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Your Wedding Social Hour: Bar Options to Fit Your Budget

Feb 163 min read

Updated: Feb 19

Bride and groom smiling and raising glasses as they toast during the best man’s speech, surrounded by guests at their Minnesota wedding reception.

Your wedding reception is a time for celebration, and the wedding social hour plays a big role in setting the mood! Whether you want to provide drinks for your guests or have them cover their own, there are plenty of options to fit your budget and style. At 5 Family Ranch, we offer several bar options, but it's always best to check with your venue to see what they provide.

1. Cash Bar

A cash bar is the most budget-friendly option. Guests pay for their own drinks, which can help reduce costs significantly while still allowing everyone to enjoy the bar selection.


Bride and groom sharing a romantic kiss at their head table, surrounded by elegant decor and glowing candlelight at their Minnesota wedding reception.

2. Fixed Amount Bar

With this option, you set a predetermined amount you’re willing to cover. Once that limit is reached, the bar switches to a cash bar, and guests pay for their drinks.


3. Fixed Time Bar

Rather than setting a spending limit, you can host an open bar for a set period—like the first hour of the reception—and then transition to a cash bar. This approach allows guests to enjoy complimentary drinks for a while without breaking the bank.


4. Drink Tickets

A great way to manage costs while still treating your guests! You provide each guest with a set number of drink tickets (e.g., two per guest), which they can redeem for drinks. After using their tickets, they can purchase additional beverages.


Bride playfully sitting on the bar while the groom takes a shot, capturing a fun and lively moment during their wedding social hour.

5. Mixed Bar Options

Want to offer your guests something complimentary but still keep costs under control? Consider a mixed approach—such as providing a free keg of beer while making everything else a cash bar. This way, guests can enjoy a few drinks on you but have the option to purchase additional drinks if they want.


6. Open Bar All Night

The most generous option but also the most expensive! An open bar means all drinks are covered for the entire reception. If you have a large guest count, this can add up quickly, so it’s important to weigh this option against your budget.


Close-up of beverage taps selected by the bride and groom for their wedding social hour, featuring a custom sign with a fun picture of their dogs.

Other Bar Considerations

  • Signature Drinks: Add a personal touch with a bride’s favorite and groom’s favorite cocktail. Keep them simple to make so bartenders can serve guests quickly.

  • Bartender Availability: Ask your venue how many bartenders will be working to ensure there are enough to keep the line moving smoothly. At 5 Family Ranch, we staff bartenders according to your guest count to provide efficient service and keep your wedding social hour running seamlessly.

  • Drink Selection: Some venues have restrictions on hard liquor or certain brands—always check ahead of time.


No matter which bar option you choose, your wedding social hour should be a reflection of your celebration—fun, memorable, and tailored to your vision. Whether you go all out with an open bar or choose a budget-friendly drink ticket option, make sure your choice complements the overall vibe of your wedding day!


Book a tour or contact us at 5 Family Ranch, a family-owned and locally-owned wedding venue in Minnesota. We would love to meet you, answer your questions, and host your special day!!!


Tel: +1-507-401-5918


We hope you'll consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours! You can explore locally owned venues through this wedding venue map. Here’s a shout-out to other wonderful locally owned venues across the country!

 
 
 

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