open bar just for cocktail hour?

davenport52803

Just have a few questions.  We are still finalizing our budget, and ideally i'd like to have an open bar the whole reception ( I know thats proper, however in my family I've never been to a reception that paid for more than soda and beer), if thats not possible, I'm wondering if anyone has been to a reception thats hosted the bar for the cocktail hour then went down to just a signature drink or beer and soda hosted? 

To be honest, I've never really paid much attention to what others do during cocktail hour because I never thought I would be the one to marry, but here we are, and I am.  Im so excited but its so much work, because I've never put much thought into it until it all happened!

OnionBiitch

Host whatever you can afford.  If you can afford soda, beer, and a signature drink then just stick with that all night.  I would hate to go up and get a glass of wine for free thinking that wine was open and then an hour later be charged for a glass of wine when I went up to get another.

GoodLuckBear14

Host what you can afford but make sure that it is consistent throughout the entire evening.

FaithCaitlin

As a guest, I would have no problem with an open bar for the cocktail and then a signature drink/beer/wine for the reception. 

mccartys

We are having complete open bar for cocktails/passed appetizers after the ceremony and switching to hosted beer/wine/nonalcoholic beverages for the reception. It's a common practice in my community and I think offering any beverages for your guests on your dime is appreciated.

ginadog

All (but one) of the weddings that I've been to have been open bar for the reception, and then cash bar for the rest of the night.  I thought it was pretty normal.

Only one was open bar all night long.  It was just wine and beer.

davenport52803

Thanks for your input!

Ljacks87

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_food-cakes_open-bar-just-cocktail-hour?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:23Discussion:14e93a3c-f82c-4346-ad7d-7bc69699862bPost:bdd2557f-b189-4844-b70d-4f9482d2d408">Re: open bar just for cocktail hour?</a>:
[QUOTE]As a guest, I would have no problem with an open bar for the cocktail and then a signature drink/beer/wine for the reception. 
Posted by FaithCaitlin[/QUOTE]

<div>Ditto. Just make sure to make some signs for the bar that indicates cocktail hour is a hosted open bar and the rest of the evening is hosted beer and wine (list all the types). This way your guests see it at the beginning of the evening and are aware of what's going on. </div>

TammaraFlake

I would be fine with this...