Beer and Wine?

I'm sorry, but I don't see why the person was so upset. She came to a wedding. She was offered beer and wine. Plus I'm sure there were non alcoholic drinks provided also. If it was advertised as an open bar....is that the only reason she came? I am having beer, wine, and a limited liquor open bar with plenty for all guests to enjoy all night. If something happened within the next few weeks that I couldn't have the liquor, I pray that no one would ever be disappointed in my wedding. I would pray they came to share in our love and help make memories. Not to judge my decisions.

Not to offend, just took it as hurtful to the bride and groom as their wedding being disappointing to a GUEST.

Honestly, I wouldn't put bar information on my wedding website as all. I think the bride that commented about only having beer and wine was taking issue with that bride talking about the open bar. I agree that if I hear open bar, I think more than just beer and wine but I have honestly never gone to a wedding where the bar was discussed ahead of time. I think that in New England, most people just assume it's a cash bar. Anything else is just a bonus.

No, it's not something that should be advertised either way. I think if you were *only* doing a cash bar, it may make sense to tell people (so they can bring cash), but otherwise they'll find out when they get there.

I'm not sure you have to advertise it but it might be nice to mention it either on your website or just by word of mouth. I only say that b/c I'd want to know to bring cash, I wouldn't be disappointed or mad about it though...I just don't normally carry much cash.

I don't think it's necessary to let people know in advance. I believe the OP was upset because she was told in advance it would be an open bar and it wasn't.

I don't think it's necessary to provide this information unless someone asks. I just don't feel like the amount or type of liquor being served should dictate whether the person wants to attend or not.

I didn't advertise anything about what kind of drinks will be available. No one knows that there's an open bar. I feel like if I didn't have an open bar, I probably would've passed the word around, by ear, but not in writing. I just don't think it's that serious.

I think it is considerate to let guests know in advance if alcohol is available for purchase at the wedding. I almost never carry cash, so if I went to a wedding with a cash bar, I would want to know so I can have the option to purchase a drink.

I put on my wedding website that 'Dinner will served, along with beer and wine'.

We are not having any liquor - for purchase or otherwise.

I don't think that wedding guests should have been so upset by the lack of liquour, but it was a poor choice of words on the couple's part to say 'open bar' when there was only beer and wine.

There was a lot of other drama going on in that post. If you read all of the OP's responses, you'll see that her post wasn't really about the "open bar."

Of course those hosting an event have an obligation to try and cater to their guests. Ultimately, though, a guest will come to a wedding to support a couple, or to party on a couple's dime. I think you'll know who is whom.

Hey, Just to clarify I wasn't upset it was beer and wine, just upset she kept bragging to me and another engaged friend that we should have an open bar when in reality we were doing the same as her just not wording it as such.

But she only mentioned it to us because we are friends, you don't need to let anyone know what you are providing at all! people assume it will be cash bar and will be very happy to find out they have some free beer and wine!

I wouldn't advertise it, I have been to a few weddings that I didn't know what the bar situation would be. I was always pleasantly surprised to be offered a drink of any kind for free.

@ Renee, I knew what you meant. I just suddenly panicked because I don't want to have a bunch of disappointed people on hand. I didn't want to hijack your post with my questions either. I usually just go to weddings with cash because I expect to tip the bar tender if not buy my own drink. I now know everyone doesn't do that. I think our bartenders will be able to take credit cards too, which will help. I hope. LOL

@Kelly no worries at all and as a former bartender, you're my favorite kind of customer!!

I don't think that it's really necessary to even tell anyone. Wine and beer cover most people, and at the end of the day, guess what? You'll be married and they'll have a good time!

In this area everyone expects cash bar, so there would be no need to mention anything. An open bar would just be a pleasant surprise(has never happened though). Unless everyone you know has done an open bar, your crowd will probably expect to pay for drinks.

My fiance and I say if you can't get a buzz or drunk off some wine or beer....you have a problem. Hahaha so no, I don't see why you should advertise it at all. It's your wedding! Plus, they should be happy there is free alcohol regardless.

You don't "owe" your guests any alcohol. They don't need to know what is offered ahead of time.

I think the only time it is nice to give your guests a heads up would be if it were a dry wedding, or a (gasp) cash bar. I know, I said cash bar. I hope that your post doesn't become hijacked with opintions on that

If you are serving free alcohol, I don't think you have to let your guests know anything ahead of time.

I posted a wedding schedule on my wedding website. I did this because I knew there might be Christian guests who were uncomfortable with the non-Christian religious ceremony, so I wanted them to know what time the reception started (at the same venue).

That left me with a quandary about how to say "cocktail hour" without implying hard liquor. Not because I was obligated to "advertise," but just to make people comfortable by giving clear, accurate information.

Here's what I wrote:

4:00 Cocktail Hour Begins

Open Beer & Wine bar

begins at 4 and runs until 9.

Cash bar for liquor all night.