I have a small problem. My boyfriend and I have been discussing this for a while now. We are not sure if we should have a bar or not at our wedding. The reason why he doesn't want a bar is that he says that his uncles and family members (not his immediate family) like to drink a lot. I told him that we could have a bar and they can pay for their own drinks but he says that he doesn't want them drinking at all. I feel like he's exaggerating a bit and feel like it's going to ruin it for everyone because of just 5 people who like to drink a little too much. My whole family and his parents are responsible drinkers and they all know their limits but the uncles and some aunts can get pretty rowdy. I know my family likes to enjoy a cocktail or two but no more and I feel like if we decide not to even put up a bar that it's going to ruin it for them and everyone will have to drink orange juice or soda . What do you recommend I do? I don't want to exclude them from the wedding since they are really nice people when they are sober. Should I give our bartender a heads up on the drinkers and tell them that they are not allowed to drink or should we tell the drinkers that there will be a limit to the drinking. Please help me. Thank you so much. I'm all ears and open to any advice.
expertplanner
BRIDAL CONSULTANT
Oct 5, 2006, 7:47 AM
Post #2 of 4
(844 views)
Re: [rosa_hdz_808] Bar or No bar that is the question
[In reply to]
If you can't afford to pay for the alcohol at your wedding, or simply don't want to, then you should not have it. Having a cash bar (where guests pay for their own drinks) at your wedding reception is like asking guests to pay to come to your wedding. Not good.
My recommendation: skip the alcohol. Guests won't miss what they didn't have. Rhonda Allen, Bridal Consultant New Beginnings Weddings
TWQadmin
FORUM EXPERT
/ Moderator
Oct 5, 2006, 11:00 AM
Post #3 of 4
(839 views)
Re: [rosa_hdz_808] Bar or No bar that is the question
[In reply to]
You could limit the alcohol to just the cocktail hour or just provide beer and wine at the tables. That might keep the drinking to a miniumum. Your banquet manager can be asked to oversee the amount of beer and wine server to each table. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Oct 5, 2006, 11:17 AM
Post #4 of 4
(838 views)
Re: [rosa_hdz_808] Bar or No bar that is the question
[In reply to]
I completely agree. You could also shorten the length of your reception--less time for drinking. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
Bar or No bar that is the question
I have a small problem. My boyfriend and I have been discussing this for a while now. We are not sure if we should have a bar or not at our wedding. The reason why he doesn't want a bar is that he says that his uncles and family members (not his immediate family) like to drink a lot. I told him that we could have a bar and they can pay for their own drinks but he says that he doesn't want them drinking at all. I feel like he's exaggerating a bit and feel like it's going to ruin it for everyone because of just 5 people who like to drink a little too much. My whole family and his parents are responsible drinkers and they all know their limits but the uncles and some aunts can get pretty rowdy. I know my family likes to enjoy a cocktail or two but no more and I feel like if we decide not to even put up a bar that it's going to ruin it for them and everyone will have to drink orange juice or soda 
. What do you recommend I do? I don't want to exclude them from the wedding since they are really nice people when they are sober. Should I give our bartender a heads up on the drinkers and tell them that they are not allowed to drink or should we tell the drinkers that there will be a limit to the drinking. Please help me. Thank you so much. I'm all ears and open to any advice. 
