Who pays for bar at reception

I'd have it as a cash bar everyone pays for their own drinks. Or bride and groom pay for it. It's not anyone particulars job to pay for everything. It's a wonderful gift if they help pay. Be happy for who is helping pay and don't be greedy.

We r getting a keg and punch once it's gone it's gone and everyone pays for their own drinks.

Did we ever figure out if OP is the bride or MOB?

It's 2017.. most couples pay for their own weddings. It is no ones "job" to pay for anything. If you want it, get it yourself.

@brittany.. it's not very common. I only know one person who had their parents pay for their wedding, and it's because the brides mother saved her whole life for it. Are you really not feeling guilty That your dad is going to go broke paying for whatever else you can't afford? That's awful.

Never ok to ask someone to pay. The bill is yours and fh

@Brittany-my parents paid for their own wedding in the seventies. When was this magical time when all parents paid for their children's weddings?

Parents paid for everything except in-laws who picked up a $10,000.00 bar bill and rehearsal dinner..

My folks paid for their own wedding in the 80s. FH and I are paying for our own wedding now. Being financially stable is a huge factor in being ready for marriage.

Are you the mother of the bride? The past two posts you made make me think you are.

If you do not want to pay for the bar, you can tell your daughter that and she can sort it out.

So OP never came back and confirmed that she was the MOB?

Yes you would assume that you & your FH would pay for the alcohol as well (unless your FHs family offers, don't ask them to pay for anything as they are not responsible). I have seen those "who pays for what" infographic things on Pinterest/other wedding websites and some have it listed that the grooms family "traditionally pays for alcohol" but it should never be assumed they are doing it until it is offered and there is money in hand. I actually don't know if anybody follows those anymore.

@Brittany, it use to be the case in the 50's. Not now.

I think I'm the 50's it was all the bride's parents, haven't heard of when bride and grooms parents splitting everything was the norm...

But in the 50s, wedding expenses were like a cake and punch reception, the dress and some flowers. Not the 5-6 figure spectacles that they are now. I know one person who's father paid for her wedding - and she hated every minute of it because it was really just him showboating for his clients and country club friends. Everyone else paid themselves.

ETA: @Stacey cash bar is NEVER an option. Guests don't pay for ANYTHING.

My FH and I are paying for our entire wedding. His parents were very generous and gave us a cash gift to use however we saw fit equal to the amount they gave his brother for his wedding a few years ago, but our budget would have been fine without it. We are paying for the rehearsal/welcome dinner (with open bar), the reception (with open bar), the afterparty (with open bar), the brunch (with open bar) and outfits for everyone with an official role, flowers, photogs, etc, etc all ourselves. It is nobody else's job or duty to pay for any of those things.

First, not touching the cash bar comment. Looks like other PPs covered it.

Marie are you MOB? I'm assuming you are because you say "parents of bride are paying" Then continue to say "should I assume we will be paying...". I feel you shouldn't ask, whether you're the bride or MOB. It's rude to do so, and could be extremely awkward at that. If your MOB, is the bride and groom contributing at all? I feel they should since it is THEIR wedding.

FILs are generously paying for majority of ours because they want us to save for a house, but we are still paying for plenty of things.

Why is this EVER a question?! The people getting married pay for their wedding and everything involved in it. If someone offers, great, but you do NOT ask for money to pay for a celebration and party YOU are choosing to have. I can't stand entitled behavior.

Sounds as tho Marie is the mother of the bride, and has more traditional wedding view points. If this is the case Marie, you will need to pay for the bar, it is not appropriate to ask the future in-laws to pony up any cash.

If the parents are paying for the ENTIRE wedding that includes the bar since the drinking is A PART of the wedding...

Marie, if you are the mother of the bride do not have your daughter ask her in-laws for money. This is the quickest ways to cause issues between family. I know if I had the gall to ask my in-laws what they were contributing to our wedding, I would have caused irreparable damage to our relationship. If you chose to take on the bulk of the wedding costs that is on you. The grooms parents are not required to pay for anything or even offer. If they wanted to contribute they would have offered by now.

Yikes.. i found it difficult to accept a $450 check from my dad who wanted to help with the DJ deposit. I couldn't imagine allowing someone to pay for our entire wedding. This post makes me cringe. I think this is one of the brides parents who is asking. Not the bride/groom themselves.

EDIT: i was so floored that i forgot to give actual advice.

the bride and groom should always assume they are paying for literally every detail of the wedding. Do not ask anyone to front any money for your wedding.