Open Bar Vs. Cash Bar

Any etiquette guide says that an open bar vs. a cash bar is the wrong way to decide to cut costs. When you come to your senses and realize open bar vs. cash bar is a moot point then you have to figure out how to arrange for an open bar. If you are working with a full service reception facility then you can simply ask them for an open bar. You may have a choice on how much this will run per guest depending on the level of liquor quality, the amount of liquor you choose and the time allotment for the open bar. You could decide to have top shelf liquor served during cocktail hour, but then only wine and beer at the rest of the evening. If you are supplying the alcohol yourself you will want to go to your local wine retailer and ask them about bulk ordering. You may receive a special discount for large orders and you may also be able to return any unopened bottles.

Open bar invitation etiquette does not recommend that you must add some about the open bar on the invitations because this is another reason to go with an open bar or cash bar. There will be no discussion involved. In a wedding there are so many topics to consider and debate and everyone has an opinion. If you can ease some stress from your life then you should do so. The last things you will have to think about are the quantities of liquor and wine for an open bar. This is especially true if you are providing the alcohol yourself but will apply to a full service reception hall. You will want to talk to your hall and see if there is a per cork fee. That is you may set up to have x number of bottles of Shiraz but if you only use half then per corking fee will provide you a refund on un-open bottles.

Open bar vs. cash bar should be a very quick topic to discuss. How ever you must think about a Cash bar, don’t do it. People come to weddings for drinks and dancing. If they wanted to pay for alcohol they would just have gone to a club. In the world of wedding etiquette there is no faux pas greater then the cash bar. You wouldn't invite guests to dinner and expect them to supply their own alcohol now would you? Basically if you decide to have a cash bar at your wedding you can expect to offend some guests and hear mutterings of "cheap" for months afterward. Asking guests to pay for their alcohol is openly admitting that you can't afford an open bar. However, it is the new millennium and etiquette of all types and is often thrown to the wind. For example, some couples will send each guest 2 drink tickets inside their invitation or supply free drinks only up until dinner is served. Afterwards guests are expected to pay for their own drinks. This often leads to less drinking and driving. If it’s an issue of open bar vs. cash bar at a reception, a mix up of the two might be the reply. If costs are an anxiety, there’s nothing immoral with the cash bar way as long as guests are made alert in advance.