going ahead with an open bar that will turn into a cash bar after the amount is completed

I wouldn't do this. This is considered rude to your guests. If you can't afford a full open bar for the whole night, just do beer and wine.

I agree with Elizabeth - it's fine to do unlimited beer and wine!

I have went back and forth about this one for awhile. My FH and I drink some, and so do our friends, but the majority of our family doesn't drink. It never made sense to pay per person for unlimited alcohol, since only a fraction of our guests will drink. On the other hand, I don't want to make my guests pay for drinks. Our venue also charges the same price for well drinks as it does wine, so that doesn't really cut costs either.

I think you just have to do what works for you. Your guests should be happy to celebrate with you no matter what.

Whatever works for you and your budget is what you should do. I'm sure your guests will appreciate it. The most important thing is celebrating the both of you and having a great time.

Honestly after cocktail hour a bunch of people might not drink that much, especially after eating. How to handle the bar varies by region so if it fits your budget and works then it sounds like a good plan to me.

We are doing something similar. We're buying a half keg and a spiked punch and when those run out or for any other drinks it will be a cash bar. I don't think it's rude to not supply alcohol all night. It can be expensive especially if you're paying for the wedding yourself.

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We are doing Beer, Wine and Soda and then it will turn into a Cash Bar.

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We are just $660.00 worth

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Yeah we are having about 62-65 guest and paying $660.00 for the Bar.

View Quoted Comment We have double that coming. If we did more it would cost us thousands!

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The drinks run about $6.50 for the Wine and $4-$5 for the beer and $3 for soft drinks. We already paid for the Champagne Toast.

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Thanks Tara, They should be fine the reception is not that long. So I figure its enough.

View Quoted Comment I agree with you, the couple shouldn’t feel obligated to buy a bunch of alcohol for everyone. It also helps budget a bit better, or you never know what the bill will be like by the end of the night. I like your idea of the specialty drinks!

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They do not do unlimited Bar and Wine you have to pay for how ever much you want.

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Yeah, they have to pay for their hard liquor because I want them TURNT UP but not ALL THE WAY TURNT UP! LOL $660.00 it still a lot of alcohol that's 101 beers or wines and our guest count is already at 63-65 and it states that 20% may not show so that will take it down to 45-50 ppl. Plus some people may have their own drinks to sneak in. The weddings I been to they had their own drinks and the wedding I was in I brought my own.

I'm doing the same, I'm having a bar that reverts to a cash bar after a certain limit. I always see comments on here that believes that is rude, tbh if you're coming to my wedding only to drink then you don't need to be there, period. Do what works best for you love