Weddingbee boards

So we met with the owner of the restaurant where we're having our ceremony and reception. We had discussed things loosely before but now we were meeting to get a better idea of some details so I don't panic.

Anyway, at our initial meeting we discussed doing a limited open bar, which both my fiance and I agreed with. At the meeting last night, the owner said we could have two signature drinks and a red and white wine. I think we'll end up making one of the drinks a beer, but so far so good. That's the limited bar we discussed. Then he says any additional alcohol the guests want can be cash bar for them.

Now, it freaked me out. But the more I think about it, the more I think I'm being crazy. I mean, we are providing an open bar with limited choices. That's what we can afford. So is it tacky that they can still order other drinks for cash? Is there a way we can explain the open bar to limit the tacky factor? So far all I can think is to print up the free bar offerings and place them strategically around the bar area.

Disclaimer: I know there are some areas where cash bars are the norm. I don't judge them or think that it's tacky to do it if it's the norm in your area. Here, it is practically unheard of so it is a different situation.

You can put a sign (chalkboard, pretty somehow) on the bar that says something like:

Hosted Bar:

Red Wine

White Wine

Sam Adams

Margaritas

Sodas, Juice, and Water

Other libations are available on request, but are not hosted.

I have seen it done that way before and it worked and no one thought it was horribly tacky. They put a printed list on either end of the bar and in the middle that was very similar to what chicagobride posted and at the bottom they had something very small written like Other spirits are available upon request for a small fee.

You all are making me feel better. I'm not doing anything bad then, right?

I guess my main concern is that the restaurant obviously has a full bar so people will be able to see many things they can't have if I don't explain somehow.

My fiance suggested putting a menu sign on each table which will show the entrees and have a wine and beer pairing for each plus the two mixed drinks and the non-alcoholic drinks available. He's willing to spring for the beer pairings since we know we have guests who don't really drink wine. Then I think I would put a sign at the bar as well listing the drink selections, and maybe (or maybe not depending on the feedback I get!) mention other drinks available for a fee.

Honestly, my husband and I like cocktail culture and we enjoy a fine drink to sip on. I would rather have the option of paying for the drink I would most enjoy than get as many freebies of drinks I don't even like. That's also because we drink responsibly and won't need to have a whole bunch of them though. People who like to drink all night will probably just drink the free stuff and be grateful!