Open Bar Vs. Cash Bar: Zach the Beverage Guy Reigns Supreme

Prior to planning my own nuptials, I had never attended a wedding expecting an open bar. I kind of always hope there will be beer, wine and perhaps spirits for purchase, but in the rare occasion that a full on open bar is provided—I am legitimately surprised and grateful.

 The Seals at my cousin's wedding reception (Not only was it open bar—it was at a bar!)

When it came time to decide upon the type of bar that we would be providing at our own wedding, I'll admit I was a little naive. I figured, because I never expected free alcohol, that our guests would come to our reception with a pocket full of cash ready to purchase their own drinks—and was thus set on a cash bar.

Now, let me clarify for a moment here—I am by no means implying that having a cash bar (or no bar, for that matter) is naive, simply that my initial decision (without weighing all of the options) was such.

It was soon brought to my attention that asking guests to fly/drive out to San Francisco, pay for hotel accommodations, buy us a wedding gift and then purchase their own alcohol at a party for us was a decision at least worth thinking twice about.

So I did.

And I had a complete change of heart. I soon realized that, for me, having an open bar was something I really cared about. I've never hosted a party and expected guests to pay for refreshments before, so why start with our wedding? Plus, our families really do like to drink—paying for a bar service on their behalf would likely be a much better bargain than having them dish out "per drink" rates.

So I decided I would at least look into it and honestly, hive, I was really surprised by what I discovered. Our venue has only one preferred vendor when it comes to beverage catering (yeah, I didn't know "beverage caterers" existed either), which definitely initially scared me. What if their rates were outrageous? How much would it cost to buy them out and provide my own alcohol? How much is alcohol insurance?! I was a nervous wreck while I waited for the quote.

 

But then the clouds parted, a light shined down upon me and Zach the beverage guy (whom I've never met but imagine to look A LOT like Zeus) said, "HEY CRAZY FACE, YOU CAN TOTALLY AFFORD US! AND WE'RE AMAZING! BOOZE FOR ALL." (Ok, I paraphrased a bit, but you get the point.) I was even more surprised to learn that their "service only" (cash bar) option was only marginally cheaper than the full on open bar.

Background photo via EyeFetch/Photo of Zeus via Peperonity/Tastefully edited by me

(For full disclosure—our reception is scheduled to run from 5pm-12am, but we are closing the bar at 10. It's a bit of a compromise, but I figure five hours of gratis imbibing should do the trick, no?)

I know that the "Open Bar vs Cash Bar" debate can be a bit of a hot button topic and I want to make something clear—though Emily Post would have likely disagreed, I truly believe that each couple knows what works best for them. For example, not every family likes tequila as much as mine does and not every budget allows for five hours of free-flowing booze—definitely consider each option thoughtfully, but do only what you can.

OK. I'll get off my soap box now. Time for a drink.

What, if any, type of bar are you providing at your wedding? How did you come to make that decision?