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Audra
VIP June 2012

Cash Bar

Audra, on October 7, 2011 at 1:18 AM

Posted in Etiquette and Advice 77

Since a lot of members in our families are beer drinkers we are gonna purchase a couple of kegs for behind the bar. We are also paying for their non-alcoholic drinks (soda), the caterer provides water, tea, and lemonade. However, I want people to know that there won't be an open bar and that they...

Since a lot of members in our families are beer drinkers we are gonna purchase a couple of kegs for behind the bar. We are also paying for their non-alcoholic drinks (soda), the caterer provides water, tea, and lemonade. However, I want people to know that there won't be an open bar and that they will have to pay for all alcoholic drinks. (Except the champagne toast).

We are having the ceremony/reception at the same venue. Up until now I didn't think it was highly necessary to include a reception card. I have my invitations. I might purchase some post cards from vistaprint to make reception cards. How can I word on the reception insert, "cash bar" without being tacky. (I know this is a hot button issue so this isn't up for debate.)

77 Comments

  • Glenn
    Master February 2012
    Glenn ·
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    We will get that post on this page Shannon, I'd be shocked if we don't

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  • FMC
    Master June 2012
    FMC ·
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    I hope my guests are satisfied with beer wine and champagne because that's what we are offering

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  • Jessica
    Devoted November 2011
    Jessica ·
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    With my invites I had the actual invite, a RSVP, & then I did like an info card. The info card had the hotel information for the block of rooms we reserved, the location of the reception since different than ceremony. At the bottom of the info card I did notate *cash bar* so people would know & be prepared. I haven't had any negative feedback, actually most people appreciated the heads up.

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  • Janet Barnett
    Janet Barnett ·
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    Future Mrs. C, that's perfect, that's all you need.

    People shouldn't be getting out their wallets at your wedding!

    (Unless there is a money dance, and I have to admit I think those are kind of fun!)

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  • Shannon S.
    Master March 2011
    Shannon S. ·
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    I don't have a problem with beer and wine only, we almost went that route ourselves. I do have a problem with cash bars if, 1. I get the sense the bride and groom focused their funds on frilly things for themselves (ie, pricy dress, pro decor) and then reserved scraps for their guests, 2. It's cash for soda, 3. It's pretty obvious the bride and groom have nothing but contempt for their guests, which usually comes through with comments like, "They're there to celebrate OUR SPECIAL DAY, not get drunk!" or, "No one should get hammered on my dime!"

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  • Janet Barnett
    Janet Barnett ·
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    The guests should never be subsidizing the event.

    Unless everyone you've ever met in your life is a teetotaler or in A.A., please provide at least beer and wine.

    I agree with Shannon, there is a certain contempt in saying that your guests are just using your wedding as on opportunity to get drunk.

    When you are a guest, are you just super-excited to find out its a cash bar? I bet not.

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  • Jessica
    Master July 2012
    Jessica ·
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    We also decided to go with the idea of "bride & groom" signature drinks, since we do like cocktails but can't afford a full open bar. (Our bar isn't provided by the venue, so we have to personally buy all the alcohol or mixers)

    So beer (from our brewer friend), wine (we're not wine drinkers, so picking this out is going to suck!), and a small menu of available cocktails (probably Rum&Coke, fruity martini type, and a "classic" mixed drink like manhattan or side car or something).

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  • Jessica
    Master July 2012
    Jessica ·
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    Double post...

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  • Analy aka T-waffle
    Master October 2009
    Analy aka T-waffle ·
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    That's very adult of you. So is assuming that people (not just people, your loved ones) will attend your wedding only to take advantage of you.

    Jessica, I think that's a way more fun, personal way to do it anyhow!

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  • Audra
    VIP June 2012
    Audra ·
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    Wow.

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  • Denise Dumars
    Denise Dumars ·
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    The proper term is "no-host bar" and it is not unusual at all. I have not heard of anyone paying for food at a reception, however! I'm in California.

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  • Nicole
    Devoted July 2013
    Nicole ·
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    On the reception card, its the last thing in bold. What does your invites say? Does it let on that the reception immediately follows?

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  • Lillian
    Just Said Yes September 2011
    Lillian ·
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    First and foremost kudos for a cash bar, my open par left me and My guests a little hazy about the entire night, a definitely 'do over' if given the chance..

    'hosted bar' sends the message with a little class..

    Also check out www.123print.com for direction and registry cards.. I requested my attendees all wear black or white, gave directions, meal details and registry info all on a double sided invitation insert. Its a simple way to keep your invitations classy and still provide all the deets..

    Good luck

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  • Rachel W.
    Master May 2012
    Rachel W. ·
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    We are having an open bar, but sometimes I wish it was a cash bar. Some people in FH's family have a habit of getting a little tipsy and going on repeat. Certainly not looking forward to that. I'm sure if it were a cash bar, it would be a different story.

    So I just have to deal. I don't want my guests to worry about paying for drinks, and it is the norm by me.

    @FutureMrsB, I also had a jaw-drop moment when i saw 8.50-15/head. HOW??? My venue is $135/head. And that was the buffet option!

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  • Celia Milton
    Celia Milton ·
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    In my area, ny/nj.....you can't go to McDonald's for 8 bucks a head. And virtually no one has cash bars here.

    You could say, on the reception cards, "join us after the ceremony for a delicious buffet, lemonade, soda and coffee". I'd be bummed, but that's just me.

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  • Shannon S.
    Master March 2011
    Shannon S. ·
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    "I requested my attendees all wear black or white, gave directions, meal details and registry info all on a double sided invitation insert. Its a simple way to keep your invitations classy and still provide all the deets.."

    Nothing is classier than shaking your guests down for gifts IN THE INVITATION, going overboard when saying what they can or cannot wear, and then slapping them with a cash bar. If I got that invite, I'd be forwarding it to Etiquette Hell in an instant.

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  • Glenn
    Master February 2012
    Glenn ·
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    Shannon if I got an invite like that I would decline.

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  • Rebecca
    Dedicated June 2012
    Rebecca ·
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    Im upset at this site with how much you guys made her feel bad for what she wants to do..Do what you feel is right.. i like the idea of an info card. just to let them know. the information for the reception! Dont let any of these woman make you think that having a cash bar is bad..

    im paying for my own wedding and dont have ANYONE helping me out

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  • Shannon S.
    Master March 2011
    Shannon S. ·
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    Glenn, I would decline as well, but I'd definitely tell everyone I know about it. Tacky to treat guests as fashion accessories and a gift delivery system.

    Rebecca, I had to read your comment a few times before I could figure out what you were trying to say.

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  • FMC
    Master June 2012
    FMC ·
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    Rebecca don't get upset. Different people different views. They aren't her friends so really take it with a grain of salt.

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