Open Bar Question- Opinions Needes

tb583

I am going back and forth trying to decide if I want to pay an extra hour to keep the bar open during dinner or close the bar during dinner and provide wine service.I am leaning towards keeping the bar open and passing on the wine service, mostly because I attended a wedding at my venue last year and my friend's huband is diabetic and couldn't even get a Diet Coke until the bar opened after dinner.  If you were attending which would you prefer, open bar during dinner (but you would have to get your own drinks) or wine service during dinner?  Thanks!

fejesmk

i would rather get up and get a drink.

EABinkholder

open bar. That gives guests an option instead of wine only. ALso, for non-drinkers, it is a better option IMO.

mindiosu

We just went to a wedding in Chicago last weekend and they did wine service during dinner. I liked it better because we were getting up for food (they did stations and it was awesome!) and it was nice that every time I sat back down my wine glass and water glass were full.  To carry a plate of food and a glass would have been tricky.  The opening of the bar signals the start of the party. And, I think it's an easy way to save, IF you are tryign to save.

tb583

We are having a seated dinner so I am not concerned about guests having to juggle a plate and a drink.Also, the venue coordinator I have been working with has said that she can add an extra hour to the open bar for half the cost of adding wine service.

rschuckman

I'd personally prefer and open bar!

jiml

I say go the cheaper route!!! We are having an open bar our whole reception except for dinner. Actually I think they are closing the bar down for dinner except for coke, water, coffee, tea I went to another wedding that did this and it was fine. The bartenders told people to get their drink... or two for dinner and there weren't any problems. It's only 45 minutes... I'm sure people can go without a mixed drink right? lol

hrparker

Personally, I'd go with the wine pour during dinner and close the bar.Our venue actually suggested (not demanded) that we do this, mainly because having guests up during the dinner service just creates a little too much drama with servers trying to serve dinner, and speeches being given, etc.  Your service will go much more quickly if your servers aren't also dancing around people up and moving about searching for drinks.  I'm really shocked that your coordinator told you the open bar would be less expensive as wines for a wine pour are generally a lot less expensive than the mixed drinks that people would be ordering at the bar.Our bartenders informed guests that the bar would be closing for dinner, so most guests who wanted a mixed or other drink for dinner got one to take with them to their seats.  Servers then went around with bottles of red and white and carafes of water to refill glasses throughout dinner.Also, not to sound too snarky, but if your guests can't survive the 45 minutes or so with wine and water instead of a mixed drink, beer, or soda, I'm  kind of giving them the side eye.

Future.Mrs.Shawty

Well, why are you even questioning if keeping the bar open is CHEAPER!  Do that. I, as a guest, wouldn't care either way.  But honestly like not having to get up and get my own drink during dinner.

jerobe4

Keep the bar open for sure. That is what we did. It was a much better idea I think!

mamao2b

I say if it's cheaper, keep it open! I see where keeping everyone seated would be less chaotic, but if someone is a non-drinker and wants a soda, they should be able to get it.