appropriate wording for first hour open bar only

AlyssaC417 · February 2012

I wanted to make a sign to put on the bar to let people know that it was open bar for the first hour beer and wine only and then cash bar after. I will write what I put on the sign I designed and would love it if you guys could let me know if it is appropriate or not and if not another way to word it. Thank you in advance!

During Cocktail Hour

Open Bar

Beer and Wine only

cocktails may be purchased

cash bar following cocktail hour

MissOwl · February 2012

I would just like to politely mention that this may not be the best idea. Giving your guests something and then taking it away may not go over well. I went to a wedding like this last year and the guests griped the whole rest of the night 'i wish they wouldn't have teased us with that free hour' and other nasty things. i just don't want that to happen to you.

DirtyWater · February 2012

Where I'm from open bar for an hour is the norm. I've only been to two weddings that were open bar and both had less than 100 people. Nobody has ever put a sign up, but the bartenders just let the guests know at the time they go up for drinks and the parents of the couple will let the guests know as well.

I don't see anything wrong with it, but I'm also not a stickler or etiquette. I know my family wouldn't care.

adktd2boots · February 2012

Is it an open bar? Or is it just free beer and wine the first hour?

AlyssaC417 · February 2012

I guess technically it would be free beer and wine for the first hour. If when it came down to it I had some extra money I was going to do full open bar as it is only $2.00 more per person.

lbarr088 · February 2012

I think it is fine. Honestly, I think it would be rude for guests to complain and think it is tacky when there is an option for free alcohol at all. It isn't a tease IMO.

I would have your sign say something along the lines of

Cocktail Hour : Complimentary Beer and Wine

Guests can ask about cocktails if they would like. From what i mentioned I would assume that cocktails were not part of the "free" beverages. You can also mention that the rest of the reception is cash, however it might be implied from the sign for the cocktail hour.

mcmeghan311 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_september-2012-weddings_appropriate-wording-for-first-hour-open-bar-only?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:a464c18c-2e4d-469b-8eae-3865079cb9cfDiscussion:63b2ba03-d81f-4de8-8b7b-f8e8d529992aPost:053dc77b-3cce-4957-9b9f-1a145d39f7b6">Re: appropriate wording for first hour open bar only</a>:
[QUOTE] I would have your sign say something along the lines of Cocktail Hour : Complimentary Beer and Wine
Posted by lbarr088[/QUOTE]
<div>This. Saying "open bar" implies liquor is included, so saying "complimentary beer and wine" is more like saying "cash bar with free beer and wine" which is what it is. I would also definitely make it clear beforehand that it's a cash bar. Most people don't bring more than some singles to tip the bartenders, so unless your venue has a free ATM on-site, you should let them know ahead of time.

I don't think it's rude or tacky to have a free hour and then "take it away." It's better than nothing at least. I've been to a dry wedding before where I would have paid $10 for a shot of toilet whiskey (yeah, it was that awkward [for reasons that alcohol may not have helped]), so I think a cash bar is better than none at all and a free hour is better than cash all night. Just tell people ahead of time, they'll appreciate it :0)</div>

jessa1228 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_september-2012-weddings_appropriate-wording-for-first-hour-open-bar-only?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:a464c18c-2e4d-469b-8eae-3865079cb9cfDiscussion:63b2ba03-d81f-4de8-8b7b-f8e8d529992aPost:053dc77b-3cce-4957-9b9f-1a145d39f7b6">Re: appropriate wording for first hour open bar only</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it is fine. Honestly, I think it would be rude for guests to complain and think it is tacky when there is an option for free alcohol at all. It isn't a tease IMO. I would have your sign say something along the lines of Cocktail Hour : Complimentary Beer and Wine Guests can ask about cocktails if they would like. From what i mentioned I would assume that cocktails were not part of the "free" beverages. You can also mention that the rest of the reception is cash, however it might be implied from the sign for the cocktail hour.
Posted by lbarr088[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I agree with this. As long as I'm warned ahead of time of the circumstances and I can come prepared with cash, I'll be fine.

</div>

likeadeadstar · February 2012

By actual etiquette, it's kind of rude. The reception is a party to thank your guests for coming that you host. It's more formal than a BYOB BBQ. I know that regionally it differs place to place, but I have NEVER seen a cash bar and they are unheard of in my area and family. They're considered incredibly tacky. I'd also consider how many people are travelling a distance or paying for hotels. I know in my financial state, if I had to spend a ton of money to come and then a ton of money if I wanted to drink (and I would want to!), I'd be really annoyed, even if I understood tight finances. You know?

Ultimately, you make the right choice for you; I'm just offering that people might smile and nod and be okay with it to your face and grumble all night. I've been to weddings with beer and wine unlimited all night, cash everything else, and people COMPLAINED A LOT at the tables because lots of people don't like either. I love wine, so I was set, but my stepmother, aunt, uncle... all cranky because the wedding was waaaaaaay out of town for us all=$$$$$$ gas money and time and we wanted to unwind.

Also: I can't eat a lot once I start drinking, so having all the booze before dinner etc. would mean someone like me would have a single glass of wine maybe? Most people don't really start drinking til after dinner...

If you can find the space to fund beer and wine for even a couple of hours, try and do so. You'll have happier people.

So long-winded, but I had to play devil's advocate and give you the flipside to consider (and reject if you wish!)

As for the sign, put the info on your wedding website in advance, and let the bartenders handle it, or a simple "Beer and wine unlimited until Xpm" Keep it brief and less confusing.

bridezillatobe2009 · February 2012

this is wierd to me, I wouldn't have a sign at all and just have the bartender explain.

However where I come from $2 drinks or toonie (our $2 coin) is the norm with either wine on the tables or passed wine.

HOWEVER, if it were only $2 more a person we would do an open bar in a HEARTBEAT without thinking. Drinks here are $6/person so even though we are having the toonie bar FI and I are still paying $4 on every drink (not person) which could add up to THOUSANDS of dollars

appropriate wording for first hour open bar only

Re: appropriate wording for first hour open bar only

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