To Pay or Not to Pay: The Wedding Bar Dilemma
Deciding between a cash and an open bar for your wedding can be quite a toss-up and you typically have friends or family that have strong opinions on what is “right” when it comes to the bar.
First, let me tell you that there is no right answer. But I want to dive in to what options are available and make sure to describe what they mean so you can make the best choice for you and your wedding.
A Cash Bar is like your favorite local bar, where guests are expected to foot the bill for their own drinks. On the other hand, an Open Bar is where you, the host, covers the cost of all the drinks.
Both have their pros and cons.
Cash Bar
A Cash Bar can significantly decrease your overall wedding alcohol expense. It also lessens the chances of guests overindulging. The downside? Some guests might not appreciate having to pay for their drinks.
One option for a cash bar is to provide your guests with a drink or two on you. You can do this in a classy way such as providing classy tokens or even a ticket on your menu that your guests give at the bar for free drinks. This option allows you to budget the amount you are spending on alcohol but still provide your guests with a beverage or two. Below are some great options.
Open Bar
An Open Bar, while more expensive, can level up the overall guest experience. It gives a sense of lavish hospitality. But it can lead to a hefty bar bill, and perhaps, a few too many tipsy uncles on the dance floor.
Depending on the venue or catering you have selected, there might also be an option to mix and match packages. Many couples have an open bar for beer and wine then a cash bar for mixed or liquor drinks.
If your venue allows for either a tab or an “all you can drink” hourly package and you are unsure which option is most cost effective. Our rule of thumb is to estimate 2 drinks per person in the first hour and 1 drink per person every hour after that. We all know that some will have less and some will have enough for multiple people so law of averages come in for this calculation.
For an Open Bar, it is important to have a bar menu available for guests to know what options they have available. You can check with the venue to make sure they have one available to display or create your own unique bar menu showcasing your custom signature drinks or other special details about your bar.
We have multiple bar templates available on our Shop page to choose from and customize.
BYOB
Planning a backyard wedding or an event at a BYOB venue? Let's talk about the ins and outs of hosting a BYOB Open Bar. While it may sound like a budget-friendly option, it often leads to logistical headaches.
To ensure a smooth event, consider hiring a bar service or a professional team to serve your drinks. Not only will this enhance your guests' experience, but it'll also prevent any confusion and excessive drinking.
However, your responsibilities don't stop at stocking up on alcohol. You also need to consider the serving utensils, including knives, cutting boards, wine openers, napkins, and stir sticks. Don't forget cups and cleaning products either!
On top of that, you'll need coolers, plenty of ice and a reliable mode of transport. So, while a BYOB Open Bar can be a fun and personalized touch to your event, it also requires careful planning and organization.
When you are planning your BYOB menu, we recommend limiting the amount of options you are providing. Select three beer brands, two wines (a red and white), and then your basic liquor of whiskey, rum, vodka, tequila and gin. You also could limit it even more to a signature drink option. This helps you reduce the amount of leftovers or waste when purchasing your own alcohol.
We’ve created a freebie just for you with 5 of our top signature drink recipes!
Let's dive into reality with some examples.
Bride A opted for a cash bar, managing to save around $2,000, which she reallocated to a gourmet dessert bar. The guests loved it!
Bride B went for an open bar. Yes, it upped her costs, but her guests still rave about the "party of the year" vibe.
Bride C planned her DIY wedding with the BYOB option. Her costs were lowered with the ability to purchase alcohol in bulk, but she did have to haul out the remaining beverages at the end of the evening.
So, your choice between a cash bar and an open bar should reflect your budget, your guests, and the kind of atmosphere you want to create.
Another important reminder is that your guests will respect whichever bar selection your prefer, they just need to know! Setting their expectations whether putting it on the invitation or wedding website will help them know if they need to bring their wallets or schedule an Uber.
Cheers to crafting the alcohol package that’s right for you!
-Abbey & The Brownstone Design Studio Team
