The open bar is the bar available to guests for a set time, usually after dinner or after the cake cutting: cocktails, spirits, beer, soft drinks. It is different from the bar station at the aperitivo, which goes with the buffet: in the quote, keep them separate.
There are three main formats: per person, on consumption, by the hour. They change the risk on the final bill: on consumption you pay for what is drunk, per person or by the hour you know the cost in advance. Quantities are estimated on guests, age, length and season; there is no rule that fits everyone. Villas and country houses outside the city are almost always reached by car, and that matters too.
What to ask
Ask in writing for hours included, drinks list and labels, number of bartenders and cost of each extra hour. If you bring your own bottles, ask about the corkage fee. The formats are in the guide to the wedding open bar and the one on the cocktail bar station.
