Cash Bar Vs. Open Bar

One of the things you have to decide about your wedding reception is whether you want to have a cash bar or an open bar. Here are some important considerations that can help you make the decision about which is right for your wedding reception.

Would Your Family Be Offended at a Cash Bar?

Some families look at a wedding as an occasion for generosity. They may see a cash bar as being stinginess on your part (or on your family’s part), and it may become a longstanding source of irritation for you if you make a cash bar. Consider whether any of your family’s prior weddings have had a cash bar or not, and how it was received in making this decision.

Can Your Wedding Party Handle an Open Bar?

The flip side of this is that an open bar is subject to abuse, and if your family or friends are such that it is likely to be abused, then maybe an open bar isn’t the right choice for your wedding. On the other hand, if there are only one or two parties who may be a problem, set up monitors for them, just make sure it’s someone with sufficient judgment and authority to help them keep under control.

Can You Afford an Open Bar?

An open bar can be an expensive addition to a wedding reception. However, there are ways to keep costs down. See How to Make an Open Bar at Your Wedding Affordable for some tips on keeping costs under control.

It’s Not All or Nothing

It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to just have a completely open or cash bar. Instead, you can have a compromise that may allow some drinks to be free, while others are served on a cash basis. The easiest approaches to this is making beer and wine free, while charging extra for hard liquor or mixed drinks. You might also have a signature cocktail that is free, but other drinks cost. Finally, you might have well drinks and inexpensive beer be free, but people who want premium selections would be expected to pay.

For more help addressing these and other questions to make your wedding reception perfect, please contact Stonebrook Manor in north Denver today.