Open Bar

MrsBad13

I think I might of asked this before I cant  remember...

As of now I only want to do 2 hours of open bar. 1 hour for cocktail and 1hour after dinner with the an hour of cash bar. I know what etiquette says but hey at least Im giving you 2 hours.  Cocktail hour is from 430 to 530 Dinner is from 6 to 7 and then the 2nd hour of open bar is from 7 to 8, reception is ending at 10p. So I figure from 8 to 930 930 being last call  ppl could have a cash bar  option if they want to continue drinking. 

Would you leave at 8 when the liquor is cut off or would you be cool and stay for the remander of the dancing ? How should I let the bar tender advise ppl its a cash bar after 8 ? 

I just went to a wedding recently and I noticed ppl was leaving their drinks half full on the table, not finishing, I dont want to spend more than I have to for fools to get drunk and show out. 

RanyattaCasey

I am doing two h ours of open bar as well and then I am doing cash bar. I was hoping I could close my bar during dinner and then have it open one hour for the reception and then cash bar for the rest.  I wanted to just do tea and juice on the tables but the venue said they still have to pay the bartenders during that hour so oh well.  What I am telling my friends to do is to just get all the drinks you can and just put them on the table when it is open bar and then they will have drinks for the reception.  I wouldnt leave though. Alcohol is not the only thing that makes a party fun. I feel like as long as they are having a good time they will stay. That is where your music and entertainment come in.  If you do cash bar afte a certain time then people will be less likely to be shonuf show out.  Hey it is what it is. My budget does not allow me to have open bar for the whole time so if they leave its all good. All I need is me and my baby.

shano06

We're doing something similar. We're putting a $500 tab on the bar and then when it runs out, we're doing a cash bar. I wouldn't leave when the alcohol stop being free, you pay for drinks at the club don't you, you can pay here. Two hours is enough to get your buzz. You can always make a sign, like a bar menu stating that its open bar, whether its top shelf or premium, the alcohol choices and then say the times the bar is open. Put the sign on the bar. Big enough for people to read, or some on the tables.

MrsBad13

Ok..(wipes forehead) so I dont have to feel bad about the cash bar. By going this route  Im saving $7 pp and its top shelf liquor ! 

RanyattaCasey

Well my philosophy is...Im paying so you'rs staying....sike Im just kidding, but I feel like if they came all the way out the the wedding they came to support you and not just for the free liquor....well most of them anyway.

[Deleted User]

Would you leave at 8 when the liquor is cut off or would you be cool and stay for the remander of the dancing ? How should I let the bar tender advise ppl its a cash bar after 8 ?

it may make a difference how you feel about this if your open bar is based on consumption or it's a flat charge but if it's flat, I'd actually have the bartender state this as early as possible, which answers part I of your question - I wouldn't leave when the bar closed, but knowing that it's about to turn cash, I'd start hoarding ice-less cocktails at 7 so when the clock struck 8:01 all i'd need was a bucket of ice.  And I'm a cheap drunk, I really don't ever make it past 2 but I also don't bring money to weddings. 

keyaira04

I would not feel bad. We were doing cash bar at one point. You are providing an open bar at some point. 

Anjee23

I think it's fine just how you have it!! I would hope your guests would stay whether there's drinks or not, because they're there for you! I'm starting to feel bad...I see everyone is at least offering the drink bar for a period of time. I'm covering everything except the liquor. But, the only reason for that is because it's not in the finances right now. However if we get the extra finances before July we'll have an open bar. I'm giving my the ladies garters with a shot bottle pocket in them. LOL!!!!

M1ssJ

Honestly..... Why not have the bar open for 30 minutes during cocktail hour and 1.5 hours after dinner when the party is happening. I would just cut off the liquor after that and have the DJ announce last call. I just hate cash bars but thats my personal opinion. When I know its last call I get 3 drinks , no ice, take a shot and head to the dance floor.

I would also make it clear to the waitstaff not to clear half empty glasses

rb1734a

I'd be really embarassed if I went up to the bar to get another drink and then they handed me a bill-if I'd been drinking for free for 2 hours before that, I wouldn't think to bring cash up with me.  What about just serving beer and wine and keeping the bar open the whole night?  

MrsBad13

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_open-bar?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:0860b7d6-5339-4f58-b156-2dfe73140de5Post:7e2dbe13-cfef-40de-9403-d35f3a659745">Re: Open Bar</a>:
[QUOTE]Honestly.....<strong> Why not have the bar open for 30 minutes during cocktail hour and 1.5</strong> hours after dinner when the party is happening. I would just cut off the liquor after that and have the DJ announce last call. I just hate cash bars but thats my personal opinion.<strong> When I know its last call I get 3 drinks , no ice, take a shot and head to the dance floor</strong>. I would also make it clear to the waitstaff not to clear half empty glasses
Posted by M1ssJ[/QUOTE]
 I didnt think of this..that is very well an option. Thanks for te suggestions M1SSJ.<div>
</div><div>Right..thats what Im saying..thanks girly !
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