The BAR!!!

The Bar at a reception can be a large cost, a controlled cost, or no cost. Depending on who you talk to and where you live, handling the bar situation for some can seem black and white. What we have come to realize and support is that each couple needs to know what their options are and decide for themselves how they would like to handle the bar. Here are the common ways that the bar can be serviced (but please keep in mind that these options aren't available at every location, so check with your location to see what you can choose from).

1. A hosted bar is when the clients/person paying (bride, groom, parents, sponsors, etc.) will be paying for all beverages consumed by the guests.
2. A hosted bar can be controlled by a dollar limit (i.e.: $2,000.00) and the location can inform someone (coordinator, parent, couple, etc.) when the limit is about to be reached. When the person is informed, most locations will allow the person to then decide if they want to continue hosting (paying) or if they would like to go to a cash bar (where the guests pay for their own beverages).
3. If/when the bar is a "cash bar", most locations will allow certain people to still be hosted (i.e.: head table, family table, sponsor table, etc.) as long as those people order while seated at their table(s). This can still get out of hand if someone seated at those tables decides to order beverages for other guests.
4. A hosted bar can also be controlled by a time limit. For example, if you want to host beverages during cocktails and the meal, but once the program starts, you can change to a cash bar. This method can also be safer to allow guests to sober up before driving home.
5. Another method to control the cost of the bar, is to pass out tickets (or a personalized item) which can be redeemed for beverages. Many people like this option because they know their bar cost won't exceed a certain dollar limit (ticket X cost of most expensive beverage possible)...and for those guests who don't drink, they can pass it on to those who might. This method also allows couples to personalize their event and let people know ahead of time how many beverages they will be allowed (to pace themselves) if they don't want to pay for any later...and every guest has the same chance to consume the same amount as the person next to them (i.e.: some people like to wait until after the meal to consume alcoholic beverages)
6. Another option is to only offer certain beverages at the bar. If you offer just beer, wine, and soft drinks, the cost will usually be much lower than if you also offered blended drinks and hard liquor.

Please remember that each option is not always possible at every location and take special note of any minimum dollar amounts that must be reached within a time frame as well as other costs like the bartender fees (which are based of the cost to the location to staff the bar with a bartender). Please also keep in mind that these are just options and that each couple will need to decide for themselves what their budget will allow and what you feel comfortable doing.