For some weddings, having a bar isn't even necessary. But for those who do desire one, you have a decision to make. The decision you make for this can potentially determine the number of guests you have, as people are generally more happy to go to a wedding with an open bar!

If your guests have been to a few previous weddings with cash bars though, it may be pretty reasonable to stick with that. If you're on a strict budget this may be the best choice regardless. Some people may prefer an open bar, but most people don't mind having to pay and shouldn't expect everything to be free anyway.

An open bar is the most desirable for guests. This may not be a great option even if it's easily affordable, but you have guests with alcoholic tendencies or that get aggressive when drunk.

A limited bar serves from a small selection of drinks. This is the middle ground option. Letting only signature drinks be served free, or each table having a bottle of wine, can be the right compromise for couples who are unsure of which direction to stick with.