We are getting married next year and there is no way we can afford an open bar. There will be coffe, tea, soda and a champange toast.
We are only having 60 guests (including my fiance and me) of family (I come from a big family) and close friends, so cutting the guest list also isn't an option.
My questions is, would you rather be a guest at a dry wedding, where you have no option to drink, or would you like the oportunity to purchase your drinks?
I'm asking because people say a cash bar is tacky, and these are our only two options. Neither one of us want to go into debt by getting married- especially on alcohol!
2007-11-02 12:13:44 · 35 answers · asked by butterflyblue1979 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
The venue charges additional for BYOB. Nothing comes without a price when planning a wedding!
2007-11-02 12:21:29 · update #1
People tell brides all the time on Yahoo! Answers that they are focusing on the wrong things when it comes to a wedding. When it comes to this issue, I think guests are focusing on the wrong thing. The bride and groom are inviting you to their wedding because they want you to be part of one of the most important days of their lives!! Getting upset because you can't drink liquor for free is not only petty, but not the purpose of this event!!
And for those who say that, "You wouldn't invite guests into your home and make then pay," they can shove it! You are not required to provide alcohol to your guests when you invite them to dinner either! And those that want to drink often bring something as a host gift anyways.
Since you are having such a small wedding, it sounds like these are the people that are closest to you. They know the true reason for the occasion and will not think it's tacky!! Give them the option and have the cash bar.
2007-11-05 08:43:03 · answer #1 · answered by kimandryan2008 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Of all the receptions I've gone to, they've always been a cash bar and NOONE there has complained one bit.
I would not have an issue with a cash bar NOR would I have an issue with a dry wedding.
It is up to you, you could always have people go out to the bar for drinks after the reception.
I compare a cash bar with inviting a bunch of friends over for a gathering with BYOB... They pay for their booze just as they would at a cash bar (in a way). So the ones saying "would you invite people to your house to have them pay for drinks" need to think about parties where you are requested to BYOB... All of my friends parties have been BYOB. Therefore a cash bar is in NO WAY tacky.
2007-11-04 07:34:22 · answer #2 · answered by Terri 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I went to a wedding in the midwest about two years ago that had an open bar for an hour or two and then it turned into a cash bar. I did not mind paying because it was MY choice to drink...I didn't have to. The only thing that you should keep in mind...is to make sure that the price is reasonable for your guests. I think your guests will only complain if the prices are comparable to a stadium! :) Congrats!
2007-11-02 13:10:13 · answer #3 · answered by WorldTraveler 4 · 8⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't mind paying for a cash bar. I'd rather pay for a drink than have nothing.
Friends of our went to a "dry" wedding this summer. The brides family were very religious, but the grooms are not.
His side of the family spent an awful lot of time outside (getting drinks out of their car) I don't think I'd go that far, but I would certainly enjoy a cocktail before & after dinner.
I don't think it's tacky. My daughters friends are all getting married, and at least half of them had a cash bar. I think people understand how expensive it is now adays.
Thankfully, I don't have to worry about that as my daughters getting married next month @ an all inclusive resort.
2007-11-02 13:36:39 · answer #4 · answered by tess 6 · 2⤊ 4⤋
With a cash bar guests will at least have the option to drink if they would like to. Anyone who has ever planned or payed for a wedding will understand, and those who haven't, will some day. I also think the reason why people drink too much at weddings is because it is usually free.
2007-11-02 13:26:26 · answer #5 · answered by J.H. 3 · 6⤊ 3⤋
I've never been offended at having to buy drinks at a wedding, because I'm not bothered by things like that (We provided all refreshments and alcohol at our wedding, but we only had 45 guests). I would be happy to pay for my own alcohol.
2007-11-05 01:00:37 · answer #6 · answered by sparkleythings_4you 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I am planning my wedding right now as well and thinking of that. My HTB is australian and Im american so we are going to use a venue that will allow us to bring in some australian wine and beer for our guests, which is pretty inexpensive. Anything above that they want will most likely be a cash bar. I dont think it's tacky at all. Weddings are expensive and people understand that so nothing wrong with giving them the choice of purchasing an alcoholic beverage if they want one.
2007-11-02 12:21:26 · answer #7 · answered by rumrunner 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Hi. My vote is for a cash bar. I am not a boozer by any means, but I would like the opportunity to have a glass of wine with my dinner at a wedding reception if I so choose. And, it wouldn't bother me if I had to pay for it myself!
2007-11-03 12:35:34 · answer #8 · answered by iloveweddings 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I think people should have the option, whether they want to buy alcohol or not. If they don't like that they have to pay for their alcohol than they don't have to! I would much rather be able to purchase a drink than not have one at all. Unfortunately, you are never going to able to make everyone happy, because that's just the way people are, but the most important thing is that you and your fiance are happy with your special day. Good luck to both of you!
2007-11-02 13:28:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 4⤋
I vote for a cash bar. Open bars are of course nice, but if you can afford them, you can't afford them. Give your guests the option!
2007-11-05 08:56:19 · answer #10 · answered by butterflyblue79 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋