Cash bar vs open bar

Whether to have an open bar or a cash bar at a wedding is a debate that can become quite heated. Everyone seems to have some opinion on the matter, and to a degree, everyone is correct. There is no right or wrong answer. It is a decision that belongs to the bride and groom. Hopefully, this will help the bride and groom make this decision.
People often scoff at a cash bar, however it is also an acceptable and often expected occurrence at weddings in certain areas. A cash bar means that each guest is responsible for purchasing his own drinks during the wedding reception. Some people feel that this is insulting and since they are being invited to a party, then alcohol and other drinks should be provided free. A cash bar is often necessary in weddings with a strict budget.
An open bar means that all drinks are covered and guests can order drinks without having to consider the cost. This is a nice addition to a wedding because people are coming to celebrate with the bride and groom and the bride and groom have the opportunity to show thanks by providing drinks to the guests. The downfall of the cash bar is that people abuse it. People can become very intoxicated. Also, people become more lax with drinks since they are not paying for them, and may put a drink down somewhere after taking only a sip and forget where they put it. Since the drinks are free, they can go and get a new drink.
The advantages, disadvantages, and social acceptance must be considered before choosing to offer a cash bar or an open bar. There are some in-between solutions as well. Rather than offering a full open bar, the bride and groom can choose to offer a limited open bar and include such beverages as soda, wine and beer. If a guest wants something not offered, then he can pay for it himself. Another idea is to offer soda only and if someone wants alcohol then he can pay for it. Many brides and grooms include a champagne toast and some go so far as to place a bottle of wine on every table. This may be sufficient for offering free drinks. Another option is to include a beverage fountain that dispenses an alcoholic drink. This is generally offered during the cocktail hour, and then removed at dinner.
Whichever way the bride and groom choose to go, it is a decision that is personal to them. An open bar is nice to have if the budget permits. If the budget doesn’t allow for an open bar, then offer a cash bar or one of the suggestions above. It is not all about the alcohol on the wedding day; it is about the happiness of the bride and groom.