Disclosing bar options

I still wouldn't write it on the invitation. Let it spread by word of mouth. Is your tab something that in theory should last your event? Like how many beers and glasses of wine will your budget cover?

I would put it on your wedding website. Guests do need to know if they need to bring cash, or they might not expect it.

That isn’t something I would write in an invitation. I would put it on your wedding website or spread by word of mouth.

Thanks for the replies. It’s a small party max 150 guests and not all will drink. I was going to have a limit of $1000 and turn into cash after we get to that, but people can buy mixed drinks if they don’t drink beer or wine. It’s $5 per beer $5 per glass wine.....Rather than on the invite, I plan on including an insert with local accommodation options, a little Ariel view of a map because back road is a little sketchy, what if I put something like, ‘beer and wine served during cocktail hour, other options available’ is that not clear enough?

At first we were going to have two drinks per guest and I was going to put something along the lines of “The first two rounds are on us! Additional cocktail beverages will be available for purchase,” on the details card. You could probably do something similar, and make it sound more formal based on the formality of your wedding

View Quoted Comment Definitely not clear enough. If you’re gonna do that, after “other options available” you need to include “for purchase”

otherwise id assume that what you mean is that you’ll have some sort of selection of liquor available but it might not be a full bar or inclusive of all the normal liquors. I would not at all assume that line means ‘cash bar available’...definitely have to be a little explicit about it if you’re trying to ensure guests bring cash.

I'd take what I spent out of your gift as would most I know.

I find it interesting that my comment got removed, it was extremely tame compared to some of the other comments I’ve seen on this forum. Also I find it funny that a comment that’s not helpful at all and just an opinion gets to stay but mine didn’t. Whatever!

Anyway, in regards to your question, I think adding in “for purchase” as McSkipper said would be more clear! We are doing something similar at our wedding with the bar tab (having a set amount and then turning to a cash bar when and if that amount is reached).

View Quoted Comment I agree, I did see your previous and thank you. I could care less if people are going to take any $ out of a gift, I’m not doing this for gifts... Your feedback was helpful, I’ll be sure specify ‘for purchase’ thanks again porcelainivorysteel, mcskipper, and Brittany.

... and Allison, and red queen and Kelly

I think the wording needs help because what if the money doesn't last through cocktail hour. I know all 150 don't drink but that's not a small number, even if 100 do drink.

"Limited and cash bar available" - unsure that everyone will know what limited means. In this scenario I almost rather have drink tickets because it would seem that those who drink the quickest will get more than someone who paces them self.

I don't think it's appropriate to put that on the invites or in an insert. I'd put it on your wedding website and maybe spread it by word of mouth. I'd call it a Limited Modified Open Wine/Beer Bar Tab which will switch to a cash bar. If anyone is confused I'm sure they'll ask.

Just my opinion, but I was thinking about the website thing...not everyone will check a wedding website. I know half of the time I don’t but I’ve also only been to like 4 weddings. And I’m thinking of older folks who may not be internet savvy. I think you should add it on the site anyway, but it’s possible not everyone would check it.

Is there a reason why it’s not appropriate to put it on an invite? I have a similar situation to OP so that’s why I’m asking.

$1000 for 150 people isn't going to last more than two hours max. Especially since people will be rushing to get drinks in before the money runs out (I would). I'd honestly just keep the bar open for an hour or so and let people drink what they want, then switch it to a cash bar. Cutting it off at $1000 about an hour into the party is just going to be confusing and be totally rude to that first person who has to pay for their drink. What if someone doesn't want a drink initially but then decides they do later on, but didn't know about the bar? Now they've missed out on their free drink.

Host beer and wine all night or do a time limit.

Is there really NO possible way, cutting flowers, accessories, a limo, etc. to come up with an additional $2k so you could keep the beer and wine bar open the full night, estimating 4 drinks per person for 150 people, for $3k total? I'd do whatever I could to be able to host the bar all night. And then I'd put a sign on the bar: "Soda, Beer, and Wine Complementary; other beverages available for purchase upon request".

Mandy, there might not be any of those things to cut. I don’t know OP’s situation but I’m not doing special transportation, I cut my guest list, nixed the DJ & a rehearsal, & I’m planning on doing simple flowerless DIY centerpieces. And I still can’t afford to do an open bar all night. Our venue has a bar minimum which we will pay and we are doing a modified bar of beer, wine, and a signature cocktail or two to make the minimum last! Everyone should be able to get about 5 or 6 drinks which I think is plenty. Personally I think cutting the guest list would be a better option if possible to make that $1000 last. $3,000 is way too much to spend on alcohol imo. If you can afford it that’s wonderful! But I know I could not.

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^^^^ All of this.