Consumption Bar vs. Open Bar

[pdcbride09]

OK..so..have another thought..

 

We have to decide whether or not to have a by consumption bar of just have an open bar. The majority of our guests do drink..maybe only 2 don't out of 25. I just don't know if it's smarter to do an open bar or by consumption. We will be having a cocktail hour before the dinner. We also will only be having a dinner only..no dancing or anything like that..just a sit down dinner. So I don't know what to do. Open bar is like this:

 

First hour: $14

Every Hour after: $12

 

By consumption examples:

Beer: $3.50

any mixed drink: $7

Martini's are $10

Wine: $7.50

 

I would think we would need an open bar for 2 hours and then maybe the third hour have by consumption? I really don't see us being there longer than that. What do you think?

 

Also, for our cocktail hour..we can choose what to serve. We don't want to look cheap..but want to keep the costs down all around. the drink prices are the same..Should we just offer beer? Or does that look cheap?? Any thoughts would help. Thanks!

[starchild]

We did an open bar by default because that was all they offered, but I think we made out like bandits considering how much our guests drank. I can't count the number of times tequila shots went around and if we were paying per person it would have made me nervous. Factor in the mixed drinks, beer, wine, & champagne and it would have got really pricey.

 

In your case I think an open bar makes sense too. What about cocktails only for the cocktail hour, open bar for the next two, then beer/wine only for the last? That may help with the costs a little.

 

If your budget allows I definitely say cocktails for cocktail hour, even if that means limiting it to beer/wine for the rest of the night. Good luck!

[pdcbride09]

I think cocktails for cocktail hour too. But we can do by consumption for that as well..and it's only an hour. Sad thing is that the bar will be more than the actual dinner! I hate knowing that. But we'll see when the time gets closer. But good idea! Thanks for you help!

[1elephant]

we did open bar b/c it was the only thing offered as well. if we had paid by the drink, i certainly wouldn't have ordered 30 of our signature drinks and demanded that everyone drank one (except the kids and their pregnant mother - their father drank their 3!).

i'd say open bar for an hour or two and then consumption. if i had to do it w/ my crowd (mostly drinkers as well), i'd definitely have open bar for the cocktail hour b/c that's when the most drinks are consumed.

[pdcbride09]

I wish it was open bar for cocktail hour, unfortunately, they only do by consumption, which I'm assuming is why so that they can make more money, so bummed about that. I think we are going to do have open bar for 2 hours..and if we are still there another hour, it will be by consumption. It's insane how expensive drinks are in Mexico. Just like here in the states. You would think you'd be getting a better deal, but nope! Guess that's what you get for having your wedding in a very touristy area!