wording for the bar???

Is there an atm at your venue? If there is not, I would put something on your website. If you don't mind me asking, how many guests are you having, and how much are you paying for before it becomes a cash bar?

We are expecting 65-75 guests and i predict we will have **** limit. the venue wouldn't allow us to buy bottles from them and then be poured. They charge by the drink.

We're doing the same thing, putting a certain amount of money towards the bar and when that runs out it will turn to a cash bar. I put on our wedding website that there would be a "hosted cocktail hour" even though the amount that we pay will likely last into dinner, and then said something like, "please know that *venue* does not accept credit cards for the purchase of beverages"

Well that sounds like that would be enough, are you doing your catering through them too? I got a hall and for 61 people we are paying $2000. That includes the food, open bar, linens, plates/cutlery, no hall fee, for 6 hours, and 4 extra hours to decorate. So, when you say you are paying that for just the alcohol and it's only a consumption bar, it seems kind of high to me.

What are they charging per drink? How many long is your reception? Do you have a day of timeline yet? I ask all of these question because your limit may be enough for the whole night if you work it right. I'm assuming you will have champagne on the tables for the toast. You can close the bar during dinner. Also close the bar an hour before the reception end.

I'm just having a cash bar, and I will be wording it on the invitation like this: Reception to follow at blah blah with buffet dinner, beer and soda, and cash bar. You don't have to try and sound apologetic or worry about peoples feelings. You can afford what you can afford.

I agree that $2,000 for 60 people may actually last you through your reception! You don't need to have a champagne toast, just let people use whatever drink they have to toast with. I agree to close the bar during dinner (very common at weddings I've been to) and 30 minutes before the end of your wedding.