Sometimes trying to decide if you’re going to do an open bar for your wedding is more than simply “can we afford to pick up the bar tab at the end of the night?” There are reasons to do an open bar and there are reasons not to. Sometimes if your crowd is a little more reserved having an open bar can mean the difference between having a fun wedding vs. a boring one. On the other hand, if your guests are heavy drinkers it could mean the difference between a drunken slosh feast and a beautiful wedding. One thing I suggest is not to serve drinks until the cocktail hour. I’ve been to a couple wedding where they served drink before the ceremony and you could here glasses clanking during the ceremony. Plus it starts people drinking earlier, which means they get tipsy earlier and leave your reception early. These are suggestions that people don’t usually consider when planning their wedding but I’ve been to several weddings where people drank too much. If it were me I’d do a full bar during cocktail hour, beer/wine during the reception and a cash bar for those that want their cocktails.