What about a cash bar at wedding reception?

Question

We have several people that want us to have a cash bar at my Dtrs wedding reception. I am not sure of how this works. Is it acceptiable. We are having a sit down dinner along with beer and champane. But, I have had some requests for mixed drinks. Which I am not going to be able to afford with 200+ guests. If anyone knows the proper way to do this let me know. Do you include it on the invitations or make a seperate insert for this and who does this kind of thing? Is it even proper? Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Not unheard of however I am not sure of the protocol for letting people know that there will be a cash bar. I would assume on the invitation where you list the meal choices you would make a small note somewhere (probably the bottom) letting them know this.

Answer 2

It is becoming more popular to have a cash bar. I know some people will tell you that you should never have a cash bar and then there are some that will tell you that is how most weddings are going. Certain people say that it is improper and other say that it's fine. Most of the older generations feel that it is completely unacceptable, but the younger generations have no problem with the bride and groom to choose a cash bar.

I have been to weddings that have had a cash bar and my fiance and I are planning on having a cash bar. In fact, the place that we are holding the reception actually encouraged us to think about a cash bar. It eliminates us from having to worry about guests being too drunk and then leaving. The employees of the reception site (i.e. the bartender) will be able to keep better track and cut people off who have had too much to drink. We are going to write a note on the invitations to let our guests know that there will be a cash bar. I know what it's like to want to offer the mixed drinks but not be able t afford it for the number of guests. We are planning on providing the coffee, tea, and soft drinks but for the rest, it will be a cash bar. I figure, as long as you let the guests know that you are planning a cash bar so that they are not surprised and have no money, then you are fine. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

I worked as a banquet server at a country club for many years, and worked many weddings. Cash bars are common, and definitely acceptable. We had bar tabs run into the thousands regularly on open bars. Even cash bars run high, but hey, if it's someone elses money...

As to how to let the guests know, I'm not sure it's totally necessary, but you can put a line item on the invite that says, beer and champagne are being served, and a cash bar is available as well for those that want mixed drinks.

Also another thing I noticed, is that those people who WANT mixed drinks will leave the reception to go to the bar and order them there if not available in the reception. Sometimes they end up hanging out at the bar too! it'll keep everyone together if you have a cash bar there, and people will realize how much you're already spending to put the whole thing together, so I doubt anyone will be offended at having to buy their own alcohol. Especially after a free meal, beer and champagne.

Oh and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Don't forget to coordinate with the servers for your party when you get there. Let them know when you want the toast (after the meal, or after the dessert. When the cake should be cut, before or after the served dessert. Also when you want the food to hit the tables, etc. Gratuity will be included I'm sure, but if the waiters do an excational job, throw 'em a few extra bucks. I always treated weddings as a once in a lifetime meal, and made sure to be better than expected. It worked out great for everyone, usually :-)

Answer 4

Its your wedding, if your guests want to make a big fuss over having a mixed drink, then they're not following proper ettiquette in my opinion. If you want to have complimentary champane and beer and do a cash bar, then I think that is being a wonderful hostess. However, many venues require a minimum for cash bars...if your guests don't take full advantage then you could be stuck footing the bill! I personall think the beer an dchampagne is fine. Receptions are only afew hours long anyway, its not worth breaking the bank over.

Answer 5

I do not understand why people seem to think that the host of a wedding is obligated to provide alcoholic beverages of ANY kind at a wedding.

Maybe it's because my mother and father grew up during the Depression and so their understanding of etiquette was rooted in a time when a lot of people were dirt poor. They were taught, and they taught me, that when you are invited to any social occasion, it was understood that the host and hostess were putting out the best food and drink for their guests that they could offer. People were thankful for the invitation and the chance to socialize and be among friends on a joyous occasion, and if the host and hostess couldn't afford anything better than lemonade and home-made finger sandwiches and cake, nobody thought the worst of them or expressed disappointment.

It seems to me that it is rude and boorish in the extreme for any guest at any event to demand that their host provide them with mixed drinks, or express disappointment that their host or hostess isn't providing a free open bar. These people need to be slapped upside the head and told that a courteous guest always assumes that whatever is provided is the best the host and hostess have or can afford, and would never demand, suggest or hint that something more should be offered.

I think that you are doing fine by providing your guests beer and champagne (and I'll assume something non-alcoholic for those who don't drink). I don't think you have any obligation to provide a cash bar for those who cannot go for the duration of a wedding reception without a drink of something stronger. If you want to provide a cash bar, fine, but I don't think you need to say anything about that on invitations. If you don't want to go through the trouble of having a cash bar, don't, and don't feel you are depriving your guests of anything. Those that complain have just let you know that they were not taught proper manners and courtesy, IMO.

Answer 6

It's proper and acceptable. However, you may incur in expenses and loose money instead of getting even, so be prepared. If you are going to offer beer and champagne already, I don;t see no sense in having anything else.

You will have to pay for a bartender and either purchase the liquour yourself or pay your wedding venue for the service. The cash would go towards the liquor, but the service , the bartender wages, the tax and the grayuity won't be included. The amoutn of drinks are limited too as a well stocked bar is really expensive.

I say, beer and champagne is more than enough. You cannot accomodate every single request and make everyone happy.

Good luck

Answer 7

There are a couple of good compromises. You could either only keep the bar open for a certain amount of time and then have a cash bar (but put up a sign at the bar saying it), or you could have guests pay for mixed drinks and liquor (and wine if you like) but beer is provided (and champaign for the toast of course). Our wedding had 450 guests. My dad said "open bar for 4 hours, then their on their own." However, he got drunk and all celebratory and kept extending the time. Ouch. LOL. I didn't know about it until later.

Answer 8

A cash bar is acceptible IF you are offering some type of alcoholic drinks for free. For example, serve complimentary beer, wine, and champaign, but have the mixed drinks be cash.

You don't have to do anything special with this. Nothing for the inserts or anything like that. However, be warned that even though this is kind of acceptible, it's definately not recommended. Many guests will balk at this.

Answer 9

At my wedding, the guests got wine with their meal, that's it. We paid for their pop, and otherwise it was a cash bar. The reason I did that was because I have several alchoholic family members. I let it be known to my wedding party and both sides of the closer family, and let the news spread by word of mouth. Once the family heard my reason, they were completely fine with it.

My sister had an open bar at her wedding, and my 12 year old sister ended up getting drunk. Not good when alchoholism runs in the family and you're more likely to become an alchoholic if you drink before 21.

Answer 10

Not really sure what you're asking because the question is a little confusing...but I think a cash bar is perfectly fine. I think that means you don't pay for the drinks, but the guests do. People don't usually expect an open bar at a wedding. It's perfectly acceptable to have a cash bar, and besides it keeps people from getting too drunk.