Can't afford open bar... Help!

mariakosmatos · February 2010

Hi there..

I think that you shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You do what you can. If what you can do is offer beer and wine during the dinner and for a few hours after then great. I'm sure that everyone attending would know that if you could do more, you would. Also, I don't think it's tacky at all having a cash bar for liquor or for later on in the evening when your limit has been set. I think guests would rather have the option of buying alcohol than having the party end early. Remember the guests at your wedding aren't strangers. They are your closest friends and family who love you and are happy to be part of your special day. If any of them think you are being tacky then they probably shouldn't be there anyway!

Hope that helped!

Srasotasunshine · February 2010

We had the same issue. However, we decided that we would like a venue that does not have a liquor license but allows us to use our caterer's liquor lisence and bartenders. Our Caterer is allowing us to bring our own alcohol. So we are off the the wholesale club to stock up (the event planner has a calculator to determine how much alcohol and what kinds we need). The best part is we can return (or keep!) any of the unopened alcohol. This is a great way to spend less money and have hard liquor at your wedding.

If this is not an option for you I agree that Beer and wine is sufficient. No worries about the liquor. if anyone is missing it then they may need to take a self-inventory;-)

lastly, I went to a wedding this past sumer that was open bar for cocktail hour only and then it was cash bar for beer and wine. i had no cash and many of the other quests did not either...and I have to say it was tacky:-/

hollydavid · February 2010

Hello,
I agree with this. Having been born in Ohio and raised in Massachusetts I see both sides. We live and will be married in Ohio and my fiance who was raised in Mass doesn't understand the open bar concept. His daughter had her wedding in Vermont and had the open bar cocktail hour and cash bar after that. That is perfectly acceptable. As is the wine and beer.

It is your wedding and whatever you choose your family and friends are there to celebrate your marriage. They will love you and your wedding. So do it your way and don't worry. God Bless you.

cesfg4 · February 2010

We can't afford an open bar either, but our caterer had a great solution for us. We put down the final amount we want to pay for liquor $100 - $1000+ whatever you want to spend/can afford. After your guests drink that up, the bar changes to a cash bar. This way your budget is set, everyone has the opportunity to get a drink at the beginning of the night, and then once your budget is reached if your frends/fam still want a drink they can pay out of pocket. You won't go over on you budget this way either. It was a great solution for us!

Rhoyal_1 · February 2010

I think what you have decided is fine. The bottom line is are you and FI okay with the decision. FI and I are having open bar the entire time but have reduced the four course meal to three and end up saving $3 per person. However, I like the idea of skipping the champagne toast since we are having open bar...I will look into that. GL

KMB611 · February 2010

We opted not to have any alcohol at our reception at all because neither of us are into drinking. We are telling people ahead of time and if they don't like it then they don't have to come. Our parents agree. You have to do what's best for you and what you're comfortable with doing. If people don't like it then 'oh well'.

SarahPLiz · February 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_cant-afford-open-bar-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:7d11b4ea-a34f-4143-99a7-5ec02c5bf013Post:2031ecc2-c1fe-4169-9c79-bb4085f98701">Re: Can't afford open bar... Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]We are also serving beer and wine only (a light and darker beer, a white and a red wine) and not having any option for hard liquor. This saved us over $4/person for alcohol. Which is a lot to me. Talk to your venue about serving beer & wine (& soda) only throughout your entire reception, and not having hard liquor available. It will likely keep your costs way down, and also insure you reach your minimum.
Posted by Pirata13[/QUOTE]
We are doing exactly this, with local beers and wines to keep it interesting. My dad has offerred to bring 3 bottles of his favorite scotch, but that will be the only liquor available. Most of our guests are also fine with just wine and beer, so I don't think they will be dissatisfied with the liquor situation.

I say host whatever you can afford for the whole night. Whatever you decide to host, do it for as long as you can.

Can't afford open bar... Help!

Re: Can't afford open bar... Help!

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