THE BAR:
Complimentary or Cash?
I
n the past, the rules for serving liquor at a wedding reception were simple – the host paid for everything. It was considered inappropriate, and even offensive, to expect guests to pay for any part of the wedding. However, today cash bars are becoming common at wedding receptions, since couples are concerned with the liability and cost associated with offering an open bar. Many couples worry about what type of bar to provide at their reception. They want their guests to have a good time, but they feel uncomfortable asking people who are sharing in their joy to pay for their own drinks. On the other hand, they don’t want their reception to turn into a frat party by offering an open bar, or have to deal with liabilities (not to mention the cost). The best people to ask what kind of bar to serve at your wedding is yourself and your groom. You know your crowd well enough to
56 Bridal Fantasy 2010
determine what they’ll like. Guests at a formal wedding reception are likely to consume less alcohol than guests at a laid-back reception.
If you decide to go with an open bar, you can save money by limiting the time that alcohol is available. You can also limit the type of alcohol that will be served. Setting a limit on the amount of alcohol can help decrease some liabilities as well. It’s important to check if your reception facility offers any type of liquor liability insurance. Most do not. You can check the contract your reception facility provides for this information. If you are not covered it is possible to purchase liquor liability through companies. Don’t forget to get a liquor license if needed, which is available at most liquor stores. Organizing liquor for your wedding does not have to be a headache. Just remember that you understand your guests best, and you will be the judge on what type of bar to serve, and what steps you need to take to make your reception perfect.