Open vs Cash Bar for Weddings | Massachusetts Bar Guide 2025
🥂 Open Bar vs Cash Bar for Weddings in Massachusetts
When it comes to planning your wedding bar service, one of the biggest decisions couples face is whether to offer an open bar or a cash bar.
The good news? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — just what works best for your guest count, budget, and vibe. At Another Round Bar, we work with couples across Massachusetts to design the perfect bar plan for their day. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide.
💰 What Is an Open Bar?
An open bar means the host (you!) pays for all drinks during the event.
What’s included:
• Guests order freely without paying
• Cost is based on your guest count and service hours
• Ideal for creating a premium, hospitality-forward experience
Pros:
✅ Guests love it — no one has to pull out their wallet
✅ Keeps the party flowing
✅ Easier to manage service since everything is prepaid
Considerations:
Higher upfront cost
You’ll need to budget carefully based on your headcount and hours
🧾 What Is a Cash Bar?
A cash bar means guests pay for their own drinks, just like at a regular bar.
What’s included:
• Guests cover the cost of what they order
• You provide the licensed mobile bar service
• Lower cost for you as the host
Pros:
✅ Less expense for the couple
✅ Great for casual or smaller gatherings
✅ Simple to manage from a budget perspective
Considerations:
Can feel less elevated than an open bar
Guests may order less frequently or bring cash/cards
🪄 Mixed Bar: The Best of Both Worlds
A mixed bar is one of our most popular setups. Here’s how it works:
Open bar for a set number of hours (like cocktail hour + dinner)
Switch to cash bar for the rest of the night
This approach keeps your budget predictable while still giving guests a premium experience early on. It’s a favorite for large weddings and backyard celebrations alike.
📊 Typical Cost Breakdown in Massachusetts
Most Massachusetts weddings with 100–150 guests see:
Open bar: around 4–5 hours, averaging $6,000–$10,000+ total (including staffing & gratuity)
Mixed bar: lower host cost while still offering full service
Cash bar: minimal host cost, great for more casual or corporate events
💡 With Another Round Bar’s flat hourly pricing, it’s easy to budget your bar without surprise charges.
🧠 How Harpsen Makes It Easy
All of our bar packages and timelines are managed through Harpsen, our event management software.
That means every detail — from guest count to bar timing — is organized and trackable in one place. No confusing spreadsheets, no last-minute chaos.
✨ Add Planning Support with 5 Senses
Want more than just the bar? Our sister company 5 Senses Events + Design can handle your event layout, rentals, timeline, and décor, making the bar plan part of a cohesive wedding vision.
Couples love this all-in-one approach because it removes the guesswork and makes hosting feel easy.
🥂 Which Bar Option Is Right for You?
If you want a high-energy, elevated experience, an open bar is hard to beat. If you’re watching the budget or hosting a casual party, cash bar might be your best friend. And if you want the best of both — mixed bar offers flexibility and control.
No matter which you choose, Another Round Bar can make it seamless, legal, and beautiful.
