We are getting married in a week (eep!) We are planning on having an open bar for our cocktail hour, closing it to beer, wine, and soda for dinner (from 6-8), and then opening the bar back up from 8-10. We would like to control the tab (we have some big drinkers)...do you think it would be appropriate to distribute 3 drinks for hard liquor to each guest? I think the cocktail hour would be completely open, but after that, it would be limited to people with tickets...is this tacky? Or do you have any other ideas?
Thanks!
Amy
Re: Controlling an Open Bar Tab?
Alyson & Phil | Planning Bio | Married Bio!
Dates & Quinces Blog
I think it's too confusing to have it completely open at one time and then tickets for another. I like the tickets idea, we are doing tickets too, but it needs to be consistent. We are actually going to advertise that it's a cash bar so guests are aware and then have some beer and wine pre-purchased and set up for guests to grab. We would love to host a fully open bar but have to control the budget. We can't afford to have the unknowns. We thought it was better to have them assume they are on their own for their tab and surprise them with a few drinks.
Our house building adventure (UPDATED 8/20/12)
Wedding Planning Bio
Our wedding blogged! (Click Brad & Briana on the right side)
[QUOTE]A friend of mine had a dollar amount cap at her wedding. When the bar total got close the venue told her mom or another responsible individual who made the call to close the open bar and go to cash or to up the amount. After the wedding she said this worked really well for them because they were able to control the amount without the guest really know.
Posted by brianabrad[/QUOTE
I attended a wedding where they capped and flipped to cash bar but we the guests had no idea we needed cash. It was a true cash bar, no cards accepted. My FI had to leave the reception and run to the bank and come back. He missed the beginning of dinner because the cap was met during cocktail hour. My advice would be to just keep your guests informed of plans. If they need to bring money, most don't mind but they want to know ahead of time.
I think it's much better to just serve beer and wine (and maybe a signature cocktail) all night than to have guests pay or use to tickets.