Full Open Bar: Overrated or Underrated?

I'm in the middle about it. I'm wanting to have cocktails for our theme, but anything outside of that is something I don't feel the urge to provide. If they want it, they can pay for it

Underrated. I think open bars are a necessity. If my friends and family are going to sit through an hour long ceremony and then another at least 4 hours for a reception, they deserve as many drinks as they want without getting sloppy.

Overrated. People really don’t need alcohol at parties but culture has in grained it into people’s minds that this is the expectation to have a good time. I like a glass of wine now and then but don’t feel like I HAVE to alcohol to enjoy my time at a wedding.

Underrated, but I completely understand people's situations

Underrated! They get the party started!!

I am actually having the same issue. One hour open bar then move to cash.
Beer & wine only maybe a signature drink.
My problem is not everyone drinks beer or wine they are mix drinkers.
But I also don't want them to say "ooo open bar going to double fist it" and get wasted at my wedding. (My family are heavy drinkers)
One venue we went to, we supplied the booze and if there is anything left over we take home.
But like one person said here I can spend money elsewhere. And honestly since we are paying for ourselves maybe beer & wine & signature drink will be best.

View Quoted Comment Especially since not everyone likes beer or wine! Mixed drinks are a nice option to have.

Underrated- must have for my guests. Some people don’t drink beer or wine and just because others prefer liquor doesn’t mean they’re going to get “trashed”.

Underrated. An open bar was a must for us and the first thing we decided on.

Underrated! Not all guest like just beer or wine so I think a nice open bar with plenty options is guarantee to make everyone happy.

For us it’s a bit overrated. Neither hubby nor I drink. We are still going to have some level of drink (not sure what yet) but it’s definitely a sore spot for us. Besides the toast he and I probably won’t have anything else in terms of “spirits” but our budget will be missing a chunk to provide this to our guest because it’s customary

View Quoted Comment Agree 100%

View Quoted Comment This!!! 🙌🏻

Underrated. I’ve been to a few events with cash bar and people always complain. Sure it saves money, but you also want to create a great experience for your guests.

View Quoted Comment I’m in the same position. A Jamaican/Guyanese wedding with NO liquor or just beer and wine. That would be an abomination. So that was a must for us when looking for venues.

Over or under rated depends on your budget, your region and culture. IMO. When my family and my in laws have any gatherings food, music and liquor is a must. So for us, we budgeted for liquor and open bar. As the host of an event I don’t like the cash bar idea. Either you provide the alcohol or you don’t.

Overrated. We can't have any alcohol at our venue but if we could we would probably have a cash bar or just the simples.

$$$ is all it comes down to. more alcohol is more money. you don't NEED to have liquor at your wedding.

Overrated.

Underrated. Some people prefer drinking cocktails and such, just like me. And also, I think it's just right to host the guests properly, specially since we have people who travelling for the wedding. I want everybody to enjoy themselves.