Most of us would love to offer our guests free drinks all day
long; so that they have a good time, we look generous, and skint guests
don't cry into their wallets the next morning... But there are
certainly a few downsides to a free bar, not least the expense for
whoever's paying
for it! This cost is on top of any drinks reception after the ceremony,
bottles of wine for the table, and a glass of bubbly for the toast.
However, even if you can find the money, are you really sure you want a
free bar? Cause for celebration?
Most wedding caterers will advise caution on the basis that your guests will get even more silly-drunk than they would anyway, and some people do go a bit daft when there's a free bar - it's kind of like going on an all-inclusive package holiday; you over-indulge just because you can! Getting a bit tipsy at weddings is par for the course, but it would be a shame if people got too lairy. Don't forget that if you're providing a decent amount of wine per table there's likely to be quite a bit left over after the meal, so it may be late into the evening before many guests even need to go to the bar.
No need for greed
There are a few ways to work a compromise solution, organising a bar that's somewhere between a free-for-all and a run of the mill pay bar. For example, you could put a tab behind the bar that kicks in either during the drinks reception or after dinner, up to a maximum that fits your budget. Guests will appreciate the gesture but won't go overboard, and certainly won't mind paying for a few rounds after the tab runs out. The latter option also means that the evening guests benefit too, after making an effort to be there for you. Just make sure bar staff don't allow doubles so it doesn't run out too quickly - there's no need for greed anyway!
Running the bar
If your caterers are running a cash bar for you - rather than guests simply buying from a hotel/venue bar - you could have them run it on a subsidised basis, where you bring your own alcohol and soft drinks in and the catering staff charge guests at cost price. Guests will love your low prices and you'll make some of the fee for running the bar back. If you are going for this option, try to negotiate a flat fee for running the bar as this will be cheaper than paying a set fee per bottle opened.
Cheap booze?
Another way to do it is have a normal paying bar in your venue, but arrange to buy in a few cases of wine and/or beer that's given away* - once all the free booze is gone guests will have to put their hands in their pockets. Although there are lots of different bar options, most couples go for the standard pay bar, which is totally acceptable of course. But do remember to warn guests if the bar prices are sky high - otherwise you'll have people nipping out to the carry-out shop instead of enjoying the merriment.
*This won't be possible at every venue
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