Cash Bar

@Ryanna you must have a lot of guests. That seems more like trying to keep up with the Joneses. I have 25 guests because that is who I can afford to buy food and drinks for. Weddings do not need to be events with over 100 people, a DJ, a photo booth, $3000 flower arrangements, etc. If it comes down to cutting expenses, don't cut down on the guest's experience. Cut down on the extras and cut the guest list.

I'd like to see the receipts for Celia talking down to anyone here.

I read her post. She spoke the truth, disagreeing with what was said.

If disagreeing with someone is talking down to them, then everyone in the world is condescending no matter what.

@miami every venue we looked at allowed us . They did not provide it. Depends where you are located

Genesis. Perfect answer.

@Amanda every venue I looked at did not allow it. It is a big money maker so I understand why they would not. I am just saying that if OP's venue has a cash drink option, they are most likely not letting you bring in your own drinks. If it was a venue that doesn't do the drinks themselves it is more likely.

Again like i said it depends on where you are located .

I'm also doing a cash bar, it is just not in the budget. My family and friends understands and if they don't they don't have to attend. It's really not that big of a deal. My venue doesn't allow outside alcohol either. Me and my FH drinks a lot but the cost is not worth it.

This keeps getting better and better ...

I can't even tonight.

@Amanda my point was advising someone to save up for a bottle of wine every week makes the assumption that bringing in alcohol is an option. What would make more sense is asking "Does your venue allow you to bring your own drinks? If so, than maybe you can purchase some beer and wine over a period of time."

@miami gotcha

@Amanda grow up

My father doesn't drink either and when my parents got married they did a 2hr open bar. She seems to remember it being shorter back in the day...I guess just to let people wet their whistle...a little bit maybe see if that's if your budget.

Depending where you live, many places do not allow you to bring your own alcohol. I don't know if anywhere near me that would allow that.

If you and your fiancé are non drinkers for a reason, it's rude of people here to encourage you to stockpile alcohol for the next 18 months. There is more to a celebration than alcohol. If you want to give people the option, then go for it. If you don't, then don't. Do what works for you. If you invited a group of people out somewhere for a night of dancing to celebrate a happy occasion they wouldn't expect you to follow them to the bar every time they chose to get a drink. The only place I have ever heard of this being an issue is on this particular website.

As far as giving guests a heads up, you can word your invitations to say "dinner and dancing to follow", and then if you have an information insert, either add "cash bar available" or include a link to a wedding website where that information is included.

I have been to weddings where the only alcohol was the champagne for the toasts. Would that be an option? The vast majority of our guests don't drink at all, so this isn't something we are having to really think about.

I've been to plenty of weddings with cash bars... no one left and it was still a great time. Everyone seemed to be there to celebrate the couple not necessarily load up on free booze. Everyone understands how hard it can be to cut a guest list and frankly if I attend YOUR wedding, I am there for you and your spouse not the liquor so who cares if you have open bar or not. But everyone is different I guess. This is just my opinion.

You came to the wrong place to ask that question, sweetheart.

If you really can't afford to host a bar, have a lunch time/brunch wedding or just a cake and punch reception at a non-meal time. 2 pm ceremony, dessert and appetizers afterwards. If people have to buy their drinks, they really won't stick around for dancing after dinner anyways.

If you were taken by a friend out to dinner to say "thank you" for something you certainly would not preface the meal by telling them you wouldn't cover a glass of wine.

I'm not having a cash bar i cannot afford it its my wedding and I'm not even old enough to drink theirfor I won't be I don't see how its rude if their thirsty their will be free beverages and they can pay for their liquore

Alexzandria, it's rude to make people pay for things at an event you invited them to and that you're hosting.