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Just Said Yes September 2019

Cash bar?

Aryn, on July 5, 2019 at 9:03 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 14

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So we have a very small budget of $5,500 most of that going towards food chair/table rentals and venue. We are having a relatively laid back wedding I bought a used dress $100 and he’s renting his suit. We have cut cost at every corner, I’m making our favors our own bouquets out of Costco flowers, making my own cake, everything diy. Our guest count is 60 so not too crazy. Anyways so my question being how tacky/ rude is it to have a cash bar. I’ve asked my family and they understand and are completely fine with it. We are paying for coffee, tea, leamonade and soda. I am mostly worried about his family, they are better off than my family, and I think they would expect an open bar, I don’t want to be rude to them but we have cut everything possible out and still can’t afford it. We are serving champagne for the toast but I feel like I should do more? If you have done a cash bar how did you let your guests know other than word of mouth or invitations? Or any ideas other than bringing in our own alcohol, the venue won’t allow that, that we can do and stay under $200? Thank you!

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14 Comments

Latest activity by Jennifer, on July 9, 2019 at 2:10 PM

VIP April 2019
Nikita · on July 5, 2019 at 9:44 PM
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You have to do what you have to do. Maybe see if you can swing a cocktail hour or signature drinks. Or maybe a partial bar. It's a shame you can't bring alcohol, $200 would be fine for a simple wine/beer option (we did that for 50 ppl). I doubt it would run you that low a price through the venue.

In lieu of that, make sure it's very clear on the detail cards, wedding website, etc. People need to bring cash, and not everyone carries it on them.
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Expert June 2021
Shannon · on July 5, 2019 at 9:49 PM
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I know some people have big issues with cash bars. They are completely normal in our area and circle of friends. We plan to have a keg, 2 signature drinks and then a cash bar for anything else. Depending where our budget stands, I really have no issue with a cash bar. I’d pass on the information so people wanting to drink can bring cash.
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Master May 2019
Cyndy · on July 5, 2019 at 9:53 PM
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What about doing just beer and wine and opting out of the champagne toast. Champagne isn’t something most people will drink anyway so use that money towards beer and wine.
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Legend November 2019
Caytlyn · on July 5, 2019 at 9:54 PM
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I would choose to have a dry wedding over a cash bar. I get having a budget, but I don’t believe any expense should be passed onto your guests.
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VIP December 2019
Michelle · on July 5, 2019 at 10:23 PM
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I agree with this. And you don't need favors, although it's DIY you're still paying for whatever materials to make the favors put that money towards something else
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Just Said Yes September 2019
Aryn · on July 5, 2019 at 10:36 PM
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Thank you guys! The favors are only costing us $25 in total and the champagne is provided for us complimentary from the venue, I had already asked if it would save us to cut it out and just serve beer/ wine. Would doing a single drink per person during cocktail hour be acceptable,then a cash bar? And those that have done just beer and wine for the whole night, around what did that cost you? I completely agree that guest really shouldn’t have to pay, they are our guests. I thought about the dry wedding but I know that my family would prefer to be able to buy their drinks rather than none at all.
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Dedicated August 2019
Rebecca · on July 5, 2019 at 10:37 PM
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Can you cut the champagne toast to put towards an open bar? I know our venue was going to charge a lot for this to rent the specific champagne glasses and we agreed most people would rather toast with whatever they were already drinking so we cut that. Can you do a limited bar with just wine and beer? I went to a vineyard wedding where wine or soda were the only options an no one minded.
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Super July 2020
D · on July 6, 2019 at 12:57 AM
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I would talk to you're venue again about the bar pricing options.
I truly dislike cash bars but will take it over a dry night time wedding.
Your budget doesn't seem to allow for much alcohol and you've cut the corners where you could but also want everyone to have a good time. I commend you for this. If you could do one drink for cocktail hour and then cash bar that is awesome if not then go ahead with the cash bar.
Make sure everyone knows by word of mouth or your wedding website there will be a cash bar.
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Master October 2017
karen · on July 6, 2019 at 10:48 AM
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I would skip the champagne toast and try to come up with money for beer and wine.
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Dedicated April 2020
Haley · on July 6, 2019 at 11:35 AM
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Beer and wine only is a more affordable option than full bar. Maybe make a cute sign that says "the first one's on us" or something.
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Master October 2019
Laura · on July 6, 2019 at 12:41 PM
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I totally agree. I have an even smaller budget than that, but it's not right to make guests foot the bill
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on July 8, 2019 at 2:24 PM
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In my opinion, cash bar is WAY better than a dry wedding! I'd also skip champagne and just let everyone toast with whatever was in their hand so you can spend more on beer & wine.
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Devoted May 2020
Bride2020 · on July 8, 2019 at 4:23 PM
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Talk to the venue! I am also having a 60 person wedding, I can't bring my own alc but the caterer seems understanding and I think we will get away with beer, wine, and a signature drink from them.
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VIP August 2021
Jennifer · on July 9, 2019 at 2:10 PM
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I agree that I would rather have a cash bar as a guest than no bar at all. You at least get the option! I commend you for looking into all the options! I think the first one on the couple and the rest is covered by guests is a good idea as well, or just beer and wine!
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