There is plenty of debate surrounding what kind of beverage bar to have at your wedding. From open to cash to DIY, brides and grooms can choose from a few different varieties.
Each option comes with its own pros and cons. Weigh the differences between these popular styles to figure out which bar is best for you.
The Open Bar
When planning your wedding menu, you want to add special touches to wow your guests. An open bar amplifies the feeling of being catered and taken care of all night. It’s often the first option couples think of, and it’s certainly the one wedding guests love the most. Friends and family don’t have to worry about carrying a wallet.
However, paying for everybody to drink is the costliest option. When guests don’t have to worry about paying the tab, they may indulge more than they usually would.
The Cash Bar
The cash bar has some pretty obvious benefits for the bride and groom, but the guests are likely to perceive it through a different lens.
Wedding planning advice always includes savvy money-saving tips. Couples can expect to save money when they aren’t shelling out for an open bar. You simply aren’t spending as much when you don’t have to pay for everybody. Money saved here can be put towards other aspects of the wedding, such as the dessert table or a live band. A cash bar makes it easy to stay in line with your costs.
While it might be fun to see Grandma enjoy her Chardonnay, the cash bar is worth the sacrifice if it ensures nobody loses control.
People often expect an open bar at weddings as well, so choose wisely.
A Limited Bar
Limited bars are exactly what they sound like: They feature a list of refined drinking options. They’re great for couples because they fit easier into the budget, while still allowing the bride and groom to pick traditional choices instead of supplying one brand of each liquor.
Different limited bars can be creative: Choose to serve a polished list of beers, wines, and a signature drink, with his and her options, or have a sangria bar for guests to mix themselves. These bars provide variety and give you a little more control over costs, without eating into your budget.
The downside is in the title: limited bars can be restrictive. You’ll always have that guest who only enjoys mixed drinks. Serving a signature drink can also be costly, as you’re now factoring in the individual ingredients and fees involved to make it.
All in all, the limited bar is often thought of as the “best of both worlds” option, where you can provide a cultivated selection that still looks sophisticated. This middle ground can be a combination of both open and cash bar or a mix of a few classic alcoholic beverages, guaranteeing there’s something for everyone.
Simple alcohol hacks can save you money on your wedding. Optimize your wedding budget and ensure you and your guests enjoy themselves.
