Do I Need To Close The Bar At Certain Times? Wedding Bar Timelines Explained! Open Bar or Cutoff Time? What You Need to Know for Your Wedding. How to Keep the Celebration Going Smoothly.
You’re planning the perfect wedding, and now you’re wondering—should you close the bar at a certain time? It might seem like a small detail, but it can actually have a big impact on your budget, guest experience, and the overall flow of your night. Some couples keep the drinks flowing until the very end, while others choose to shut things down early to avoid overindulgence and extra costs.
Closing the bar during dinner, switching to a cash bar later in the night, or offering only beer and wine after a certain time are all options to consider. The key is finding the right balance between keeping the party going and making sure everything stays fun and under control. Some venues have their own rules, so be sure to check your contract before making a decision.
Every wedding is different, and what works for one couple might not work for another. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and smart alternatives so you can decide what’s best for your big day!
Do I Need To Close The Bar At Certain Times?
- Consider your wedding vibe: Do you want guests to keep the party going the whole time? Or would you prefer to wind things down after dinner, and then pick up towards the end of the night for partying? It all depends on the atmosphere you envision for your big day.
Pros of Closing the Bar Early:
- Cost Savings: Closing the bar an hour before the reception ends can significantly reduce expenses. Some couples opt to close the bar during dinner, offering only wine service, to manage costs effectively.
- Encourages Responsible Drinking: An early bar closure can help prevent overindulgence, ensuring guests remain in good spirits without going overboard.
Cons of Closing the Bar Early:
- Guest Disappointment: Guests expecting an open bar throughout the evening might feel let down if it closes earlier than anticipated.
- Potential Early Departures: Some guests may choose to leave once the bar closes, potentially shortening the celebration.
Alternatives to Consider:
- Transition to a Cash Bar: After a designated time, switch from an open bar to a cash bar, allowing guests to purchase additional drinks if they wish. We’ve seen this happen, although it is not a great setup if you want to keep the party going.
- Offer Signature Cocktails: Limit the selection to a couple of signature drinks, beer, and wine, reducing costs while still providing variety.
- Close the Bar During Dinner: Pause bar service during the meal, offering only table wine, then reopen it afterward. This approach can help manage consumption and costs.
Do I Need To Close The Bar At Certain Times? Tailoring the Decision to Your Wedding
Every wedding is unique, and what works for one couple might not suit another. Consider your guest list, budget, and the atmosphere you wish to create. Discuss options with your venue and caterer to find a solution that aligns with your vision and ensures a memorable experience for all.
With thoughtful planning, you can strike the perfect balance, ensuring your celebration is both enjoyable and responsible.
- Speeches. When speeches are going on, it’s best to close the bar so that people are not walking around while someone is talking.
- First Dance. Same concept, you would want your guests sitting down while you and your partner are doing your first dance.
- Seated. Speak to your venue coordinator and go through your wedding timeline to ensure that certain activities where you’d want your guests to be seated are well coordinated with the bar.
- Signs. Putting up a sign at the bar with the “drinking” schedule, will help your guests manage their expectations and plan ahead for the rest of the night.
- Trust your instinct: Your wedding day is all about what feels right for you, and that includes making decisions like when to close the bar. Look at your guest list, your schedule (day-of timeline), and the vibe you want, and go from there!
With over a decade of experience, we’ve seen couples successfully balance these choices in ways that match their personal style and keep the party rocking!
