Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

I'm really curious as to what you all think of alcohol not being included. I am still back and forth with where to have DS' christening...leaning toward having in a restaurant. If I did have it at our clubhouse, I would probably buy a few bottles of wine but that's it (not even beer). Certain members of our family would likely consume enough alcohol to make up for the ones who didnt and quite honestly, do you REALLY need to drink at a christening? In the past 3 years I have been to two christenings and both were at a rented hall kind of place where there was a bar on premises but alcohol was not provided. Those that wanted to drink went to the bar and bought their own beverage. I dont see anything wrong with this. At my baby shower alone my mom got hit with a $200 additional tab (and there were two bottles of wine on the table included). If I start adding in the cost for beer and wine, the cost become more cost prohibitive.

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

ok...ok....i got the point

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

While I certainly don't feel it is necessary to have a drink at a christening at all, I would be happy with soda and/or coffee - I think if you are inviting guests to your party, as a host, I would either offer alcohol and pay for it or don't offer it at all.

I personally don't think it is right to invite someone to your party and then ask them to pay for something. I don't think you have to offer everything under the sun if you do offer alcohol - if you wanted to offer alcohol I think just beer, wine, and soda is just fine? Or in the past I have arranged in advance where I can run a tab but if the tab is more money than it would cost to add an open bar pp option to your package then they have switched it for me at the end of the party.

I feel your pain on this my family barely drinks (1 glass of wine or similar at most) but my ILs and some friends can drink a few. So I know it can add up quick.

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

I had Beer and Wine at my DS Christening, no hard liquor. I think that is enough. I don't see the need to have mixed drinks at a Christening. I do think you should have beer though.

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

I see nothing wrong with a cash bar. We did that at DS's christening. this time we are offering BEer and Wine but we are at a hall with a hired bartender vs a resturamt. IMO they charge sooo much for the alcohol. Its not neccesary.

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

Message edited 2/26/2010 8:53:40 PM.

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

I don't think an open bar is necessary, but it is my preference. In my group of friends/family we don't have events without alcohol available to our guests. A minimum would be beer/wine, but that's just us.

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

i think unfortunately on long island an open bar has become a given.....

if its held somewhere outside of a restaurant- like a clubhouse then no its not expected. I think if you could spring for a bottle of wine on each table that would be nice.......

my biggest peeve is if you have to pay for Soda at a party

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

Honestly, I would either do open bar or no bar.

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

Posted by headoverheels

Honestly, I would either do open bar or no bar.

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

I wouldn't expect people who are coming to a gift-giving party already to then shell out more money for a drink! It would be different if it was a holiday/generic/non-gift givng party! I have done a bunch of beer/wine parties! I think that is fine..usually 98% people drink either or of those two choices!

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

Posted by Domino

Posted by headoverheels

Honestly, I would either do open bar or no bar.

Does this mean no beer/wine if I dont plan on including "real" drinks or do you mean not in a restaurant that has a bar in it if I am not running a tab?

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?

Re: Spinoff to Open Bar at Christening - Cash Bar?