Open Bar Expenses

What you should budget for an Open Bar

It is quite difficult to find an average when it comes to an open bar. For the most part, you will get what you pay for. Prices will vary by region, venue, policy, services, and drink choices. However, here are a few ballpark estimates that can help you decide whether or not this is an appropriate route for your wedding.

There are usually two different methods to an open bar. The first is to pay a certain amount per person at the reception. The second route that some catering locations offer is to purchase all the beer, wine, and liquor that will be served up front. This means that all the alcohol is paid for, and guests can drink freely, but when the bar runs out of what the wedding party has ordered, everyone is cut off. For weddings where the party is going to be highly focused on the bar, the first option will likely be more cost effective.

The pay per person route can vary drastically. Some catering services will charge $10-15 per person while others can cost up to $50. However, it is important to look at what kind of alcohol will be served. The lower priced plans may be serving mostly beer and cheap liquor while the more expensive services may include aged wines and champagne. Again, choosing between the cheaper and more expensive alcohol caterers depends on many factors: how many people will be there, how much money there is to spend, and how picky people are about their alcohol.