Is Having an Open Bar at Your Catered Event Worth It?

By Ross | 1 Entertainment on Aug 16 2022

An open bar simply means that guests are able to drink what they please, when they please, throughout the duration of the event.

If you're considering an open bar for your catered event, there are a few things to keep in mind. On the plus side, an open bar can be a great way to keep your guests happy and ensure that everyone is enjoying themselves. However, there are also a few potential downsides to consider. Here are a few of the pros and cons of having an open bar at your event.

An open bar can be a great way to keep your guests happy and ensure that everyone is enjoying themselves. However, there are also a few potential downsides to consider. Here are a few of the pros and cons of having an open bar at your event:

Pros:

1. Guests can drink as much or as little as they like: An open bar means that guests can help themselves to drinks as they please, which can be great for those who want to pace themselves or those who want to drink more.

2. It's a great way to keep guests entertained: An open bar can be a great way to keep guests entertained, especially if there is not much else going on at the event.

3. Fewer Decisions to Make: Event preparation requires a lot of effort and attention to detail, so you must be mindful of how you use your time. While each vendor may differ, a cash or restricted bar will always necessitate some decision-making, such as what beverages to provide and which products should be gratis. An open bar takes care of everything!

Cons:

1. It can be expensive: An open bar can be a great way to keep your guests happy, but it can also be quite expensive. Make sure you factor this into your budget when you are planning your event.

2. It can lead to excessive drinking: An open bar can lead to excessive drinking, which can be a problem if you have guests who are not used to drinking or who have a low tolerance for alcohol.

3. It can be disruptive: An open bar can be disruptive, especially if you have a lot of guests. Make sure you have a plan for dealing with this, such as having enough staff on hand to help with crowd control.

Tips on Having a Smooth Open Bar at Your Catered Event

If you're considering offering an open bar at your next catered event, there are a few things to keep in mind to help ensure it runs smoothly:

1. Plan ahead: Make sure you have a solid plan in place before the event. This includes having enough staff on hand to help with crowd control and making sure you have enough alcohol on hand.

2. Set a budget: An open bar can be costly, so make sure you set a budget ahead of time. This will help you avoid overspending on alcohol and other supplies.

3. Be prepared for disruptions: As mentioned above, an open bar can be disruptive. Be prepared for this by having a plan in place for dealing with it. This may include having enough staff on hand to help with crowd control.

4. Have a backup plan: It's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. This may include having a few bottles of wine or champagne on hand in case the alcohol runs out.

5. Enjoy yourself: Don't forget to enjoy yourself! An open bar is a great way to let loose and have fun. Make sure you take advantage of it.

Conclusion

There are pros and cons to having an open bar at a catered event. On the one hand, an open bar can be a great way to keep guests happy and encourage them to stay at the event for longer. On the other hand, an open bar can also be a significant expense, and it may not be the best choice for every event. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have an open bar should be based on the specific needs and budget of the event.

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