What Is the Difference Between a Hosted Bar and Open Bar? Bar Options Comparison

  • Host Bar vs Open Bar
  • Cash Bar vs Hosted Bar

With an open bar, guests can order drinks paid for by the host. A host bar charges for drinks at the end.

Study your guest list before deciding on open or host bar. If most guests don’t drink much, a host bar with low per drink cost may work. If many drink a lot, an open bar with an hourly fee per guest may save money.

A host bar charges for drinks at the end. They count bottles or measure pours and charge accordingly. An open bar involves an hourly fee per guest for unlimited drinks during that time.

In some cases, a host bar works well, while in others, no limit on drinking makes open bar better. Factors like serving greasy food may impact the decision. People tend to drink more at certain times and in warm environments. Overindulgence risks may be mitigated with a token system.

The open bar hourly rate includes bartender fees. You pay upfront not knowing exactly what will be consumed. A host bar tallies consumption for billing at the end.

Host Bar vs No Host Bar

What is difference between host or no host bar? A no host bar means guests pay for their drinks. A host bar means drinks are paid for by the host.

With host bar, guests can order drinks paid by the host. The host bar charges at the end by counting bottles or measuring pours. There is no limit on consumption. An open bar involves an hourly fee per guest for unlimited drinks.

Study the guest list before deciding on the bar type. If guests don’t drink much, a host bar with a low drink cost may work. If many drink a lot, the open bar hourly fee may save money.

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