Open bar vs Cash bar
Okay, so let’s talk drinks
Because apparently, there are types of bars and you have to pick one.
And this little decision actually makes a big difference on your guests’ vibe, your budget, and how wild the dance floor gets.
So let's talk about it...
Open Bar
An open bar is basically the “all drinks are free” option.
Guests can go up and order whatever they want - cocktails, wine, shots, beer etc ...and they don’t have to pay for anything.
You cover the cost.
That’s the main thing to know: it’s free for your guests, but not for you.
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Venues usually charge for an open bar in one of two ways:
Either a flat rate per guest (like $40 per person) or
Based on how much people actually drink
So, if you’re having 150 guests and the price is per person… yeah, the bill is going to be largeee.
But you can see why people love it.
Everyone feels taken care of, no one has to pull out their wallet, and the overall vibe is just relaxed...cos no one is thinking about money
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The only downside is the cost.
It’s easily one of the priciest parts of a wedding.
And honestly sometimes, people drink more than they normally would just because it’s free - which can lead to waste or some… interesting dance floor moments.
So it's great if you have room in your budget or if hosting that full experience matters a lot to you.
Cash Bar
A cash bar is the exact opposite.
Guests pay for their own drinks ...so you’re not covering anything.
They walk up, order what they want, and pay right there, like at a regular bar.
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It’s definitely the easiest for your budget.
And a lot of couples go for this when they want to keep things simple or if alcohol just isn’t a big part of their celebration.
The only thing with a cash bar is that it changes the energy a little bit.
It’s not a bad thing, but guests might drink less or skip it completely ...especially if they weren’t expecting to pay.
That’s why communication really matters here.
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So if you’re doing a cash bar, it’s best to mention it somewhere (...maybe on your wedding website or a small sign at the reception.)
Just a simple “cash bar available” is fine.
And if you want to make it a bit more thoughtful, you can cover one drink, like a welcome cocktail when they arrive, or a champagne toast.
It still feels nice and intentional without the full cost of an open bar.
So yeah, cash bar is the easiest on your budget, but less “wow” factor.
...Which is fine, especially if you’re planning your wedding on your own and trying to stay practical about where the money goes.
The Middle Ground - Limited Bar
I can kind off alluded it in cash bar.
But this is my favorite ...cos it's like a middle ground.
A Limited bar means you’re offering free drinks, but with some boundaries.
...So you’re still treating your guests, but you control what’s included.
You can do it a few ways:
Offer only beer, wine, and one or two signature cocktails (like “his and hers” drinks).
Keep it open for a few hours, then switch to cash bar after.
Or cap it at a certain spending limit - for example, you tell the bartender to keep it open until it reaches a set amount.
One of the reason i like this option so much is because ...it gives you flexibility.
Guests still feel like they’re being hosted, and you get to avoid the shock of a massive bar bill later.
It also gives you space to make it personal.
So you can serve drinks that actually fit your vibe - like a tropical cocktail for a beach wedding or a spiced cozy one for a fall wedding.
And it’s really easy to pull off too.
Just make sure your bartender or caterer knows exactly what’s included and what’s not, so guests don’t get confused.
...A little sign behind the bar that says what’s on the menu helps a lot.
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But yeah
I thinks I've covered everything.
If you have any questions or suggestions.
You can email me (plannarly@gmail.com) or comment on the pin.
I love hearing from you guys.
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And i'll see you in my next post
Byeeeee...mwah 💕