Is a cash bar at my reception ok?

Cash bars of any kind are inappropriate. Nope.

No

Most people don't bring cash to weddings, except in their cards to the bride and groom, if at all. If you're going to host an event, don't ask them to pay for their drinks.

Big no to both options! How bout beer and wine?

Asking guests to open up their wallets at the reception is rude because the reception is your thank you to them for attending your wedding. You'd be asking your guests to pay for part of their thank you. Definitely no to a cash bar or switching partway through to a cash bar after the limit you've agreed to pay for consumption has been reached or the supplies for the signature cocktail you provided run out. I've been to weddings that provided a small amount of free alcohol at the beginning and then charged after it ran out and it's confusing to guests. You think you're ordering free drinks and then you're asked to pay. Or then you hear that only some stuff is free and you're afraid to approach the bar after the first hour or so because you don't want to go up to ask for one of the free drinks, be told it's all out, and then say "nevermind" to the bartender because you didn't want to pay for a drink.

Consider serving only beer and wine and no liquor to cut costs. Beer and wine will cover most of your guests' preferences and it will be less expensive.

Weddings are expensive. Cut costs by cutting your guest list or something like that - not by denying your guests proper hosting.

Nope

Do not have a cash bar. You can have a beer and wine bar, invite less people, and/or have a shorter reception. You can also close the bar during your meal to pay for less time.

I would do a cash bar. Maybe pay for 2 drinks and if they want more alcohol they can pay. Other people may not think its ok, but it's your money. Open bars are expensive

Meghan- that's even more rude. Don't do that. Do just beer and wine if you can't afford a full open bar.

So you and your fiancé and friends get free drinks but not grandma or the other guests who have spent money to come see you get married.

Well, that's rude

Perron, your FMIL can't splurge for an open bar either?

Seriously?! Is someone really asking this? Like seriously, ffs!!

I see you have 1 star...please search before asking.

People get out of hand at cash bars too. It happens all the time, it's called bars.

The difference is you know you're paying at a bar, you should be paying for your guests.

This is why licensed bartenders are important.

Never a cash bar! Beer, wine and maybe a signature drink. I'd rather drink beer than pay for a mixed drink.

@OfishallyPerron you should have shame.

It's not differing views; it's etiquette. Etiquette is not an opinion. If I was invited to a wedding with a cash bar, I'd be buying my drinks with whatever cash I'd intended to give in the card as a gift.

I would do a cash bar. If you provide drinks you will be held liable if there was something to go wrong

We have a set amount for our open bar after that they pay for they own drinks

My mother still talks smack about the cash bar wedding she went to 30 plus years ago. If I find out when I get to your wedding that it's a cash bar, your envelope gets opened and the cash you would have received from me is now drinking money and you get a lovely card and no gift.