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Open Bar???

mbyembye
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in Wedding Reception Forum
Hello all!  My fiance and I have been in recovery for a number of years, so we don't drink.  So the question is, should we have an open bar?  I have mixed feelings about having an open bar and being in recovery.  On the other hand, I don't want to come off as being cheap.  Just wanted to get some other opinions.  Thanks!
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Re: Open Bar???

  • LasairionaLasairiona member
    500 Comments
    If you are (or have been) in recovery, I would actually be very shocked to see alcohol there. It's not required and if guests need it to have a good time and are not able to without it (hence the reason you probably went into recovery in the first place), then they are attending for the wrong reasons and have issues of their own. There is nothing improper, rude, cheap (or whatever description you want to add) about serving non-alcoholic options instead and you can be creative with them. I wouldn't have a cash bar option either because that is definitely rude. The argument I have heard is that you are not being proper hosts unless you serve alcohol. That is not true, nor does it make sense because you are extending your gracious hospitality with other beverage options. If someone doesn't like it, they don't have to attend and they can stay home.
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  • ffmaidffmaid
    1000 Comments
    Alcohol is never a requirement. However as a good hostess/host you should be thinking of what would make your guests happy. If your guests will expect alcohol provide alcohol. If not then less needed. dry Weddings or any other dry event are likely to end earlier have less dancing and less of a party vibe then those with alcohol. This is a simple truth. Perhaps you should consider something liek a midmorning brunch wedding with no alcohol but a neat coffee bar instead
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  • danieliza1127danieliza1127 member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    Alcohol is always your choice.  Most reception have it, but it doesn't make you cheap if you don't have it.  You just have to decide the type of reception you want.  I think in your situation, many of your guests would know you are in recovery and wouldn't expect alcohol anyway.If you want a party type reception with dancing and a DJ that lasts until midnight, you probably want to serve at least beer and wine.  If you don't really want that type of reception, that's cool too and just don't have a bar.  It's really all what you and your FI are most comfortable with.
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  • lyndausvilyndausvi mod
    Moderator Knottie Warrior 10000 Comments 500 Love Its
    If you are in recovery then I think it's up to you.  I would not be disappointed about going to a dry wedding knowing the couple was in recovery. That all said, I've been to a wedding of a couple recoverying and they had alcohol.  It's was a pleasant suprise for all of us and it was much appreciated.






    What differentiates an average host and a great host is anticipating unexpressed needs and wants of their guests.  Just because the want/need is not expressed, doesn't mean it wouldn't be appreciated. 
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  • C WC W
    500 Comments
    I went to a wedding last year where the B&G were recovering. I expected it to be dry, but they served wine with dinner and had a cash bar. I was surprised there was alcohol there, but the B&G were just considering their guests' preferences. I highly doubt anyone judged them for having a cash bar either.. I can understand being uncomfortable with the idea of open bar if you are recovering.
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