Cash Bar Cocktail hour, Open Bar Later

Guess I will be the bad guy here and express the opinion that I think cash bars are rude to your guests and can come off as tacky.

That said, if you are doing part cash and part open, I agree with the others that having the times split up like that is very confusing. I would make the cash bar only at the end of the night (maybe start Cash around 10 or 11) and have open for the first half of the reception.

@Abby: I agree with you to a point. I think it's a little rude and I wouldn't do it. However, I get that people have to do what they have to do. I wouldn't judge someone for it if I was at their wedding.

The cash bar fight on this site is getting tiresome.

I agree with you Eleanor. It's also a regional fight. Some places it's common and others, not. I knew from the get-go that I wanted an open bar for my guests and I'd have one even if I had to cut back on other things. But I've been to plenty of cash bar weddings. It's not ideal but I'm not offended by it or judgemental.

I think it will get a little confusing. I have worked weddings that they choose an amount (say $500) and once that amount is reached they switch to a cash bar. We are doing something similar to that for our wedding. It's cheaper that making it a "hosted bar" with our venue. Since only half the people drink this seemed like the better option for us. We can add more money once the limit is reached.

Honestly, the schedule is confusing but understandable why you would do that. That being said, I read it twice and still can't remember when the open bar vs. cash bar is. To avoid your guests becoming frustrated and thinking it is open bar when it isn't, I think you should consider 1: Adding this info as an insert on invitations so guests can put this schedule in their purse/ wallet for reference and 2. Make a cute sign (or put in cute frame) and place this schedule next to the bar so guests can reference.

^ Ageee with Samantha C. It is the back and forth that's confusing .

I think you can let people know there will be an open bar until midnight. After midnight they can buy their own drinks, though I don't think you need to tell them that.

ETA: I somehow missed the cash bar cocktail hour...I do agree that's confusing. You can do a champagne reception or just beer and wine. It's not confusing after midnight...to me, that makes sense. But I agree that the back & forth is confusing.

I am not a fan of cash bars. I've only been to one wedding that had that. I was surprised...though not offended. I didn't have any cash on me, either. Awkward.