Bar closes half hour before official end...

Kauris · December 2013

Is this weird or normal? My venue told me that the bar will close about a half hour before our official end time, she said that is when we go up and prepare to make our exit, because they do our exit about 15 minutes before the official end time. Do I need to extend the bar until it's officially over? (We will be serving beer/wine/champagne as it's a brunch wedding. I was just reading through the cash bar discussion and want to make sure that this is okay, because we will have had the (limited) bar open for four hours by that time...

And while I'm posting, should I just go for the full bar? We were thinking of doing a Bloody Mary bar in addition to the limited bar. I wasn't sure if it's worth it to go full bar since we are having it during the day. I don't mind and have the budget for either. Would like your opinions, please.

Inkdancer · December 2013

I don't see anything wrong with having a last call half an hour before closing. Things will be winding down and you will be preparing to leave, so it should be fine.

Having a full bar at a brunch seems a little over-the-top to me. It certainly isn't necessary.

melbelleup · December 2013

i think beer/wine/champagne is fine. might want to add mimosa's i'd rather have those than bloody mary. I also think the bar closing 1/2 hour early is fine as well, since you'll be leaving 15 mins into it. It's more or less a half hour for your guests to get their butts out the door.

s-aries8990 · December 2013

I think that it's normal for the bar to close 30 minutes prior to the end of the event - it's been like that at every "outsourced" event I've been to (as in something at a hall, hotel, etc). It probably has to do with liability, etc. Just put a note on the bar that it closes 30 minutes before the end of the reception.

In regard to the full bar, I think it's more of a "know your crowd" thing. In my circle, I think beer/wine/champagne/bloody mary would be fine for a brunch, but I'd need a full bar for an evening. I DO think that if possible, you should totally go with a bloody mary bar, and while you're at it, see if you can do a mimosa bar (since you're already serving champagne).

photokitty · December 2013

Some venues require the bar to close before the end of the reception, sort of like last call at a bar. I don't think there is anything wrong with shutting the bar down 30 mins before the lights go on.

I'd agree with @melbelleup, I'd prefer Mimosas for Bloody Mary's. Or maybe a Bay Breeze or Screw driver if you want something with vodka. What are you serving? Bloody Mary's are good, but heavy.

Emmy1493 · December 2013

It's normal. Our venue is doing it. Maybe it has something to do with closing it down earlier so they can leave sooner but I am not sure.My first thought might have been they didn't want them taking drinks with them as they were leaving, but I doubt that would happen either way since it would be illegal having open container on the streets, etc.

smalfrie19 · December 2013

We are planning on closing the bar a half hour before as well. I don't see any problem with it.

phira · December 2013

It's very normal for the bar to close 30 minutes before the end of the reception. Our venue requires it, and prohibits a last call (to avoid a last minute rush on the bar and people getting REALLY drunk right at the end of the night).

Jen4948 · December 2013

It's normal for bars to close some 30 minutes before the official end of the reception. I wouldn't worry about it.

A limited bar for a brunch reception makes sense.

climbingsingle · December 2013

It's normal. My venue is doing it. And I'm pretty sure about 90% of the weddings I've attended had the bar close before the actual end of the reception.

audubonbride2013 · December 2013

melbelleup suggestion of a mimosa.

PrettyGirlLost · December 2013

kasmith1 said:

Is this weird or normal? My venue told me that the bar will close about a half hour before our official end time, she said that is when we go up and prepare to make our exit, because they do our exit about 15 minutes before the official end time. Do I need to extend the bar until it's officially over? (We will be serving beer/wine/champagne as it's a brunch wedding. I was just reading through the cash bar discussion and want to make sure that this is okay, because we will have had the (limited) bar open for four hours by that time...

And while I'm posting, should I just go for the full bar? We were thinking of doing a Bloody Mary bar in addition to the limited bar. I wasn't sure if it's worth it to go full bar since we are having it during the day. I don't mind and have the budget for either. Would like your opinions, please.

That's pretty standard. If you can host a full open bar, I'd go with that. I personally don't like Bloody Marys but would be happy to drink another cocktail provided your reception isn't at 11am.

KatWAG · December 2013

While I love a good bloody mary bar, I dont think its neccessary. Wait until you are closer to your wedding date, if you have extra space in your budget. Then add it. If you dont, then no problem.

majesty318 · December 2013

Another option - can you do the beer/ wine/ champagne/ mimosas and then a consumption bar for other drinks? Since you said you have the budget for open bar, but also since people would not make as much use of it as at an evening wedding, you could offer the limited stuff but then have a tab for any other drinks that are consumed. It would probably be less expensive than a full open bar but would still make people happy who might want other drinks. And I mean you & FI would pay the tab, clearly not a cash bar.

dramamonkey · December 2013

Mine closed early....or was supposed to....no one noticed.

misssunshine17 · December 2013

I think mine closed early? I second mimosas. I think you could do open if you're paying by consumption. Paying open bar prices for early day seems like a huge waste of money.

Kauris · December 2013

@majesty318 that is a great idea, I will see if that is an option. (I would like to add, I would never think of having a cash bar of any sort.) And, of course, mimosas are a given. Our reception starts at 11:30 a.m. and at that point I fully intend on having a mimosa in hand!

We are doing a brunch wedding, so waffles, potato something, omelet station, eggs Benedict, migas, etc. We will have lots of fresh juices to go with the champagne, I was even thinking a signature drink (French 75 or Kir Royale). But I think the consumption option is the best idea.

Lored · December 2013

I think if you are going to close it, not a big deal. Just do not announce it! If there is an announcement, people will panic and rush the bar. No need to announce anything at all. People are ver intelligent and will figure it out.

Blue & White · December 2013

Ours is closing a half hour early and it's a state law apparently so we couldn't extend it even if we wanted to. I'm fine with that.

tabathafaye · December 2013

We are planning to close ours 30 min to 1 hr before our "end time."

csuave · December 2013

It think your bar plans are great. Anything additional is not necessary but could upgrade the experience for your guests. A bloody mary bar would be a classy, nice touch. Maybe there is also the option to upgrade the non alcholic drinks? Gourmet coffee options with lattes and stuff would be really cool.

kgd7357 · December 2013

I love bloody marys, but would be just as happy with mimosas/a champagne and juice bar. I would save the money. I almost always see a last call around 30 min before the end of the reception. Not going to lie, I usually get two drinks about then...

kitty8403 · December 2013

As far as what to serve goes, I think it depends on the guest list. Mimosas are simple, quick, and more popular with female drinkers in my circle. If you expect a lot of men, I'd add the Bloody Marys. It's a more savory element. And since you'll already have the vodka and juice, why not offer screwdrivers?

chiualover · December 2013

Please have Bloody Marys available, it is a brunch staple.

lyndausvi · December 2013

In my experience, more people drink bloody's than mimosas. Of course, that is not a hard core rule you need to know your crowd. I find there are more vodka drinkers than champagne drinkers in general from bartending. Especially when it comes to men.

Ending 30 minutes early is pretty standard.

Bar closes half hour before official end...

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