I agree with what others have said - do whatever you want to do/can afford/will make for the best time for you... it's YOUR wedding.
That said, if you're looking for more options, most of the weddings I've been to (all in Canada) have had free bar duing the beginning of the reception/the dinner (that, and/or free wine or champagne with dinner/for the toasts) and then a cash bar for the rest of the night after that. That seems perfectly acceptable etiquette-wise. I don't think it's tacky at all.
Of course, having no alcohol or a cash bar all night would be acceptable too Open bars can be ridiculously expensive, especially if you have heavy drinkers in the family. I honestly don't think anyone really *expects* anyone to have open bars - especially young people like you guys!
I also don't think there would be a problem with a dry wedding though. Especially if you're worried about people driving drunk afterwards - yikes!
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Re: Please Help...Weddings Open Bar, Closed Bar, Dry???
Open bars can be ridiculously expensive, especially if you have heavy drinkers in the family. I honestly don't think anyone really *expects* anyone to have open bars - especially young people like you guys!
