How to ask someone if they are having an open bar or cash bar?

I honestly don't think it's rude to ask, but it's all in the way it's brought up. I think they should spread the word if it's going to be cash bar so guests know to bring their wallets.

Just take cash. Girl Guide motto- Be Prepared.

I'd suggest phrasing it like "Should we make sure to have cash on us for the bar?" That way it doesn't sound like you're judging them for not having an open bar but if it is open bar that's their moment to tell you. Or hope for an open bar and just bring cash to the wedding just to be safe.

If you're close enough for them to tell you not to expect a "fufu wedding", I'd just ask them point blank if an open bar is considered "fufu".

Just bring cash.

It's not rude, just strike up a conversation about some of the things she's planned then say oh I can't wait to have a nice drink at cocktail hour...are u doing open or cash bar, just so I know how much cash to bring...maybe something like this

I wouldn't ask, and I would just bring cash to be prepared.

Yeah, just bring cash.

@maureen I really like your idea. Thanks!

If they have a website, maybe they'll have that info listed; but when in doubt...bring cash.

Just take cash. Not really a big deal.

Keep the envelope on their card unsealed. That's what I did at the last wedding I was unsure of. The bridal shower had a cash bar (ugh) and there were other lapses in etiquette, so rumours were swirling that the wedding was a cash bar. When we got to the wedding, most people had the same idea and were hastily sealing their envelopes when they found out it was open bar.

I give from the heart what I intend to give. I think it just as tacky and classless to unseal a card and take said gift out because someone didn't give you free drinks you feel entitled to.

I would just take extra cash out, if you don't need it, great.

@FutureMrs-for all the crap and money i go through to get my arse to someone's wedding, it had better have a glass of wine at the end of it. I'm sorry but up here, open bars are the norm. Cash bars are considered lowbrow.

@FutureMrs....totally agree. Personally, I feel that's more of a reflection on the guest than the couple :o

ETA...I guess where I'm from, we are 'lowbrow'

Lol @ "lowbrow" sounds like those people weren't good enough for you to be in attendance at their wedding anyway.

I have a couple weddings coming up. I know one is open bar but the other is open bar for "a while". I'm not sure what that means, like maybe the first hour is open the rest is cash bar? I wouldn't ask because I don't think it's polite. Maybe they can't afford to have it open bar the whole time. I think if that is considered "low brow", isn't taking cash from their gift right along the same lines? It wouldn't be the end of the world if we didn't drink at the wedding, but to be on the safe side we take cash. Extra cash. Not from the gift.

@ambrok-if you have cash bars as the norm, then yeah, around here, people would openly call out your wedding or event. You would also most likely not be invited to other events. It's the way it works.

I would just ask... "should we have cash on us for the bar or is it open?" Its always nice to have some cash anyways to tip the bartender. But i dont feel it is rude to ask someone if it's open bar or not. It's better then walking in and not having cash for it since us women never have room for anything lol