Cash Bar At A Wedding: Tacky Or Practical?

Whether or not to have a cash bar at your wedding is a tricky question. While it can be a great way to save money, it may be considered impolite in some social circles.

A cash bar is a type of bar where guests pay for their drinks, whereas an open bar is hosted by the couple and free for guests. According to The Knot 2021 Real Weddings Study, 79% of couples opt for an open bar, which can significantly increase costs.

Some people believe that a cash bar is acceptable, especially if guests are informed in advance, while others view it as a breach of hospitality etiquette. Ultimately, the decision depends on regional norms, personal preferences, and budgetary constraints.

If you decide to have a cash bar, it is essential to communicate this information clearly to your guests in advance, preferably on the wedding website or invitation.

Pros of a cash bar at a wedding

There are several advantages to having a cash bar at a wedding. Firstly, it can help to reduce costs for the couple, as they don't have to pay for the alcohol consumed by their guests. This can be a significant saving, especially for larger weddings. The money saved could be used to enhance other aspects of the wedding, such as flowers, entertainment, or food.

Another benefit is that guests may be less likely to overindulge when they have to pay for their drinks. This can help to reduce the risk of disorderly behaviour and drunkenness, creating a more pleasant atmosphere for all attendees.

Cash bars also fit within the rules of most venues, particularly those with restrictions on open bars due to liability reasons. This option can also help to ensure that underage guests do not have access to alcohol.

Finally, a cash bar can be a good way to ensure that guests who don't drink alcohol aren't subsidising those who do. It allows the couple to stay true to their values while still offering the option for guests to imbibe if they wish.

Cons of a cash bar at a wedding

There are several reasons why you might want to avoid having a cash bar at your wedding. Here are some of the main cons to consider:

It Goes Against Hospitality Norms

Having a cash bar at a wedding goes against the core tenets of hospitality. When you invite someone to an event, you are expected to host them, and this includes providing food and drinks. Asking guests to pay for their drinks can come off as poor hosting etiquette and may leave a negative impression on your guests.

It May Cause Disappointment and Resentment

Your guests may be disappointed or feel disrespected if they are expected to pay for their drinks, especially if they have already spent money on gifts, travel, and attire for your wedding. It may also affect their overall experience and enjoyment of the event.

It Can Cause Delays and Interrupt the Flow of the Evening

Cash bars can result in longer wait times and lines at the bar, as bartenders have to mix drinks and handle payments. This can interrupt the flow of your reception schedule and delay important events, such as seating guests for dinner or moving on to other activities.

It May Not Be Well-Received by Guests

Some guests may choose to leave early or not stay for the entire event if there is a cash bar. They may not feel comfortable or willing to pay for drinks, especially if they don't typically carry cash or a wallet to events where they don't expect to spend money.

It Shifts the Financial Burden to Your Guests

A cash bar essentially passes the cost of drinks from the host to the guests. This can be seen as inappropriate, especially since guests are already expected to incur other expenses to attend your wedding.

It May Not Be Perceived as a Good Party

Guests may not perceive a cash bar wedding as a "real" party, and it may not live up to their expectations of a fun and wild night. This could impact their level of enjoyment and participation in the festivities.

In conclusion, while a cash bar can help reduce costs for the couple, it may negatively impact the guest experience and is generally considered poor etiquette. It is essential to carefully consider the potential cons before deciding to have a cash bar at your wedding.

How to inform guests about a cash bar

It is important to inform your guests about a cash bar ahead of time. This is because guests may not be used to this beverage model, and it goes against the core tenets of hospitality. It is also a good idea to give them a heads-up so they can bring cash or their credit cards. Here are some ways to inform your guests:

• Wedding invitations—You can include this information on a 'details' card or somewhere else rather than on the invitation itself. For a more formal invitation style, you can say something like: "Limited bar available." For a more casual approach, try: "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party."
• Wedding website—This is probably the ideal option as it doesn't feel like you're making a big deal out of it, and there is nothing formal about it. You can include a link to your wedding website on your details card.
• Reminders—Once the event arrives, you can use hotel welcome bags and door tags as opportunities to remind guests about the cash bar. You can also ask your wedding party to spread the word. If you're providing transportation from a hotel, ask a few friends or family members to remind guests to bring cash or their cards.
• Phrasing—When it comes to phrasing, aim for simple, straightforward, and gracious. Here are a few suggestions: "We're so excited to host you for dinner! Unfortunately, we can't host the bar, so please feel free to bring cash or a credit card for alcoholic beverages." or "If you wish to participate in beverages throughout the night, please bring a credit card or cash to enjoy the bar."

Alternatives to a cash bar

There are several alternatives to a cash bar at a wedding that can help keep costs down without asking your guests to pay for their drinks. Here are some ideas:

Limited Bar

You could opt for a limited bar, which offers a selection of essential spirits such as vodka, tequila, bourbon, gin, and rum, without the addition of specialty spirits or liqueurs. This can be offered as an open bar or with guests paying for their own drinks.

Consumption Bar

A consumption bar is a great in-between option. You pay for the drinks consumed by your guests, but you can also set a cap so that once you reach your budget, the bar becomes a cash bar.

Beer and Wine Only

Offering beer and wine only helps to decrease the bar tab as liquor comes at a higher cost.

Signature Drink

You could offer one or two signature cocktails. This is a fun way to personalise the bar, and it's easier for bartenders to manage. It will also keep costs down as you can buy in bulk for the set cocktails.

Champagne Only

Bring out the bubbly for the wedding toasts, and opt for cheaper prosecco later in the night. You could also have a champagne tower display for a classic and elegant vibe.

Dry Wedding

A dry wedding doesn't have to be boring. There are plenty of fun non-alcoholic drinks on the market, and you can ask a bartender for mocktail ideas.

Afternoon Reception

If you hold your reception in the late afternoon, a bar won't be expected. You could put out fun sodas or La Croix, and then let people leave to go out for dinner on their own.

Other Ways to Cut Costs

If you want to stick with a full bar, there are still ways to cut costs. You could close the bar during dinner and just do wine service, or close it 30 minutes before the end of the night.

Opinions on cash bars at weddings

There are a variety of opinions on cash bars at weddings. Some people find them off-putting or in poor taste, arguing that it is the couple's responsibility to pay for their guests' drinks, especially since guests are already spending money on gifts, travel, and wedding attire. Additionally, cash bars can be inconvenient for guests who don't typically carry cash or a wallet to events where they don't expect to pay for anything. It is also argued that a cash bar can interrupt the flow of the evening, as bartenders mixing drinks and running cards may result in long lines.

On the other hand, some people consider cash bars to be a practical way to save money on wedding expenses, especially since alcohol can be one of the biggest costs. This option may be particularly appealing to couples who don't drink or don't want to pay for others' drinks. It is also argued that as long as guests are informed in advance, they can decide whether to bring cash or a credit card and there shouldn't be an issue.

It is worth noting that expectations and norms regarding cash bars may vary by region and social circle. For example, cash bars at weddings are reportedly more common in the Northeast region of the United States.

To strike a balance, some couples opt for alternatives such as a limited bar, a consumption bar, or a combination of an open bar and a cash bar at different times during the reception. Ultimately, the decision on whether to have a cash bar at a wedding depends on various factors, including budget, guest expectations, and personal values.

Frequently asked questions