 When you're planning a private event in Downtown Los Angeles, one of the most common questions is what kind of bar setup to offer your guests. If you're working with a budget or want to keep things simple, you might be wondering: should we do a cash bar? At Bonaventure Brewing Co., located inside the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in the heart of DTLA, we offer several bar service options for private parties, happy hours, corporate events, and wedding welcome dinners. This includes open bar packages, drink tickets, hosted tabs, and cash bars. Here’s everything you need to know about how a cash bar works, along with the pros and cons, so you can decide what’s right for your group. What Is a Cash Bar?
A cash bar means your guests purchase their own drinks directly from the bar during your event. It’s a simple and familiar setup where the host does not cover the cost of alcohol upfront. Guests pay per drink, and our staff handles the setup, service, and cleanup just like during regular restaurant service. Many clients consider this option when planning budget-conscious events like birthday parties, casual mixers, or corporate gatherings in Los Angeles. Pros of a Cash Bar for Private Events Lower upfront cost You are not paying for a bar package in advance, which helps manage your event budget. This is especially helpful for social events and informal celebrations. Guests order what they want Each person can decide exactly what to drink, making it simple for the host and accommodating for guests with different preferences. No guesswork on alcohol consumption You do not need to estimate how much your group will drink or worry about over-ordering. Everyone is responsible for their own choices. Cons of a Cash Bar at Your Event It may feel less inclusive for formal events At weddings, milestone birthdays, or company appreciation events, some guests may expect hosted drinks. A cash bar can feel less generous if not balanced with other hosted touches. Longer wait times Since each guest is paying individually, service can take slightly longer than an open bar. Our team works efficiently, but it is something to consider for short or high-traffic events. Less control over the guest experience With hosted bar packages or drink tickets, you are shaping the experience for your guests. A cash bar puts more of that control in their hands, which may or may not match the tone of your event. How to Make a Cash Bar Feel More Elevated If you want to offer a cash bar while still creating a thoughtful guest experience, consider pairing it with one of the following:
How Cash Bars Work at Bonaventure Brewing Co. Whether you are hosting a corporate event, wedding welcome party, or casual celebration, we provide full bar service, staffing, and setup. Guests can pay by card or cash, and we offer beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages depending on your menu and setup. There is no bar package fee for a cash bar, but a food and beverage minimum may still apply depending on the date, time, and space you are booking. We will walk you through all the options. Cash Bar vs Open Bar vs Drink TicketsHere is a quick breakdown of how each option works:
Let’s Plan Your Event Bar Setup If you are planning a private party, mixer, dinner, or networking event in Downtown Los Angeles, we will help you build a bar setup that works with your event vision and financial goals. A cash bar can be a great choice when used intentionally, and our team is here to make sure it runs smoothly. Reach out to [email protected] or call 714-402-3316 to start planning. Comments are closed.
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