How do I let people know about alcohol...............

Put it on your wedding website. Other than that, word of mouth.

I think the best way will be through word of mouth. Not sure how you would notify guests via email/website, On our website I put "Cash Bar" under the reception info.

We put it on my daughters RSVP cards. It said:

"Dinner, sparkling wine, wine and No-Host bar".

Or You could put under your reception info "Host beer, wine and soda" I think that would be ok.

Yeah word of mouth and website. My husband and I are drinkers but when we went to a wedding that was wine and beer hosted only it was no problem at all for us. Now if there was NO alcohol hosted then we would have definitely wanted the heads up. But we always bring some money just to tip the bartenders

Just put it on the wedding website specially if that's where ppl are going to be rsvping.

Thanks for posting this, its something that I've been thinking about too.

I think I'll have to put something on the invite as my friends need to hear it from as many places as possible, they are not very organized.

I am throwing etiquette out the window on quite a few things, in favour of being practical and making sure that people know whats happening.

If anyone has issue with it, I'll just blame it on my being English, and us doing things differently over there hehehe

I dont know that anything is needed since there will be alcohol there. I think its better to let people know if there isnt any alcohol but a cash bar. Since you do have beer and wine though, you are good. If you have some friends/family that you know always drink liquor, then just let them know word of mouth.

How are you all wording it on your website? And where are you putting it (under the reception section, a separate FAQ section, etc)?

We put it on our website, I've told all the heavy drinkers and I made a guest information insert for the invites and it's on there as well.

@ Dragonfly: this is how it appears on our website:

Due to budget constraints there will NOT be an open bar at the reception. We've been notified by the establishment that anyone caught bringing in their own alcohol will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to return. The bar does have a credit card machine that will be available for your purchases. If you have any questions regarding this please let us know so we can prevent any unpleasant scenes and enjoy the evening.

and this is how it was on the guest information card:

Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages will be served at the reception. If you would like to purchase alcoholic drinks, the bar will be accepting cash and credit cards.

You don't have to tell the guests anything about the bar. you have to feed them, anything other than that is a bonus. people go to weddings prepared to buy their own drinks anyway, and if it's open or hosted bar then that's a bonus.

@Saw...I think that's a regional thing. I don't mean to sound snotty, but I expect at least some form of an open bar. I've never seen a cash bar at a wedding. Granted, I think beer and wine is totally fine! I don't know anyone who ONLY drinks liquor, so I doubt anyone would be bothered.

Ettiquette wise is to let them find out at the wedding. Most people are fine with beer, wine and soda and don't think much of not having mixed drinks when the others are available to them at no charge.

You may not even want to offer the mixed drinks, as usually that's when drunken episodes break out.

Have a wonderful wedding!

Beau Weddings & Events

My wedding is very informal. It's at a place that is a full-service bar 7 days a week so we are having the ceremony and reception in their reception hall. And since my family does drink & only some of his family does, I put an insert in the invitation about it being Cash Bar and that we'd like for everyone to drink responsibly and make sure they have someone with them to drive them home. I mean I didn't write, "Bring money for booze." LOL. I'm not that big of a 'tard. LOL. But thats how I did it but then again, it's an informal wedding

This is how I announced to my guests regarding Alcohol.... created a private event on Facebook and selected only guests that were invited. 150 guests

ALCOHOL ANNOUNCEMENTNo Cash Bar (tips for bartenders are appreciated)
No Glass Bottles allowedUnlimited Ice, Coke, Sprite, Tea, Water, CoffeeWe will be hosting Beer/Margarita Machine/WineBEER ( Dos Equis & Bud Light)
FROZEN MARGARITAS (Strawberry & Lime)
WINE (Sparkling Rose')LIQUOR - Guests are allowed to bring own liquor bottle - to be kept behind the bar only , not on table. You will be served by bartender, from the bottle you bring. (Put bottle in bag, or put name on it)