What Does an Open Bar Mean at a Wedding?

If you're in the middle of planning your wedding day, alcohol, and more specifically, your wedding bar, will no doubt be one of the most significant considerations on your mind. But with so many different options, it can be challenging to know which is the best fit for your budget and overall vision for your wedding celebration.

So, what does an open bar mean at a wedding, and how does it compare to the other available bar setups? Here's everything you need to know about open bars, from what they include to how much they typically cost.

What is an Open Bar?

An open bar means guests can drink as much as they like for the duration of your wedding reception. This includes alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like soft drinks and water. At the end of the event, you, the host, foot the bill.

The most significant advantage of an open bar is that it allows guests to drink freely without worrying about the cost. This can help create a more relaxed and fun atmosphere, which is ideal for wedding receptions.

However, open bars can be expensive, especially if you have a lot of guests or if you choose to serve high-quality wine, beer, and spirits. In addition, open bars can encourage guests to drink more than they otherwise would, leading to problems like intoxication and drunken accidents.

How Much Does it Cost to Have an Open Bar at a Wedding?

For a full open bar that includes wine, beer, and spirits, you can expect to budget at least £2,000-£3,000 based on 150 guests having bar access for 3-5 hours after your reception dinner.

That said, there are ways you can have an open bar and reduce the cost. An increasingly common practice for brides and grooms is to select a few beers and wines for the open bar, and guests pay for anything else (for example, mixed drinks). This practice is known as a "limited bar."

Another way to reduce costs is to only have an open bar for a portion of your reception, like the first hour or two. After that, you can switch to a cash bar or a limited bar. This setup allows you to still offer your guests an open bar without having to pay for the entire event.

Lastly, another way to have an open bar at a reduced cost is by buying all of the alcohol upfront and setting up your own makeshift bar (having than hiring a mobile bar or using the in-venue bar). You can choose to make it self-serve or have professional bar or catering staff on hand to serve guests. This DIY option is increasingly popular at marquee weddings.

Is it Normal to Have an Open Bar at a Wedding?

Due to increasing costs surrounding weddings, open bars are becoming less and less common. In fact, a recent survey found that less than a quarter of UK couples offered an open bar. So if you're worried about the cost or feel pressured to have an open bar, don't fret – most couples don't offer one.

While open bars are less common, they are still seen as a generous gesture, and guests will likely be thrilled if you do decide to have one. If you're on the fence about whether or not to have an open bar, weigh the pros and cons and make a decision based on what you think is best for your wedding day and overall wedding budget.

At the end of the day, your wedding day is all about you and your partner, so make sure to do what feels right for the two of you. Remember, you can always choose to keep elements of the bar menu open while having your guests pay for other drink options (limited bar). It doesn't have to be a stark choice between an open and cash bar.