We'd started out thinking we were going to have a cash bar, because we would not be able to afford an open bar. Then one of the staff at the club where we are holding our reception realized that because our crowd doesn't drink much, it was not worth it for the club to get an alcohol license for the night--they just wouldn't collect enough from a cash bar to cover the cost of the one-day license.

Then we were going to host a couple of signature drinks (one alcoholic and one nonalcoholic), and that is all we would serve. So tonight, I was talking to the owner of the club which will be our reception venue, and trying to work on the mechanics of getting the champagne for toasting and for our alcoholic signature drink. He finally says, "Ok, you pay me $250, and we'll just have a full open bar for the night."

Umm, ok, that's $250 for a full open bar for 75 people for five hours? Needless to say, I accepted on the spot, and sent him an e-mail to confirm the moment I got home. I guess we're having an open bar after all!

Congrats! I'm so excited for you. We're having an open bar also. Our venue allows you to serve your own alcohol as long as you have a certified Bartender. --Before wedding planning, I never knew such a person existed.

Wow! Thats awesome!

I was also torn between an open bar or a cash bar...After debating over it for some time I decided  that its not right for me to ask my guest to buy a drink so we are having an open bar as well

Wow what a deal. Sounds to good to be true.

I think we're just going to pay to our limit and then let it go to a cash bar. The wedding is about an hour from our town so I don't want to encourage people to keep drinking.

I feel torn because we don't drink much at all. We are providing nice favors, OOT bags, photobooth and other fun things for our guests to show our appreciation and be gracious so part of me feels like why should be obligated to provide alcohol for people and run the risk of someone overdoing it (or trying to anyway)? A wedding isn't a bar and I don't think people should expect that. It's nice if you do but I don't want to slight anyone either. Given the economy also, I don't think it's exactly right for guests to expect you to foot a several thousand dollar bill just so they can drink. Does anyone get where I'm coming from?

Oh, I can definitely relate!  The etiquette of cash bars is controversial, but clearly a lot of people do them.  However, everyone seems to agree that a dry wedding is permitted by etiquette.  It just may a bit tamer and shorter than one with alcohol.

WOW!  That's amazing!

We've decided to split between the two.  Have a few hours of open bar (cocktail hour and after we eat for two hours), then cash bar the rest of the time.  I'm hoping this works out okay...we can't afford it otherwise.

That is great! Regardless of open bar or cash bar, the guests should be coming to your ceremony and/or reception for you.

Good deal! Its nice to see others get awesome deals on things they want for their wedding!