Planning an event comes with its fair share of decisions, and if you're providing drinks, you'll need to decide the kind of bar you want to host. Whether it's a wedding, corporate event, or a social gathering, the type of bar arrangement can significantly impact your budget and guest experience. That's why we decided to share A Guide To Bar Options For Boston Weddings. Should you provide an open bar where everyone drinks at your expense? Or perhaps a cash bar, where guests pay for their own drinks? Maybe there's a middle ground with a consumption-based bar. To help you decide what's best for your event, let's break down the three options. Before we begin, we’d like to take a moment to introduce ourselves and warmly welcome you to our family-owned wedding and event venue. Family is at the heart of everything we do, and we take immense pride in treating our couples—and their guests—as part of our extended family. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that prioritizes you and makes you feel truly welcomed & appreciated, you’ve found the perfect New England wedding venue. While you’re here, we encourage you to explore our wedding gallery, browse through our FAQs, and fill out our contact form to request pricing. We believe in complete transparency—we want every couple to have a clear understanding of our pricing from the very beginning, ensuring a stress-free experience throughout your journey with us. Simply fill out our contact form to request pricing. We look forward to being part of your love story. What is an Open Bar? An open bar is precisely what it sounds like: drinks are "open" to guests, and you, as the host, take care of the entire bill. Your guests are free to order any available drink without worrying about the cost. Open bars are a popular choice for weddings and larger celebrations because they allow guests to relax and fully enjoy the event without hesitation. Pros of an Open Bar:
![]() What is a Cash Bar?A cash bar, on the other hand, requires guests to pay for their own drinks. You'll provide the bar setup, but the financial responsibility rests with each guest. This option is often used when the budget is tight or when the host feels the guests would prefer to control their own drink choices. Pros of a Cash Bar:
What is a Bar on Consumption?A bar on consumption, also known as a consumption-based bar, offers a balanced middle ground. With this setup, the host pays for the drinks consumed, but the cost is based on the actual number of drinks ordered during the event. You might set a budget cap (e.g., $1,500), and once that cap is reached, the bar can either close or transition to a cash bar. Pros of a Bar on Consumption:
What is a Bar with Beer & Wine? A bar with beer and wine is a type of bar service that offers a limited selection of alcoholic beverages, typically including various types of beer and wine. This option is often seen at events such as weddings, corporate functions, or private parties. Pros of a Bar with Beer & Wine:
Pros of a Premium Open Bar:
What is a Cash Bar? A cash bar is a type of bar service commonly found at events and parties where guests are required to pay for their own drinks. Unlike an open bar, where the host pays for all the drinks, a cash bar requires guests to purchase their own alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. How does it work?At a cash bar, guests are given the option to buy drinks from a designated area or counter. They can choose from a selection of pre-defined drink options and pay for them using cash or credit cards. The prices of drinks are usually set by the venue or event organizer and may vary depending on the location and type of drink. Pros and ConsJust like any other service, there are advantages and disadvantages to having a cash bar at an event. Pros
Interested in seeing our beautiful indoor & outdoor wedding spaces for yourself? Visit our gallery for wedding inspiration. Ready to move forward? Connect with us to schedule a tour—we’d be delighted to show you around. Stay connected and inspired by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Contact The Barn at Bradstreet today for availability and book a visit to see the space in person. Your Boston garden wedding venue is just a click away. [email protected] 877-272-3787 239 Main Street Rowley, MA 01969877-BRADSTREET Discover why so many engaged couples say The Barn at Bradstreet is one of the best garden wedding venues near Boston, offering stunning outdoor settings for your special day.
1 Comment
|
Archives
May 2025
Categories |
239 Main Street Rowley, MA 01969
|
877-BRADSTREET (877-272-3787)
|