Raise your glasses and toast to the happy couple

Parsons Photography

The question is of course who is paying for the drink??

Cash bars are considered “tacky” because if you were to invite friends over for dinner, you would never charge them to have something to drink.  I see no issue in having a cash bar for the last hour, because this can help your guests slow down and start to take a break or switch to coffee.

Tab is one way to go; set a budget with the venue or caterer and when it is used up it is used up.  It can be a good way to keep a limit on what you spend on alcohol and keep you on budget.

Brooke Schumacher Photography

I’m personally a fan of the soft bar, which means offering beer & wine for the length of your event.  A few clients have added on one signature drink because it is in their budget.  Either way, a soft bar offers the open bar feel but without providing everything under the sun.  The truth is the majority of your guests drink wine and beer throughout the event anyway.  A soft bar can be the budget friendly choice.  One of our 2010 weddings offered beer options, red and white wine and a wonderful blueberry sangria. 

Then comes the great and grand open bar.  If it is in your budget, then I say go for it. 

One of the biggest budget eaters is the champagne toast, and over the years, I’ve yet to find a single wedding or event where every single glass of champagne is truly enjoyed. The best way to spend your champagne budget is to put it towards your tab or soft bar and let people toast with something they will enjoy drinking.

When it comes to it, there are plenty of ways to provide your guests with something to drink that won’t destroy your budget.  Consider having one less appetizer, pass on pew bows at the ceremony, and remember the little things that can add up to a big thing.