To Host or not to Host?…A Guide for your Bar!

As Event Directors, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, “Should I host my bar at the reception?”   To answer this question, let’s first start by outlining the difference between a Hosted bar and a Cash bar. With a Hosted bar, the drinks are provided, or “hosted,” compliments of the Bride & Groom. With a Cash bar, guests are purchasing and paying for their own drinks. Now that we’ve outlined the difference between the two options for your bar, our answer to the first question is this, “It depends.” At Stonebridge Manor,  we do offer a couple of service options where domestic beer & house wine is served complimentary for Hors D’eourve hour.   While you may be covered during HD Hour, you must consider whether you would like to Host the bar, or choose a Cash bar, or a combination of both for the reception. While thinking about this decision, we encourage you to analyze your guests, the kinds of drinkers they are, and what the majority of your guests enjoy drinking. After all, you know your guests better than we do!  And most importantly we encourage you to first consider you wedding budget.  We know, the word “Budget” may have made you cringe but lets be honest here, budgets are important. We get that and that is why we provide customizable options when it comes to your wedding at Stonebridge!

 

Whatever your crowd prefers, Stonebridge Manor offers a wide selection of Beer – Domestic & Import, Wine, and Spirits. Check out our Bar Pricing to start planning! There’s no rule that states you must host your bar during your reception. If you have room in your wedding budget, think about allocating that towards a hosted bar with a dollar amount limit. If you happen to reach the dollar limit that you are hosting the night of your wedding, never fear! You will have the option of adding an additional amount right then and there to keep hosting for your guests, or you may switch over to a Cash bar. A Cash bar still allows your guests to have a good time but relieves the potential financial stress of going over your wedding budget. The Bride & Groom should never feel pressured to Host a bar. Whatever you choose, your Event Director and bartender(s) will be prepared! If you’re looking to incorporate personal touches on the bar and take it to the next level, check out our suggestion of Signature Drinks! And for those guests that might have a liiiiiittle too much fun at the bar, or who might get the late night “hangries” from dancing the night away, our Chef has prepared a menu of scrumptious Late Night Snacks to satisfy those cravings! When it’s all said and done, your guests will ultimately be remembering the amazing time they had at your wedding and what a beautiful celebration of two beautiful people that fell in love, not the fact that the bar was Hosted or Cash!