Cash, Open and Limited Bars: Serving Alcohol at Your Wedding

One of the most controversial aspects about a wedding reception has to be whether alcohol is served, and if it is, who pays for it. Traditionally, and according to almost every etiquette book you can lay your hands on, everything is provided free of charge to the guests who attend a wedding. This includes the food, entertainment, favors and yes, the alcohol.

Since times have started to change, so has the process of who pays for what at weddings. While some couples have enough resources to allow family and friends to indulge in alcoholic beverages to their delight, many couples find the cost of alcohol at a reception a very unwelcome addition. Alcohol can be one of the biggest charges you can incur at a reception. Below is a breakdown of each of the three types of bars.

1. What is an open bar?

An "Open Bar" means that the couple pays for all drinks consumed by their guests. Depending on the amount of guests you are planning to have, this may cost you a small fortune. For instance, lets assume each guest will have 3 drinks the entire night. If each drink costs $3.75, and you have 125 guests, you will roughly pay $1400 or so, not including tax and gratuity to have an open bar.

An open bar does not mean that every type of alcohol will be served, as top shelf brands can cost up to $1 more per glass, if not more; it just means that the alcohol that is provided will be paid for by the couple. I have heard shocking stories of couples forking over $6,000 on the alcohol tab alone for their guests in a matter of 4 hours. While for some this may be the only option, others have found ways around it.

2. What is a cash bar?

A "Cash Bar" means that guests will have to purchase their own alcoholic drinks at your reception. Many couples have decided to have a cash bar, mainly for the added savings. The guests can choose, and purchase whatever drinks they want at their own expense. Some places offer discounts to the wedding couple per glass purchased at their bar, so that is something you may want to check into for possible savings on your big day.

3. What is a limited bar?

A "Limited Bar" only offers certain types of drinks. Some couples, to reduce the amount of money spent on alcohol, have opted to use less costly drinks such as beer or wine for their guests. Others have had champagne only receptions, or have only offered their "signature" drinks to their guests. Having a keg or two may be an option as well.

So which one should you use? Depending on your finances, time of the day, guests coming and your own preferences, any of the above would work well for you. For instance, if you are planning on having a morning wedding, you wont have to spend money on alcohol, and if so, very little. If you are planning on having an evening wedding, many guests will expect some type of alcohol to be served. In all of the above listed types of bar options, drinks such as coffee, tea, punch and milk should be provided for the guests at no cost.

If you really want to have an open bar, but just cannot fathom having the expenses attached to it, try providing the alcohol yourselves. Find a reception hall or location that will allow you to bring in your own alcohol and pay for a bartender to serve the drinks. There are many places that will allow that, all it takes is a little elbow grease and research to find them.

In the end it is really going to be up to you on what you feel most comfortable doing. Your goal is to celebrate your wedding. While etiquette rules were made to keep us on the "right" track, you have to realize that what is good for one person may not fit right for the other.

Congratulations on your wedding! Happy Planning!