At my daughters wedding reception at a hotel,we plan on having open bar only during the cocktail hour. Is this common? Is it poor taste? This is what we can afford. The wedding is in the afternoon and the reception is in the evening.
2006-11-19 04:29:59 · 13 answers · asked by jan 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
To serve cocktails only during the cocktail hour is absolutely fine, as long as other beverages like punch (spiked or not) and soft drinks are available throughout the event.
If someone absolutely must have another cocktail after dinner, they can nip off to the hotel lounge and get one, but cutting off the free hard liquor when dinner is served is both economical and socially correct... besides that it serves to lower the risk of your guests overindulging and possibly driving drunk.
I must say this: Bless you and your sense of hospitality for not even asking if you could do a "no host" bar. To ask people to pay for their drinks at a private function is an abomination and I applaud you for not caving to the idea that it's okay since other people do it.
2006-11-19 04:45:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I echo what everyone else is saying about just having beer and wine, and not a full bar, and keeping it open throughout the reception. People don't expect a full bar at a wedding anyway. That way people will be able to get refills on their wine, beer, etc. Maybe have the bride and groom add a signature cocktail to the mix. That should be about the same cost as a full bar for cocktail hour only. Good luck!
2006-11-19 09:14:51 · answer #2 · answered by basketcase88 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Open bar at cocktail hour is enough; just be sure you have wine available on the tables or served during the reception. We did this and just made sure to let our friends and family know the cocktail hour was open and then it would be wine only, and trust me, everyone had enough liquor during the cocktail hour. An "open" bar during the reception that requires drink tickets is tacky in my opinion. From what I hear, most people go to weddings expecting to pay for their own drinks anyway, so to have anything free is a nice surprise for them.
2016-03-29 01:35:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had our wedding and reception at a banquet hall. Once the ceremony ended, while the groom and I were having pictures taken, we had an open bar for the cocktail hour only. During dinner we had bottles of wine on each table. The rest of the night people did have to pay for their own drinks, but by then most people were already intoxicated. No one complained about having to pay for their own booze, and no one got "over-the-top" drunk either. It's their wedding, they need to do what they want.
2006-11-19 04:49:40 · answer #4 · answered by KristinaRM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My understanding is that you're worried about being seen as cheap or tacky by not allowing people unlimited access to alcohol for the duration of the reception--right?
As long as your guests have access to something to drink--soft drinks, coffee & tea, whatever--for the entire evening, I think your plan sounds great. Weddings are expensive events, and you have to decide what your priorities are! Getting everybody toasted is not the point of the celebration.
Just to suggest another option, my husband and I had an "open bar" for the entire evening, but we only served beer and wine. It was a much cheaper option than having mixed drinks available, and it allowed us to keep the bar open longer.
2006-11-19 07:05:28 · answer #5 · answered by psych_donkey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not poor taste to have an open bar during the cocktail hour...however, it is poor taste to have a cash bar after the cocktail hour, during the actual reception. The two things that you really can't sut corners on is alcohol and a band (DJs just don't have the same effect).
2006-11-19 04:39:23 · answer #6 · answered by VAWeddingSpecialist 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't understand what the big deal is about having alcohol at a reception. I didn't have any and our guests and ourselves had a wonderful time.Weddings are about families and friends and sharing.If alcohol is absolutely necessary, then bring out champagne and let everyone toast the Bride and Groom at your expense. Then let "them "be responsible for any alcohol they want to consume.Just make sure that there is plenty of non-alcoholic refreshment at no charge. It also releases you from the financial liability of having served and impaired a driver. And everyone knows when someone else is paying, the drinking is always heavier. Best of luck, do what you think is best and your family and friends will respect your decision
2006-11-19 05:01:53 · answer #7 · answered by Rhea B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say poor taste. What happens when someone wants a refill during or after dinner? Will they walk to the bar and find it closed, or have to pay? I suggest cutting out hard spirits if you can't afford it and stick with beer/wine and possibly 1 signature cocktail. A full bar isn't mandatory.
2006-11-19 04:34:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have been to several weddings with the open bar at cocktail hour, and this was fine, but you should make arrangements for keg beer, coffee and soda for your guest's for the evening, and if your guest's choose to purchase mixed drinks they can pay for those.
2006-11-19 04:45:23 · answer #9 · answered by catywhumpass 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is fine to have an open bar before the supper. However, if what you are getting at is not having an open bar after supper and into the dance, that is not okay. That is where you do not skimp on money. A cash bar is not an option for a wedding.
2006-11-19 04:55:25 · answer #10 · answered by Lydia 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋