We plan on serving alcohol at the reception. Beer and wine only. We were going to pre pay for 4 hours for all the guests but then realized that alot of our guests may not drink alcohol and we would hate to waste money. I don't want it to be open bar because that could run up a big tab. The hall suggested that we paid by consumption. That seemed like the best idea but I would hate for some of the guests to drink up enough for them and the ones who don't drink...lol. The last thing I need is to have a FAT bill waiting on me after the reception. I do not need to worry about paying anything on or after my wedding night. Would it be tacky if we pre paid for a couple of drinks for all the guests and gave out drink tickets to the guests to give to the bartender to redeem their free drinks? If they want add'l drinks then they can purchase them. Also,whomever didn't want their tickets could give them to someone else who would use them. Tacky??????
We plan on serving alcohol at the reception. Beer and wine only. We were going to pre pay for 4 hours for all the guests but then realized that alot of our guests may not drink alcohol and we would hate to waste money. I don't want it to be open bar because that could run up a big tab. The hall suggested that we paid by consumption. That seemed like the best idea but I would hate for some of the guests to drink up enough for them and the ones who don't drink...lol. The last thing I need is to have a FAT bill waiting on me after the reception. I do not need to worry about paying anything on or after my wedding night. Would it be tacky if we pre paid for a couple of drinks for all the guests and gave out drink tickets to the guests to give to the bartender to redeem their free drinks? If they want add'l drinks then they can purchase them. Also,whomever didn't want their tickets could give them to someone else who would use them. Tacky??????
Dilemma. Tickets are not the coolest way to ration out the beverages. We all have that one uncle who will try to consume every last drop. And no one want a bill when it's all over. What about an open bar for a couple of hours, moderate lables not top shelf alcohol.
Living my life like it's GOLDEN!!
I was thinking about doing 2 hours of unlimited consumption. Then it can be a cash bar after that. I hope this works:) Thanks!
Great idea to have the 2 hr limit on the open barhoney404: A cash bar is fine and not tacky at all. Also consider having all soft drinks prepaid or simply offer punch at no charge for the non-drinking guests and let the others buy alcoholic drinks at a reduced rate. In other words, arrange a split bar. If the regular rate is $6 a martini then you only charge $3.00. Have someone you trust at the bar to count or moniter how many drinks are actually sold. Even your caterer may try to steal a few extra bucks!
Get social and fan us on http://www.facebook.com/Vibrantbride] Facebook.
Here is an article that will really help you out: The Bar Scene
Get social and fan us on http://www.facebook.com/Vibrantbride] Facebook.
I have been looking at different options to keep the alcohol bill down. You can have a tab bar with a set amount and after that close the bar or have it turn into a cash bar. For example, say you want to pay for $500 worth of drinks. Once the tab reaches that amount request that the bartender notifies you and turn it into a cash bar or close it. That way there will not be unexpected expenses. Many people I talked to were willing to do this, so your site probably will.
Good lookin' out, leasarb! That is an awesome idea.
Get social and fan us on http://www.facebook.com/Vibrantbride] Facebook.
Thanks for all of your suggestions. I opted to prepay for all the non alcoholic beverages and the champagne toast. I will be having a cash bar. Whew! There goes that headache.
Good idea!! Very good idea, I'm gonna keep that one in mind.
The "tab bar" is a great idea! I'm new to the site but I was compelled to respond to the cash bar. It is never acceptable to ask your guest to pay for their drinks. It's just tacky and they do talk about you when it's all over. If you cant afford a steep bar bill, it's better not to have it at all or pay a certain amount upfront and cut it off at that amount. Would you ask you "guest" to pay for their meal? It's the same thing. It's a hard decision to make cause it cost sooooo much money these days to get married! Good Luck
Saran, I firmly disagree with your statement. It is not tacky to have a cash bar,in fact it is rather common. Asking my guests to pay for their own meals would be tacky and can not be considered the same as asking them to purchase their own alcohol. That was a terrible analogy. Fortunately, I do not have the kind of people in my circle that value alcohol more so than the union between my fiance and I. I do agree the weddings can be costly especially when you are caught up in making sure your "guests" do not talk about you. If people want to talk....they will talk regardless of the situation. Thanks for your input, however I will not be giving it a second thought.