We're having an open bar at our Dinner & Dance reception?

Question

I am slightly worried that people might go overboard. The open bar comes with our wedding package and of course includes non-alcoholic drinks. Would it be rude to make an announcement at the beginning of the reception about people not going overboard. Something like "Out of respect for the reason we're all together, we ask you to please drink responsibly and don't overdo it." What does everyone think?

Answer 1

I dont think you should say anything, hopefully if anyone is looking like they might get out of control the bartender will cut them off(speaking of experience as a bartender) and hopefully whoever they came with will be their DD, also if you blocked rooms at a hotel make sure they either have a shuttle or you contact a car or cab service to take guests back. Congrats!!

Answer 2

I wouldn't. I would shut the bar during the meal however.

Most reception venues are under the same rules and regulations as bars and restaurants. They are liable if they serve drunk patrons and can be sued or lose their license. Instead I would caution the bartenders. Cut the bar at least a half hour before the reception ends.

Arrange to have transport available for questionable guests. Sometimes people hire church youth groups for a donation to take people and their cars home. Taxis, our hotel had a shuttle. Nothing can put a buzz kill quicker than a DUIL or even worse after a wedding reception.

Answer 3

We had an open bar as well, and I too was worried about people going overboard. Unfortunately, I don't think making any kind of announcement would be in good taste. But, before our wedding, I made sure that the bridal party and our parents knew of my concern, and asked them to keep an eye out for anyone who looked like they had too much. If they spotted anyone, they could quietly take them aside, and ask them to slow down. My event coordinator also asked the bartenders to monitor people who were making frequent trips to the bar, and make those drinks less strong. Thankfully, we only had a couple of people who overdid it, and by that time, it was near the end of the night, so it wasn't that big of a deal. But honestly, you will probably be too preoccupied on your wedding day to really notice what anyone else is doing!

Answer 4

Weddings have open bars all the time... i dont really see your extreme concern. Is there a certain family member or something that "overdoes" it?

It would seem weird/rude to have an annoucement- i mean.. were all adults here... you shouldnt have to tell people to not go overboard. If you do have in your family.. sounds like they have some issues they need to work out. I would personally take people aside that you are worried about and speak with them.

But if your going to do it regardless.. id atleast word it differently.. maybe just make it seem like you are concerned with drinking and driving...something in the program about please enjoy open bar wisely as we will be driving home type deal

But really.. im sad you even have to worry about this!

Answer 5

Speak with the bartender and make sure they keep a close watch on anyone that seems to be overdoing it. You can always shut down the bar at some point. Also check the laws in your area to see IF you are responsible should someone drink and drive and then hurt someone since it is your party.

Another thought is to make arrangements to have taxi cabs available for those that maybe too drunk to drive.

Answer 6

We placed one free drink cards (printed on business card stock) at each place at the tables. We also placed one bottle of red and one bottle of white wine at each table for six. People stayed under control very nicely. In the last 1/2 hour, some of the guys started buying and doing shots, but they weren't wasted. They all went out drinking afterwards which was fine. However, if you are dealing with people who are alcoholics or tend to party hard, perhaps having a limited bar, IE, wine ONLY, would be a good plan.

Answer 7

I think you just need to watch for individuals going overboard. If you think they are drinking too much just ask them kindly to stop. You shouldn't make an announcement before hand. That would be kind of tacky. You could also ask the bar tender to watch how much he serves. They are usually pretty good about it since they can be held responsible for any damages a drunk person does.

Answer 8

I'm not so sure that would be a good idea. It may offend some people. What I did was had open bar for wine, beer and soft drinks and all hard liquor had to be bought by the guests. It didn't turn out too bad, only a couple of people got really drunk and honestly they were funny drunk so it made it more memorable.

Answer 9

I would not have the open bar myself. You are correct to worry about it. There is always that one or two people who drink to much and ruin a good thing. It is your wedding and you should have total control over it. I don't think it is too much to ask that people control their drinking. Use poker chips or something like that and hand out 2 or 3 to each adult. They can use them as drink tokens, let the bartender know not to server anybody unless they have a token, or just tell the bartender not to serve anybody who appears drunk.

Answer 10

I think it sounds rude. Im a grown adult so dont' treat me like I'm 5. I totally understand where you are coming from that that would be like telling people "welcome to the wedding...don't forget to wash your hands because we dont' want to spread a cold" I know to wash my hands just like I know not to get toasted and drive. Give your guests some credit.

Three tips to lower the bar cost and the blood alcohol of guests is:

1. only serve beer and wine and a light signature cocktail during that period.

2. close the bar during dinner if it is sit down. People will use the drinks they already had and will concentrate on getting down food to soak up what they've drank

3. close the bar about an hour before the end of the reception (after you make your exit?) and serve a tea and coffee bar to sober people up. If it is during winter add something fun like cocoa.


If you can afford it have a few taxis on standby already, otherwise make sure that there is a responsible person who have a list of several companies for tipsy guests.

You can also consider having the bartender take keys and give them back later if you are really paraniod. It might be offensve and kinda strange to work out but you will have a clear concience.