My aunt is getting married in a few months. It is her second marriage and she will only have a very small ceremony. She is having a larger reception. There will be cake, punch, and a band. Is it rude to have a cash bar at the reception?
2006-09-26 07:08:08 · 51 answers · asked by caitybeth3 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Not rude, cheap. At least supply beer and wine.
2006-09-26 07:09:54 · answer #1 · answered by Duncarin 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, Miss Manners does NOT approve. She would say that your aunt should have a reception she can afford, with the refreshments that she can afford.
However, as it's rude to tell people that they are being rude, the best you could do would be to politely hint or suggest that she just serving the punch, as there are people who might consider a cash bar not quite, well, quite.
On the other hand, as there is punch for free, the only people being charged money are those who want it, then, what the heck.
2006-09-26 08:16:26 · answer #2 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it is thoughtful. Some people have a preference for it. If they want to drink and can afford it-great. Of course, there may be a reason why someone would not have a bar. When my daughter was married, we just did not think to have a bar, cash or otherwise, but I sure wanted a drink! I was so busy and emotional that I did not even get to eat any of the food or cake. And there was none left over. So a cash bar would be nice as I would not have been able to buy alcohol for everyone.
2006-09-26 07:21:44 · answer #3 · answered by Bibi B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, if other refreshments are available without charge, there's nothing rude if you offer guests the opportunity to buy alcohol. After all, it's not like this money is going into the pocket of the hosts or the newlywed couple - It's paying for the alcohol that the guests receive!
However, invitations that mention the reception should indicate that there will be a cash bar, as guests who would like to purchase a drink may not bring money along otherwise.
2006-09-26 11:25:36 · answer #4 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is only customary if you have the money to provide an open bar. Even then, you can still have a cash bar if you choose. The persons that are being married should make the decision known before the marriage and reception takes place so that each guest knows what to expect.
2006-09-26 07:18:04 · answer #5 · answered by blackhalo80 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I recently went to a wedding where I knew that the bride and groom didn't make much money. There was a full meal and open bar at the reception. I had one drink to toast with, and that was it. I wasn't more or less impressed with them for having it, and I don't think it's tacky either. I think it's worse to pretend that you have more money than you do by having a cash bar.
I think that having a cash bar helps avoid underage drinking, and keeping your guests sober enough to remember and be able to enjoy your special day. If the guests can't have a good time at my reception without getting drunk, I don't want them there. A happy medium is paying for champagne, wine and beer, and any liquor or mixed drinks be paid for with cash, or to just pay for the first drink to toast with and none other.
2006-09-26 09:37:53 · answer #6 · answered by GLSigma3 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is definately not rude. She may want to consider giving everyone who attends a ticket that can be turned in at the bar for one free drink though. Also sodas and such should be provided as they are so cheap to buy. One nice thing about not having a free open bar is there is less chance of people getting plastered off of free booze and ruining HER reception. After all, this day is all about her more than anyone else. Have fun.
2006-09-26 07:25:00 · answer #7 · answered by Munchie 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is an old debate, whether it is tacky, or polite. It is acceptable, and hopefully she will include the words "cash bar" on the reception card, or after the words recetion to follow on the wedding invitation.. That way, people will bring money with them.
And hopefully, the punch will not contain alcohol, so the non-drinking and younger set will have something to drink.
2006-09-26 08:00:13 · answer #8 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No it is not. Most wedding reception bars today are pay as you drink. Offer one alcoholic and all non-alcoholic drinks as free. I've seen both unique "ticket" like things and specially made up tokens to give to the bartender. Some ppl actually keep the token as a souvenir. Just be sure everyone knows, except for the one drink, it's a pay bar.
2006-09-26 07:36:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
That's not tacky at all, it's perfectly normal. She needs to put that on the info about the reception though on the invite. Just small letters that says "cash bar"
2006-09-26 09:07:28 · answer #10 · answered by njyecats 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
tacky. Its a special day so i wouldnt want my friends and family having to worry about paying for drinks at my reception. I cant remember a wedding were i had to pay for a drink or was given a ticket like it was Lady's Night at some bar. When I get married, we wont have the ceremony until it can be done right, not half-@ssed. How much more is it for alcohol. 500-1000 bucks depending on size. Sorry
2006-09-26 07:42:38 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋