Partially Hosted Bar

bananasplit472001

We are only have a beer and wine hosted option. This is because we are having an afternoon wedding and having liquor that early in the day seems a little much to me. We are having a sign with what is available. We will have 5 beers and 5 wines and a signature drink. Honestly I think that is enough and is not technically considered rude because you are paying for specific drinks.

ashleyep

spookyblondebride said:

Don't beat yourself up over this. You're doing a good thing by wanting to offer beer and wine. And even though an open bar was my number one priority, if it wasn't possible, I would do a wine and beer bar instead. People will be happy with that, honestly! 

I don't know if this is possible but could you pick up the bar tab at the end of the night? So none of your guests will pay, and the venue will know you will take care of the check. I wouldn't be surprised if they couldn't make this work... as long as they know someone is paying at the end of the night. Not sure how strict the venue is though.

Another idea is to host an after party and get the first round (or the whole tab) for your guests who want to join the after party.

That's what I'm doing for beer and wine. It's a consumption bar, not a flat price per person. I can't afford to pay for the liquor too, I had my coordinator give me estimated prices per person and it will be too much.

fall2015bride

I would make a sign and place it by the bar. I see nothing wrong with what you are doing! We are doing a host bar up to a certain amount. After that guests will have to buy their own drinks. I don't think it's rude at all. I'm not a millionaire!

MandyMost

fall2015bride said:

I would make a sign and place it by the bar. I see nothing wrong with what you are doing! We are doing a host bar up to a certain amount. After that guests will have to buy their own drinks. I don't think it's rude at all. I'm not a millionaire!

Most people would drastically prefer a limited bar (such as just beer and wine) than to have it switch to cash at some point in the night. And are you going to announce that? If you announce it people will want to get a last drink (or 2) while it's still hosted. If you don't, people will feel ripped off that they didn't get another hosted drink and now have to pay. It's just uncomfortable for everyone!

But onto the original question, we're having a limited bar and there won't be anything else on display, and we're still planning on doing the signs! It's just better for everyone involved to be clear about the situation. 

Lauramae980

I love the sign idea. I'm in a similar boat. We have pre-paid $25 per guest for booze. The venue is wanting us to allow liquor and charge after the pre-pay is up. 

I fought for it, but we are doing wine and beer now and I am telling the venue to make a tally  for what goes beyond the pre-pay and give the bill to ME at the end (or a designated bridal party with my checkbook). 

My Dad is paying for the wedding and I told him the original price, not realizing how confusing it would be to have only SOME free drinks. I will personally be paying the leftover tab because I don't want to keep upping the price on my Dad. 

Our venue has two full bars. I love the idea of a straight forward sign. I wonder if I should also mention wine and beer on website? Most our friends are referring to the website for info.