At some point in planning almost every event, the bar type question comes up: full open bar, or beer and wine only? It feels like a budget decision, and it partially is — but the answer depends on factors that have nothing to do with cost. Get it right and guests barely notice the distinction. Get it wrong and you'll hear about it.
Here's an honest breakdown of both options, when each one makes sense, and how to make the decision without second-guessing yourself.
What "Full Open Bar" Actually Means
A full open bar includes beer, wine, and spirits — plus mixers, garnishes, and ice. Guests can order cocktails, ask for specific spirits, and generally drink whatever they want for the duration of the event. It's the most generous bar option and the one that tends to produce the most memorable celebrations.
The tradeoff is cost. Spirits are the most expensive component of any bar setup. A full open bar for 100 guests over four hours will run meaningfully higher than a beer-and-wine setup of the same size — roughly 30–50% more in alcohol costs, depending on the spirit selection.
What "Beer & Wine Only" Actually Means
Beer and wine service covers all beer options (domestic, craft, canned) and wine (red, white, rosé, and sometimes sparkling). No spirits, no cocktails. For most guests, this is a perfectly complete bar experience — especially at daytime events, outdoor summer events, or any gathering where the vibe is relaxed rather than celebratory.
Beer and wine bars are also significantly easier to manage logistically. Fewer products, simpler service, faster pours. If you're planning a smaller event or one where the bar isn't the main focus, this is a clean, cost-effective choice that most guests won't even notice.
The Cases for Full Open Bar
- Evening wedding receptions — Spirits drinkers (and there are always a meaningful percentage) will notice their absence. At a celebration that's supposed to feel generous, a limited bar can feel like a subtraction.
- Events with a younger or nightlife-oriented crowd — Cocktails are a social currency for this demographic. If your guests are in their 20s and 30s, spirits matter more.
- When a signature cocktail is part of your vision — You can't serve signature cocktails without spirits. If a custom drink is part of your event identity, open bar is the only path.
- Long receptions (4+ hours) — Guests drinking only beer and wine over a long evening tend to consume more total volume. Spirits actually give bartenders more control over pacing.
The Cases for Beer & Wine
- Daytime events — Brunches, afternoon garden parties, outdoor ceremonies — spirits feel out of place before 4pm for most crowds.
- Family-oriented events — Mixed age groups including elderly family or children tend to skew toward wine and beer naturally.
- Budget-conscious events where quality matters more than quantity — A beer-and-wine bar with excellent wine selections and craft beer options will always feel more premium than an open bar stocked with the cheapest available spirits.
- Corporate daytime events — Lunch meetings, daytime conferences, and professional networking events rarely need spirits.
The hybrid option: A signature cocktail bar is the best of both worlds for many events. Beer, wine, plus two or three curated cocktails — no full spirits bar, but guests have cocktail options. This approach costs slightly more than beer and wine, considerably less than a full open bar, and produces the most conversation at the bar all night.
Making the Decision: 3 Questions to Ask
- What time does the event start and end? Daytime events almost never need spirits. Evening events almost always benefit from them.
- Who is your crowd? Know your audience. If 30% of your guests are serious bourbon drinkers, a beer-and-wine setup is going to create dissatisfaction. If 80% of your guests are wine people, a full open bar may be an unnecessary expense.
- What's the tone of the event? Celebratory and festive? Open bar. Relaxed and casual? Beer and wine is perfect. Professional or family-friendly? Beer and wine or a limited signature cocktail option.
Bottom line: If your event is an evening celebration with 50+ guests and you want people to feel genuinely hosted, full open bar is almost always the right call. For daytime events, small gatherings, or anything where the bar is secondary to the experience, beer and wine is an excellent choice that most guests will be completely satisfied with.
Use our free alcohol calculator to see what either option would look like in terms of quantities and costs for your specific event — it takes about a minute and gives you a complete shopping breakdown by bar type.