NYC private party - how long is long enough for an open bar?!
NYC private party - how long is long enough for an open bar?
I'm throwing a graduation party for my boyfriend and there should be about 40-50 guests. I'm trying to figure out how much I'll need to spend for an open bar, but not sure how many hours I should hold one...
Additional Details5 months ago
I was thinking of starting the party around 10pm and debating about how long for the open bar...it's so hard since I want everyone to have a good time, but I don't want to be poor as well, esp with NYC prices.
Answers:
5 months ago
I was thinking of starting the party around 10pm and debating about how long for the open bar...it's so hard since I want everyone to have a good time, but I don't want to be poor as well, esp with NYC prices.
When does the party start? I say about three hours
4 hours is plenty of time for an open bar. But ask the manager if you can have an option for a 5th hour if your guests are enjoying themselves.
We give an extension frequently.
definitely a couple hours to three hours
an hour & a half no more.......
one hour is long enough....make it a cash bar after the first hour.
I would say do what you can afford. Don't worry so much if it's 'long' enough...one hour to four hours...whatever fits your budget. just make sure the guests know how long it is open for so they don't feel ripped if suddenly it's a cash bar.
three days
2 hours should be enough time but not get to wasted and have time to sober up if your guests have to
I've seen a lot of private parties that begin with a "cocktail hour". This has several advantages, icluding that it makes everyone arrive on time, unless they don't want any free drinks!
It's always fun, people get their buzz on quickly and are more likely to spend money when you switch to cash bar and dinner service.
Have fun!
I would say about 2 hours...3 max. Be sure your guests know to arrive on time, and you should have food already prepared and everything so no one is drinking on an empty stomach.
Two hours is long enough. Just be sure to specify the party start and end times on the invitation (ex. 10pm - midnight).
I think I would base the decision on the food situation. For instance, if you plan to sit down for dinner after the cocktails, an hour is more then enough time.
If this is simply a gathering for drinks and chatting, then you might have the option of snacks or passed hors d'?uvres. This keeps your guests from getting smashed from the get go, so it makes people wanna sip on their drinks longer. Now your looking at 2-3 hours.
If they are only coming to drink, with no food, dinner, or plans to follow then again, 2-3 hours, but keep in mind 3 hours is going to result in some pretty intoxicated guests, so watch them as they leave and make sure they are ok.
Shoot for the low end of your estimate, and if you find people are still willing to drink toward the end, and you dont want to foot the bill...know of 1 or 2 cool bars nearby that people "shouldn't miss" and then you can herd them over there....which rejuvenates the crowd with a change of venue, and absolves your pocketbook of any more responsibility.