Cash Bar

I agree with Hayley's wording. Once you specify what is complimentary, they'll get the picture.

It is good to inform your guests that it is a cash bar. I went to a wedding where they charged for everything even soda and tea. We did not know it was a cash bar and didn't have any cash on us. They would also not take credit cards, so we were a little screwed.

Just fyi.

If you are wondering how to say "cash bar" without appearing tacky, you can't.

If you are getting kegs of beer, can't you get a couple of cases of wine as well? You don't need to provide all types of alcohol, beer and wine is enough.

Would you invite someone over to your house and charge them for a drink? I certainly hope not. I realize weddings are expensive, but once you jump in you have to be prepared to shoulder some financial burden.

Actually Julie, of course you can ask them not to serve a full bar. There is no reason why you can't. In fact, that would cut your costs even further, since you wouldn't be paying for a bartender. If it's not within your budget to provide a full bar to guests, there is no rule saying there has to be one. Guests are welcome to what is provided them, and if they wish to have further alcoholic beverages, they can visit a bar after the event.

I completely agree with Barnett. If you're providing beer, it won't cost more than a couple hundred dollars more (at most, less if you buy at costco or the Bevmo sales) to provide a couple cases of wine. That would eliminate the need for a bar, and the need to even have this conversation about what is or is not tacky. You can also return the leftovers for cash!

Tacky is subjective.... and the wedding industry has created a lot of expections for itself. Your friends and family probably have some idea of what you can and can't afford, and they are going to be happy with what you provide and celebrating your day. It's not like your getting married in Manhattan, providing lobster entrees, and then asking people to pony up for drinks!

I think Haley's wording sounds great.. put something like that up on your wedding website, and pass the word around via family, friends and gossips. And if your venue does allow liquor from a non-licensed source, you can always let your "drinking friends" know they can come packing a flask.

Yay, a cash bar argument! I haven't seen this in...oh, five minutes or so.

I understand budgets, but honestly if you're providing kegs a case or two of wine wouldn't be a huge stretch. One less keg and you've got your wine budget. And it would be very appreciated by your guests. Not everyone drinks beer (heartburn ahoy!), but 90% of folks are happy with either wine or beer. The rest, we call "snobs."

Hahah jessica. my husband said he was bringing a flask LOL... i dont think cash bar is tacky at all. if i had more money than i would offer an open bar. but i cant afford that. so i know my friends will understand and i will also pass along the flask idea LOL

@ Julie, that is how it works for us too. When my FH's family has any get together they always find out or suggest who is bringing what, even bday parties! For anyone to assume just because it is a wedding that the drink tab is endless is tacky and insane! Most brides now a days are on some type of a budget! We are also having a cash bar and it is norm here! All of the family and friends that I have shared this with agree! We are having soda, tea, water, coffee and a champagne toast as well. We are having buffet style food. On our website we announced it "cash bar will be available for those who desire" "come prepared for an evening full of dancing and celebration"

Julie have u asked about limiting the bar to just beer and wine. Our venue offers a full bar but we are only having beer and wine, oh and a champagne toast. You should be able to since you are paying for the venue I would think they would accomadate you!

Cash bar is beyond tacky and when I invite my friends over to my house for a party I ensure that I have enough food, alcohol, mixers, soda, water, ice, etc.... Very rarely do I have to ask for a friend to grab something simple like ice or a bag of chips if they are coming late and we ran out, but I would NEVER host a party and expect people to bring things.

Why in the world does providing wine suddenly equal getting hammered? Justify it with budget all you want. Fine. But don't act like your guests are some kind of idiots that don't know how to behave in public. It's simply not a valid argument! Especially when you could have, and should have stopped at budget.

Ahhh yes, the good old guests getting hammered on my dime argument, knew that was coming soon or later

Hey, Julie, not everyone who is pro-open bar is all about "getting hammered on (your) dime." Many people just consider a host bar to be an integral part of being gracious hosts. Indicating otherwise shows a certain lack of respect for your guests. (I call it Marauding Vikings Syndrome, where any expenditure towards guests' comfort and enjoyment is regarded as a grievous demand by an invading army.)

The ceremony is for the bride and groom. The reception is a thank-you to the guests for joining you.

We didn't have a huge budget. So we focused our funds on the things that would make for a great event - good food, open bar, and a venue near the hotel and transit so drunk driving wouldn't be an issue. Other than that, we DIY'ed everything from the invites to the decor, my dress was a sample, and our venue was a local pub instead of a country club or hotel. And it was "beautiful" and "magical."

Maybe you could ask the guests to bring a dish or a bag of chips as well.

I don't think this is technically a cash bar, since you are providing some drinks, but if guests want something beyond that, then they have to pay... and that's fair.

If being able to buy some wine is in your budget, then I would do that, just to offer some variety. It doesn't have to be expensive, but if you can only afford $2 a bottle variety then I would skip it.

We are doing this for our engagement party, sorta, we are putting a set amount on the bar, to cover beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. If the tab runs out, or if people want something else, then they have to pay. At the wedding, luckily they will only have the alcohol behind the bar that comes with our package.

Barnett, I don't know who you are, but you rock.

Glenn/Analy, what's the over-under on when we'll get, "Unlike YOU SAD PATHETIC DRUNKARDS, my friends and family don't NEED alcohol to have a good time!"

Why are we discussing the tackyness of a cashbar when Audra said it wasn't up for debate? We've already gone over this and know who thinks it acceptable or not...

She's just looking for suggestions on how to express to her guests the decision that has already been made.

Jessica, I think at this point we've moved from Audra to expressing concern over another poster's Marauding Viking issues.

Shannon, not everyone is a speed reader, apparently.

Haha! Very funny, Shannon!