open bar/cash bar

Answer 1

Open bars have all the works similar to that of a normal bar or nightclub. Open bars feature a wide variety of hard liquors, beers and soft drinks. All paid for by you.

Cash bars charge each guest for their individual drinks. It's often shunned because asking guests to pay for anything at your wedding reception is in bad taste, however a cash bar will save you money and you will have less drunken guests as a result.