What is your thought about attending a wedding that has only a cash bar and not a hosted one?

Question

Is a cash bar tacky, insulting or fine if everyone knows the couple is trying to not go into debt from the wedding?

Answer 1

I think it's ok, to me it was another way to control not having all these drunks at my wedding. I had drinks paid up for 2 hrs and the rest of the night it was a cash bar. I liked it that no one was getting all wasted and acting dumb. Plus weddings are very expensive, guests should be more than understanding if the couple can't afford it. Plus the wedding guests should be people who care about being there for the bride and groom and not freeloaders who only care about "free" drinks.

Answer 2

It depends on the couple's means and the invited guests. Over here, the standard wedding gift for a hotel wedding is $100 per head. Close friends and relatives would give more. So a 500 guest wedding comes out to at least $50,000. Assuming that the wedding costs $30,000, then it would be tacky to not have a hosted bar.

But if your guest list is filled with people who would most likely not give at least $100 each, or if you just can't front the money for the booze, then a no host bar is okay.

Answer 3

A cash bar at a wedding is SUPER tacky.... you are better off having wine/beer service only or a just non-alcoholic beverages.

Theknow.com says
"While it is often necessary to find ways to cut costs, a cash bar is never a good choice. When you have a wedding, you're inviting people to a party, and they shouldn't have to pay for anything while they're there. Yes, it's true that when you have a bash in your apartment and invite all your pals, you say "BYOB," but it's not quite the same at a formal event. Better to try and save money on the alcohol itself -- and don't worry, there are a number of ways to do that. "

Answer 4

My opinion, I'm about to to get married and my budget is 2,000 dollars. Not everyone can afford a open bar. For me I'm just getting champagne for the toasts and if anyone wants to drink they can go buy their own alcohol for later on. My fiance's mother is an alcoholic and i rather not have alcohol at my wedding anyways.

I think its pretty pathetic because most of the people who write the "etiquette " for weddings have 10 grand or more to blow and don't consider the fact that everyone else doesn't have that kinda money to blow on a wedding. I also agree with everyone else that has said that if people are gonna complain about the cash bar really didn't even come for the wedding all they came for was just to freeload or mooch off ya.

My family and his family know that we don't have that kinda money to blow on a wedding like that and also half the things people get for their weddings these days are totally ridiculous. I understand the meaning for some things but people are just stupid and materalistic , the money people spend on weddings these days could of put that money towards buying a house, or putting down a down payment on something for their future.

I even refused a engagement ring because,when am i gonna wear it after i get married, im not engaged anymore , so i see no point in wearing one when your already married. I'm getting a ring when i get married.. that's all i need.

Sorry about that , i sorta got off subject but i was mad lol about some people's answers about how its tacky to have a cash bar..

But really, I don't think its tacky at all.

Answer 5

Well, cash bars are always a bit depressing for all attending. But if the couple is paying for there own wedding and are strapped for cash, it's for the most part forgiveable. Besides free alcohal shouldn't be why anyone attends a wedding.

The only real forseeable problem is people showing up drunk to the wedding to save a few bucks themselves.

Answer 6

I think the overall spirit in which the wedding is planned determines how tacky it is. I don't mind a cash bar, but when you find out about it in the invitation that allows you "commitment levels" to fund the honeymoon for those not interested in choosing a gift from the 8 store/3 website gift registry. it makes me want to put a second hand copy of Emily Post in a box and save my money for a cash bar....somewhere else.

Answer 7

I've seen this question a million times on different wedding sites, and it will always be a topic of debate...
My take?

It's totally dependent on you and where you are...I'm from the Midwest. Practically ALL of the weddings I have EVER been to have been cash bar, with a couple of kegs. And no one batted an eye. For my wedding, I decided it just wasn't an area that I was concerned about. So I didn't pay for anything...But my Father decided it was important to HIM, so he paid for kegs all night and wine all night.

I would ask around in your circle of family and friends to see how they have done it...Everyone enjoys a free drink, but it's just not logical to go into debt or finance alcohol!! :)

Good luck!

Answer 8

I think that if everyone is taking the time to come to your wedding, then you shouldn't make them pay for drinks. They have already bought you a present and then they have to shell out money if they want to drink. That being said, they don't have to drink. It's also your wedding and it really doesn't matter what they think. While not everyone will agree with the cash bar, they will understand you and your groom trying to save some money. Most places will take back the beer and wine that wasn't used and give you your money back- so you could save money that way too.

Answer 9

If you cannot afford to host the bar, keep it simple by offering a "signature" drink. This would be a particular cocktail that you and your partner have agreed upon. It may match your wedding colors, be a personal favorite, blend well with the atmosphere, whatever. This is a common practice even at higher-end weddings. My signature drink was the mojito and only cost a $125 for a party of 40. I assume that you will offer wine with dinner and/or champagne for the toast.

Answer 10

I think that is acceptable. When we have our annual Christmas party at work, our boss pays only for beer and a certain price on the other drinks. Example.....a white russian would cost me 3 bucks instead of 6. That is always on option as well, but I think the cash bar thing is fine.