Incorporating Cash Bars At Your Wedding: Invitation Etiquette

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding whether to have a cash bar or not. While some people may find cash bars tacky, others appreciate the cost-effectiveness and the ability to control how much alcohol is consumed at their wedding. If you're opting for a cash bar, it's important to inform your guests ahead of time so they can prepare and bring money. This can be done through word-of-mouth or by including a simple line at the bottom of your invitation, such as Dinner and Dancing to follow. Reception will have a cash bar. This way, your guests won't be surprised and will be able to enjoy a drink or two during the celebration.

How to politely inform guests about a cash bar

There are differing opinions on whether or not to include information about a cash bar on a wedding invitation. Some people consider it rude or tacky, while others think it is helpful to inform guests in advance so they can bring cash or a card. If you do decide to include it, a simple way to let guests know is to add a single line at the bottom of the invitation, such as "Dinner and Dancing to follow. Reception will have a cash bar".

• "We can't wait to celebrate with you and host you for dinner. Unfortunately, we have chosen a cash bar, so please bring cash or a credit card to enjoy bar service."
• "Dinner's on us. Drinks are on you. So, if you want to consume, bring a buck or two (or a credit card)."
• "We are excited to host you for dinner. However, if you would like more than two drinks, please bring cash or a credit card for our cash bar service."
• "Our wedding will be beautiful and our reception fun. With drinks, bring cash if you want more than one."
• "A social hour will proceed the ceremony, followed by a sit-down dinner in the ballroom. The bride and groom will offer complimentary wine during dinner, a cash bar (including Interact and credit) is also available."

If you don't want to include it on the invitation, you can also spread the word through word-of-mouth or put it on your wedding website. That way, guests can be prepared and bring cash if needed. Ultimately, it is up to you and your partner to decide what you are comfortable with. Choose the option that feels right for you, and don't worry too much about what others may think.

Wording ideas for a cash bar wedding invitation

There are many ways to tactfully inform your wedding guests that you will be having a cash bar at the reception. Here are some wording ideas to include on your invitations or wedding website, ranging from formal to casual:

• "We can't wait to celebrate with you and host you for dinner. Unfortunately, we have chosen a cash bar, so please bring cash or a credit card to enjoy bar service."
• "Dinner and dancing to follow. Reception will have a cash bar."
• "Dinner’s on us. Drinks are on you. So, if you want to consume, bring a buck or two (or a credit card)."
• "We are excited to host you for dinner. However, if you would like more than two drinks, please bring cash or a credit card for our cash bar service."
• "Our wedding will be beautiful and our reception fun. With drinks, bring cash if you want more than one."
• "A social hour will proceed the ceremony, followed by a sit-down dinner in the ballroom. The bride and groom will offer complimentary wine during dinner, and a cash bar (including Interac and credit) will also be available."
• "Reception at [time]; cash bar."
• "Cash only bar"
• "No-host bar"
• "Dinner included. Alcohol extra."
• "All drinks free except alcoholic drinks."
• "Bring cash for spirits and alcohol."
• "For bar drinks, please bring cash."
• "Bar service available for cash."
• "We’ve provided a bar service. Drinks will be provided for cash."

It is considered proper etiquette to inform your guests ahead of time if you will be having a cash bar so that they can bring cash or a credit card and be prepared to pay for their drinks.

Cash bar wedding etiquette

If you're planning a wedding, you may be wondering whether to have a cash bar and, if so, how to communicate this to your guests. While it's a controversial topic, there's no need to stress. Here are some tips to help you navigate this aspect of your wedding planning:

Should You Have a Cash Bar?

The decision to have a cash bar is ultimately a personal one, and there are pros and cons to consider. On the one hand, a cash bar can be a cost-effective way to offer drinks at your wedding. It allows you to free up funds for other priorities, such as flowers or entertainment. Additionally, if you or your guests have a strong aversion to heavy drinking, a cash bar can help manage alcohol consumption.

On the other hand, a cash bar goes against traditional hospitality norms, as it shifts the financial responsibility for drinks to your guests. It can also interrupt the flow of the evening, as bartenders may need to mix drinks and handle payments, potentially resulting in longer lines.

How to Communicate a Cash Bar to Your Guests

If you decide to have a cash bar, it's essential to inform your guests in advance. This allows them to prepare and bring enough cash or their credit cards. You can include this information on your wedding website, wedding invitations, or details cards included in the invitation suite. Be concise and tactful in your wording, such as "Dinner is on us, but drinks are on you. So, if you want to consume, bring a buck or two (or a credit card)."

You can also spread the word verbally through your wedding party or include reminders in hotel welcome bags if guests are staying at a hotel. It's important to give your guests a heads-up so they can come prepared and avoid any surprises on your special day.

Tips for a Smooth Cash Bar Experience

To ensure a positive experience for your guests, consider the following tips:

• Skip the tip jar: Cover the gratuity for bartenders yourself to avoid making your guests feel pressured to tip.
• Designate a cut-off person: Assign someone to keep an eye on guests' alcohol consumption and politely cut them off if necessary.
• Keep it simple: Opt for a limited selection of drinks to streamline the process and reduce costs.
• Set specific bar hours: Instead of an open bar all night, have designated bar hours to limit over-indulgence and manage costs.
• Offer alternative drink options: In addition to alcohol, provide non-alcoholic beverages, such as fun sodas or La Croix.

Remember, the most important aspect of your wedding is celebrating your marriage with your loved ones. As long as you communicate any cash bar arrangements clearly and tactfully, your guests will understand and focus on enjoying your special day with you.

Pros and cons of a cash bar at a wedding

A cash bar at a wedding is where guests pay for their drinks, either with cash or by starting a tab. This can be a controversial topic, and there are several pros and cons to consider.

Pros

• Cost-effective for the hosts: A cash bar can save the couple a lot of money, as they won't have to pay for their guests' drinks.
• Reduced over-drinking: Guests may be less likely to over-indulge if they have to pay for their drinks.
• Sticking to values: A cash bar allows couples who don't drink alcohol to stay true to their values while still giving guests the option to imbibe.
• No need for calculations: With a cash bar, the couple won't have to worry about calculating how much alcohol to buy or how much money they'll save.

Cons

• Negative perception: A cash bar can be seen as "tacky" or "cheap" and goes against the core tenets of hospitality, where a host is expected to cover the costs of their guests.
• Interrupts the flow: If bartenders are mixing drinks and handling payments, this can cause long lines and interrupt the reception schedule.
• Inconvenient for guests: Many guests expect an open bar at a wedding, and some women don't bring a wallet or cash to a wedding.
• May impact the overall experience: Shifting the cost of drinks to the guests may negatively affect their experience of the wedding.
• Inconsistent with an expensive venue: If the couple chooses an expensive venue and then has a cash bar to save money, this can be seen as inconsiderate and tacky.

Ultimately, the decision to have a cash bar at a wedding depends on the couple's preferences and budget. It is essential to clearly communicate this information to the guests ahead of time, either on the wedding invitations or wedding website.

Alternatives to a cash bar

If you're looking for alternatives to a cash bar at your wedding, there are a few options to consider. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Hybrid cash bar: Offer each guest a limited number of "free" drinks with tickets. Once they've used their allocated drinks, they can pay for additional beverages. This can help you plan your budget and expenses in advance.
• Morning wedding: If you're hosting a morning wedding, you may not need a full bar. Instead, serve brunch cocktails and French Champagne for the toasts, followed by cheaper Prosecco.
• Cocktail hour: Host a dedicated cocktail hour with your wedding coordinator and venue manager. Create signature cocktails for your special day and offer a set menu of cocktails for guests to enjoy.
• Limited bar: Instead of a full bar, serve only wine and beer at the reception. This can be a more cost-effective option, and it may be easier for your bartending staff to manage.
• Open bar with time limits: Have an open bar during specific times, such as during cocktail hour or until a certain time, and then switch to a cash bar. This way, guests can still enjoy complimentary drinks without the expense of a fully open bar all night.
• Subsidized bar: Offer discounted drinks at a set price, such as "$2 drinks all night." This can be a more affordable option for your guests while still providing them with access to alcoholic beverages.
• Ticketed cash bar: Provide guests with drink tickets for a certain number of free drinks. Once their tickets run out, they can pay for additional drinks at the full price.
• Non-alcoholic bar: Opt for a non-alcoholic bar with creative, festive drinks. Serve fun sodas, La Croix, or signature mocktails. This can be a unique and refreshing option for guests who want to avoid alcohol.

Frequently asked questions