Can't afford open bar for whole wedding-is this acceptable instead?*Update on pg 20*

[DipsyDoodles]

As it should be.

I get a kick out of all this talk about what is & is not tacky. You know what's tacky to me? Fuddy-duddy rules & expectations, that's what.

**OP here** Just wanted to let all the 'naysayers' that we did offer a drink ticket good for a free wine, sangria or beer, as suggested by the venue - this was THEIR suggestion, not ours, on their info sheet. We had 'business cards' done up by Vista print with a lovely design and a note that J & K wanted to thank their guests with a free drink - they were put on each place setting. Everyone I talked to were very appreciative of the thought. We also offered free soda & coffee for the duration. I realize the cash bar vs. open bar is pretty much dependent on the region, but here in New England, it is very acceptable.

BTW, the wedding was beautiful and the food was delicious. Their cake was unbelievable as it was made to look like a birch tree with flowers cascading down.

Hey, I'm from Massachusetts as well and I totally agree with you. Even though I had open bar at my wedding...it was only because both my mom and dad's family were from NJ and NY and a cash bar is practically unheard of there. I've gone to many, many weddings in Mass, at beautiful locations all around the state, and only a few of them had open bars.

 

[carrie1626]

**Update on page 20***My DS is getting married in June. They are paying for most of the reception costs themselves. Realistically, there is no way they could afford an open bar for the whole wedding. Around here, it is not the norm to offer an open bar for the whole reception, but what do people think of offering either the first hour of the reception as open bar for beer/wine as an alternative? Or maybe putting a ticket or two for a free drink with their table placement cards?

I have been to MANY receptions where it's only before the food is served that it's OPEN bar and the time frame is about 60 to 90 minutes.

For those that don't have OPEN bar, it's usually free Tap beer/soda.

I would hope that anyone invited to celebrate would not care one way or another whether alcohol was freely provided or not.