When planning a fundraiser in Colorado, the question of how to handle the bar service can significantly impact both your event's budget and its success.

Should you offer an open bar to create a generous atmosphere, or implement a drink ticket system to control costs?

Let's explore both options to help you make the right choice for your next fundraising event.

Why Your Bar Choice Matters

The bar service at your fundraiser does more than just quench thirst—it influences the overall atmosphere, affects donor generosity, and impacts your bottom line.

Colorado's community-focused events often thrive on creating the right environment for giving, making this decision particularly important.

Open Bar: Creating a Generous Atmosphere

An open bar allows guests to drink freely throughout your event without directly paying for each beverage.

Advantages of Open Bar for Fundraisers:

• Fosters a generous atmosphere that may encourage larger donations
• Creates a festive, celebratory environment perfect for Colorado's community-minded events
• Eliminates transaction time at the bar, keeping lines moving quickly
• Removes the psychological barrier of spending money on drinks, potentially freeing up funds for donations
• Provides a premium experience that can justify higher ticket prices

Potential Drawbacks:

• Costs can escalate quickly if guests overindulge
• More difficult to budget accurately since consumption varies
• May require additional bartending staff to handle higher demand
• Could lead to excessive drinking if not managed properly

Drink Ticket Systems: Balancing Generosity and Budget

With a drink ticket system, each guest receives a predetermined number of tickets for complimentary drinks, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Advantages of Drink Tickets for Fundraisers:

• Provides predictable budgeting with a fixed number of complimentary drinks
• Controls overall alcohol consumption at your event
• Offers flexibility in the number of tickets provided based on your budget
• Can incorporate sponsorship opportunities with branded drink tickets
• Balances hospitality with financial responsibility

Potential Drawbacks:

• May feel restrictive to guests accustomed to open bars
• Could affect donor generosity if perceived as less hospitable
• Requires management of ticket distribution and collection
• Creates additional line time for cash purchases after tickets are used

Finding the Colorado Sweet Spot: Hybrid Approaches

Many successful Colorado fundraisers implement hybrid approaches that capture benefits from both systems:

1. Timed Open Bar: Offer an open bar during specific periods, such as the first hour or during the donation appeal, then switch to a cash bar.
2. Premium Tiered System: Provide drink tickets for standard offerings, with premium options available for purchase or higher donation levels.
3. Donor-Level Perks: Assign different numbers of drink tickets based on sponsorship or donation levels, creating incentive for increased giving.
4. Specialty Cocktail Fundraising: Create a signature cocktail where a portion of each purchase goes directly to your cause, even during an open bar period.

Making Your Decision: 5 Key Factors for Colorado Fundraisers

Consider these factors when choosing between open bar and drink ticket systems:

1. Your Donor Demographics: Colorado's craft-savvy crowds may appreciate quality over quantity. Consider featuring local Colorado craft beers like Yeti Imperial Stout or spirits like Fireside Whiskey, regardless of your serving system.
2. Event Duration: Longer events may benefit from drink tickets to pace consumption, while shorter events might work better with an open bar.
3. Fundraising Goals: Higher-end fundraisers aiming for major donations often justify the expense of an open bar through increased giving.
4. Venue Requirements: Some Colorado mountain venues or unique locations may have specific alcohol service requirements that influence your decision.
5. Budget Reality: Be realistic about what your organization can afford—an open bar that depletes your fundraising proceeds defeats the purpose.

Professional Execution Makes the Difference

Regardless of which system you choose, professional bartender catering elevates your fundraiser through:

• TIPS-certified bartenders who responsibly serve alcohol
• Complete bar setup that reflects your event's professionalism
• Efficient service that minimizes wait times
• Expertise in fundraising events that helps maximize your success

Balance Hospitality with Smart Budgeting

For Colorado fundraisers, the ideal bar service strikes a balance between creating a generous atmosphere and maintaining financial responsibility. Many successful events offer two complimentary drink tickets per guest, followed by a reasonably priced cash bar—combining hospitality with budget control.

Remember that your ultimate goal is maximizing funds raised for your cause. The right bar service should enhance this mission, not detract from it through excessive costs or by dampening the giving spirit.

Ready to plan your next Colorado fundraiser with the perfect bar service? 

Contact Party Liquor to discuss custom options tailored to your fundraising goals, venue, and budget.