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One thing comes to mind when people hear ‘open bar:’ free booze! While it is free for attendees of whatever the function may be, it doesn’t necessarily mean a free-for-all at the bar. There are some do’s and don’ts to follow to keep your dignity and liver intact.
Do
Pace yourself. If the open bar is only for a few hours it doesn’t mean you have to obliterate yourself during that time to make up for whatever money you may have spent to attend the function. If on a regular night you have a set limit then keep to it. You’d have a much better time spending the evening with the other guests than with your head in the toilet or passed out at the table.
Tip the bartender. You would tip your bartender for the same service if you were at a bar, restaurant or club under normal circumstances so why wouldn’t you tip when the drinks are free? Too many people view an open bar as a sanctioned opportunity to cheap out on their servers. You’re getting the same knowledge, technique and courteous service; isn’t that worth a couple of bucks?
Keep in mind that the bartender, regardless of the function, has the right to cut you off. At open bar gatherings people have a tendency to overindulge and bartenders have to be extra diligent as to not over serve the guests. The same rules apply because bartenders are still liable whether it’s at a wedding, retirement party or at somebody's house. Bartenders think long and hard before cutting someone off in general and even more so when the host has spent a great deal of money on the gathering. If you get cut off it’s because you’re that bad so get over it and get yourself a cup of java instead.
Take advantage of the open bar to try something new. This way if you don’t like it you’re not stuck paying for it.
Don’t
Unless you’re at a house party shots are inappropriate.
The mother of the groom (true story) was a pile of nerves the day of the wedding so she took a few Xanax to calm down. Come the reception, she mindlessly drank the glasses of champagne given to her by her husband. She spent the majority of the reception throwing up in the bathroom. The lesson: alcohol and medication still don’t mix regardless of the event. It’s one high or the other, people. Not both.
It’s still not OK to eat from the bartender’s fruit tray.
Unless it’s an actual bar, don’t camp out in front of it. Reception bar areas are small and the counter top can already be crowded with napkins, fruit and straw caddies, tip jar, etc. There’s no room for elbows so take your drink and move along.
Whatever the function, regardless of the quality of alcohol, unless you’re a Frat boy there’s really no excuse for getting totally wasted. Show some respect for yourself and for the people throwing the function and exercise a little self control. If it was the other way around; would you invite the guy who threw up in the corner to your next event? Yeah, didn’t think so.
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