Cash bar

Maria - you have a lot to learn about hosting your guests graciously.

The fact that you're asking means you can find a way to work in some kind of alcohol service at your reception. Just do it. Please...don't dangle the big party element in front of your guests unless that big party element is hosted. The thought of your guests opening their wallets to enjoy a cocktail -- the one thing that will take your party from nice and polite (but fading after two hours) to "wow, what a great wedding that was!" -- is really icky.

Have a dry wedding and own your decision, or have a hosted bar and own that. Don't put anything in your guests' line of vision that will enhance your party at your guests' expense.

At least have beer and wine provided.

Cash bars are beyond tacky.

Why is getting the same consistent answer from a lot of different people considered an attack? I'd much rather know my idea was bad or rude or unnecessary while planning my wedding than find out after the fact! #teamnocashbar

@jeleebeenz....first off thank you for your service...second... I'm not using the military card for anything....I made the decision that I made and yes I will do an open up to a certain at then it's a cash bar...yes I don't want to spend a ton on alcohol and it's not a matter of being cheap because I'm not registering anywhere for wedding gifts or shit like that...that's why we put on our invitations about gifts..why because I've got everything that I need...I want my friends and family to come have a good time and if they're not satisfied with my decision to do a partial bar then that's on them....I simply want them to come celebrate with us and have a good time

@Natalie. I'm confused. You said you "just thought I would get a different opinion" then when you actually got a different opinion, you got all pissy about it. Sorry if you're offended, but think how offended your guests will be when they have to pay for a drink.

Eta spelling

As someone stated above...would you have friends over dinner and not offer beer/wine?

@karen I didn't get pissy I thanked the ladies that had legitimate advise that is why I changed it....trust honey not pissed at all because at the end of the day, no one on this forum is going to be at my wedding....I simply wanted some advice and not a bunch of rude comments but it is what it is...appreciate all the advice none the less

My sincere advice is to offer beer and wine all night. Not just up to a certain point. I'm not being rude, I'm just telling you what will be expected.

Everyone's entitled to an opinion and I appreciate it...could be be said a different way..of course but hey....whatevs

Celebrate with you? Yes but the reception is to THANK YOUR GUESTS for coming to your wedding ceremony. You know--for spending money traveling to your wedding, dressing up, and buying you and your FH a thoughtful gift.

Can't host them properly? Do punch and cake reception and call it a day.

If I ever get to have the wedding I want (at this point it'll be a vow renewal) and I don't provide liquor for my FH's military friends........ LOL our wedding will be a joke. Don't use the military excuse... "Decorum" LOL military members are still human. Although the way I've seen some drink I don't know how they still have a functioning liver.

Also- hosting open bar for part of the night vs. beer and wine for the whole night might be a similar price. The latter would not be considered rude at all, maybe that's something to look in to.

I have 6 siblings in the US Army and *omg* can they and their buddies drink. No idea what OP is getting at....

WW: hey OP, you should properly host your adult guests that may be spending thousands to travel to your wedding.

OP:

@Natalie but honestly if you made your decision why even bother asking if you aren't open to advice or actual opinions? If everyone with the exception of two say it's rude and you say I'm doing it anyway why waste the time or energy?

We bring cash in envelopes to weddings. Every drink FH and I have to pay for because the hosts are too damn cheap to do it right comes out of what's in that envelope.

Just keep in mind that this day is not about how drunk your friends/family can get in your dime. It's about you and your future husband celebrating each other and your relationship together. That being said, another suggestion would be to put a bottle of white, red and rose on each table. When the wine is done there is no more. Another suggestion is to provide beer and wine for an open bar and when your guests drink it all that's it. This is your party and if you choose not to have alcohol that is your choice and should be respected by your family.

At the end of the day, ive been to weddings that have a cash bar. Id rather go to a cash bar wedding vs no bar wedding

Do at least beer and wine. Do not switch it to cash at some point, that's confusing.