Is a 6 hour open bar too long for our reception???

Question

Our reception comes with a 6 hour open bar... and the price per head does not change if we reduce the open bar time. My only concern is if this is way too long for alcohol and will people be falling all over the place?!? I want everyone to have a good time and party with us all night... but is this okay??

Answer 1

Close the bar during the meal.

Most venues are under the same liquor laws as bars and restaurants. They can and should be sued if they are serving drunk guests or minors.

I would suggest having designated drivers. Often this could be your church youth group members for a donation. A taxi service on call is another good idea. We had a trolley drive our guests to the hotel after the reception shut down. Actually they drove around most of the evening. Smart idea to be concerned about it.

Answer 2

That would be 1 hour for the cocktail reception and 5 hrs for the actual recepton correct? I think thats fine. I personally dont like when the bar closes during the dinner hour, thats usually the time when people need drinks, while they're eating and I have never understood this practice.

I think you will be ok, I've never actually seen anyone wasted at a reception aside from mine and we only had a 2 1/2 hr wine and champagne reception, so people, if they are going to get lousy will do it no matter how long the bar is open. But most people will be dignified and appreciate that you will be serving throughout the party. I would suggest that if you want to cut out some of the drinking you do it about 1/2 hr before the reception ends, this way people will have some time to sober up for the drive home. Serving soda and coffee in that time frame is not a bad idea.

Answer 3

Sure is OK. you should have the bar open for as long as the reception is going on. Why is your reception 6 hours anyway? Usually it is 5 - a cocktail hour and a 4 hour party. I had 5 hours of open bar and everyone had a great time. No one was incredibly drunk and no one drove home drunk. People were prepared with designated drivers, hotel rooms, and hired cars. Stopping the open bar in the middle is stupid. If you stop it, people will just walk away from the bar with 2 and 3 drinks to carry through to when the bar opens again. Plus it doesn't make sense to close it during dinner, when people drink wine or beer with their meal.

Answer 4

I honestly can't imagine having an open bar at all. I know that some people have come to expect this at a wedding, but honestly, this is only their own personal greed that causes it. I have NEVER been to a wedding where a full open bar was offered, and I would never EXPECT anyone to have an open bar. The same group of people would probably be thrilled to come to a BYOB party at your home...the fact that they have different expectations just because this is a wedding is just poor manners on their part. The added fact that they'd be ready to sue me when they get a DUI is just beyond comprehension, if you ask me.

Okay, I'm done ranting.

The wedding coordinator that I'm working with for my daughter's wedding suggests that most people will stop themselves at 3 or 4 drinks, regardless of how much time they are given to drink it in. Also, I think it's fairly easy to close down the bar at any time during the evening, if it looks as if folks are getting out of hand.

Answer 5

Sounds long to me. Remember, as long as they are pouring drinks and it's free, people will keep drinking. Put a couple bottles of wine on each table for dinner, and go for a few hours of open bar at the beginning of the reception, but close it down during dinner and dancing so people can sober up. If they want to continue the drinking they can go to a bar afterwards. Remember the drunks will have a good time, but everyone else might not enjoy the drunk's excesses.

Answer 6

No, it's not too long because you spread it out a bit. You would have it open for cocktails, for example from 5:30 to 6:30, then the bar would be closed for dinner, which would go from 6:30 til about 8. Then it would re-open for the dance, which you could have go til 1. Just a timeline example, but it's just about right.
You don't need to worry about people drinking too much - that's why there are laws and why you need to be serving food (eg. light lunch halfway through the dance), and that's what professional bartenders are for!

Answer 7

It seems kind of long to me. I would expect the bar to close before the reception is over so people can sober up before driving.

Answer 8

Six hours is too long for a reception, let alone an open bar. Who the heck wants to stay that long?

Yes, I think you should cut it back to four hours. People tend to lose control at weddings, and you want to make sure your guests arrive home safely. Leaving the last 2 hours of this looonggg reception "dry" will help people sober up. Offer bread and snacky foods at the end, along with sodas and plenty of water. That way you'll get to have some conversations that actually make sense, people who can actually stand up to dance, and the peace of mind knowing your guests will get home in one piece!

Congrats, and good luck!

Answer 9

Standard is 5 hours. Whether people get drunk depends on the crowd. Someone who wants to get drunk will no matter how long the bar is open for.

Answer 10

frankly its best to limit the open bar to 4 hours.and no drinking during the meal .make sure there is someone to check id because you are responsible for under age drinkers and no one drives that is drunk or has been drinking you could be held responsible if they were in an accident.if they don't like it too bad its your wedding not a free for all drunk fest! congratulations and good luck.