Every budget and every wedding is different, so the right choice may not be as clear-cut as you would like. If you have a lot of guests flying in for the wedding, making them pay for their own drinks may leave a bad taste in their mouths after extensive (read: expensive) travel. If you have the money and can treat your guests to a fantastic time, an open bar can be a great way to show your appreciation for their effort to celebrate with you.Obviously an open bar is expensive, and if money is a concern, a cash bar will help soften the blow. A happy medium can also be met, however, with a little ingenuity. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Consider having a "limited" bar. Serve only soda, beer, and wine or have a champagne toast. Some couples have a signature wedding cocktail, which cuts down on the different liquors and ingredients that need purchasing

2. Open the bar during cocktail hour only

3. Offer specialty drinks*If you are having a brunch/afternoon wedding, an option is offering Mimosa's and Bloody Marys / specialty martinis

4. Offer lower shelf liquors*Most venues offer different packages for alcohol. You don't see top shelf liquor at too many weddings these days.

Tough Call: To Cash Bar or Not to Cash Bar