 2$ is a very low amount compared to the 7$ you pay in a bar. This includes beer, coolers, and mixed drinks Ive been to weddings with free bars and people abuse it by being wasteful. We are also having a Not for Profit group come in to bartend our reception any of the profit will go to there organization and we feel good about it and so should our guests!!
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April 26th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
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May 28th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Interesting point - but I am not sure that really explains the situation. With gas over $4 a gallon that changes everything.
June 16th, 2008 at 5:50 am
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