Cash Bar vs. Full Bar vs. Beer/wine Bar

I don't think it's rude per say, but I wouldn't do it, especially for a wedding. Where your's is a destination wedding, I would say that kind of adds the need for an open bar. Your guests have to spend money to travel and make accommodations, they may have even had to skip a day of work to make it happen... Not to mention..nowadays nearly every couple gives at least $100 for a gift. They kind of deserve some free drinks, should they want some

I feel your pain on the money, trust me. My fiance and I are paying every dime of this crazy bash , but I wouldn't charge someone for a drink at my house, I won't do it at my wedding.

I've also heard of people giving their guests a free drink pass and then for the rest of the night they were required to pay for their drinks. Either way, whatever you do with the cash bar, if that's what you plan on doing, make sure that you communicate to all of your guests with your intentions!!!

My parents told me this when I started stressing about alcohol at my wedding: Your wedding should be about the two of you. If your wedding has alcohol or doesn't have alcohol, it shouldn't displease your guests. They are there because they are important to you and not because you just want to hand them free stuff.

Well I agree that you are going to get all kinds of opinions but nonetheless you asked so here it goes:

Tacky - yes ONLY because you are having a DW! You are having guest pay to travel and some might lodge and that cost $$ plus giving gifts.

As I say that with one breathe I will also say don't break the bank if you can't afford it. Do beer and wine only , or Signature drinks only, Or beer and Signature drinks etc.

We had a similar issue withing my group and they elected to do 2 signature drinks plus beer. One drink was like a Sangria so it covered the wine portion(or similar) and the other was a stronger Mixture. The groom did (2) 5 gallon pitchers of each they had 100 people and we still managed to have a pitcher to take home for an impromptu bbq the next day. saved them money and there was no complaints!

KNOW YOUR Audience!

I am fine with a cash bar but a DW needs an open bar. Guests have traveled a long distance, don't make them buy a rum and coke.

We went to a wedding last night and we were told: "Bride and Groom are hosting wine and soda." Beers were like, $2, I think a mixed drink was $4. We did not complain and I am an Open Bar kinda gal, lol. But we drove about 15 minutes to get there. We did not use vacation time and fly someplace at our expense.

I can't edit my previous post but Soda, Wine and Beer were hosted. No biggie but I wanted to be clear.

We are also paying for our wedding as well. However, in our situation it is a bit different we have to supply the liquor ourselves (with a hired bartender) if we want to offer chocoholic beverages we have to stock the bar ourselves or not have alcoholic beverages served at all. I feel a good percentage of our guests will like some type of drink. Majority of the people that are coming are either beer drinkers, or occasional drinkers. So we will be buying 50 % beer, 20% liquor, 10% champagne, 10 %wine, and the last 10% miscellaneous items such as mixers, juices, etc.

Good luck, with whatever you decide!

I personally think a cash bar isn't very kind to do to your guests. But I mean they do exist. We're doing beer and wine and then we will have two signature cocktails with liquor. So that cuts the costs dramatically!