Open or Cash Bar?

Over the past 18 years, I’ve entertained at many weddings with open bars as well as many weddings with cash bars. From my experience, weddings with cash bars (or limited time open bars) tend to be more enjoyable for the couple and the guests.

Here’s the deal – if you’re supplying the liquor, your guests will be more apt to overindulge.  That’s when folks tend to get really loud and obnoxious and start to ruin your event. When they have to pay for the drinks themselves, they’ll still have a good time but not get completely blitzed and annoy the rest of your guests.

If you’d still like to treat your guests to an open bar, do it during the cocktail hour but then switch to a cash bar after dinner is served.  Your guests will appreciate the gesture and your event won’t be ruined by Screamin’ Willy.