Wedding invitation wording can be a minefield, and it's important to get it right. This is especially true when it comes to letting guests know about the availability of alcohol at the reception.
If you're having a cash bar, it's vital to let your guests know in advance so they can bring money. If you're serving alcohol of any sort for free, it's not necessary to inform your guests in advance, but you may choose to do so on a 'details' card or your wedding website.
If you're having a limited bar, it's best to avoid any mention of money on the invitation. Instead, opt for wording such as Limited bar available or We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Host Line | Names of the hosts (traditionally the bride's parents) |
Request Line | "The honour of your presence" (religious ceremony); "The pleasure of your company" (non-religious ceremony) |
Action Line | "At the marriage of their daughter" (bride's parents hosting); "At the marriage of their children" (both sets of parents hosting) |
Couple Line | Bride's name first, then groom's name (heterosexual couple); alphabetical order or preferred order (same-sex couple) |
Date and Time | Spelled out in full for formal weddings; numerals acceptable for casual weddings |
Venue | Venue name and city, state (for formal weddings) |
Reception Information | "Reception to follow" (same location as ceremony); separate reception card (different location) |
Dress Code | Optional, but helpful for guests; necessary if black tie |
RSVP Card | Response deadline; consistent wording with invitation; guests' names; meal choices |
What You'll Learn
'Limited Bar Available'
There are many ways to inform your guests about the limited availability of the bar at your wedding. Here are some suggestions for wording this information in a clear and direct manner:
Formal Wording:
- "Limited bar available." This phrase conveys that there will be a bar, but the selection or quantity of drinks may be restricted.
- "We will be providing a limited selection of drinks at the bar." This statement explicitly mentions the limited nature of the bar and sets the expectation that not all drink options may be available.
Casual Wording:
- "We'll bring the beer and wine; you bring the party." This light-hearted phrase informs guests that beer and wine will be provided, implying that other alcoholic beverages may not be available.
- "Beer, wine, and a good time will be flowing. Cash bar also available for additional drinks." This wording sets a casual and fun tone while clearly communicating the availability of a limited bar and the option to purchase additional drinks.
Other Options:
- Include a "details" card with your invitation: This separate card can provide more specific information about the bar, such as the types of drinks that will be served and any relevant timings or restrictions.
- Share details on your wedding website: This option allows you to share all sorts of additional information without making a big deal about the limited bar. You can include a link to your wedding website on the details card included with your invitation.
- Omit any mention of the bar: If you are serving alcohol of any sort (for free), you may choose not to mention the limited availability. Your guests may not need to bring cash, and their glasses will likely be filled throughout the event.
Remember, it is ultimately your choice how to word the information about the limited bar. These suggestions can be adapted to fit your wedding style and tone.
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'We'll Bring the Beer and Wine, You Bring the Party'
If you're looking for ways to word bar information on your wedding invitations, here are some ideas to consider:
Formal Wording Ideas:
- "Limited bar available."
- "We invite you to share in our joy and request your presence at the wedding of [Couple's Names]. Beer, wine, and a good time will be provided."
- "We invite you to a celebration of love and commitment. Beer and wine will be served, and your presence is requested on the dance floor."
Casual Wording Ideas:
- "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party."
- "Beer and wine will be provided, and we can't wait to celebrate with you!"
- "Come join the party as we tie the knot. Beer and wine will be flowing, and we hope you'll be too!"
Remember, it's your wedding, so feel free to get creative and choose wording that reflects your style and the tone of your celebration. You can include the bar information on a separate 'details' card or your wedding website, or simply mention it casually on the invitation itself. The level of formality you choose is entirely up to you and your partner!
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No Need to Bring Cash
When it comes to wedding invitation wording, it's essential to provide clear and concise information to your guests. Here are four paragraphs for "No Need to Bring Cash" that you can include in your wedding invitations:
Paragraph 1:
We want to ensure that our guests can fully enjoy the celebration without worrying about cash. So, please note that there is no need to bring cash to the event. We will be providing an open bar with a variety of drinks for you to enjoy throughout the night.
Paragraph 2:
It's important to us that our guests feel taken care of. Therefore, we kindly inform you that there is no need to bring cash to the wedding. We will be providing a fully hosted bar with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. So, leave your wallets at home and get ready to celebrate!
Paragraph 3:
We are thrilled to celebrate this special day with you, and we want to ensure that you have a memorable time. Please be assured that there is no need to bring cash as we will be providing a complimentary bar service. You can indulge in your favourite drinks and let loose on the dance floor without any financial worries!
Paragraph 4:
To make things convenient for our guests, we want to let you know that there is no need to bring cash to the wedding. We will be providing a variety of drinks, including cocktails, wine, and beer, at no cost to you. So, get ready to celebrate and leave your cash at home!
Paragraph 5:
We want to ensure that our guests can relax and enjoy the festivities without any financial concerns. Therefore, we kindly inform you that there is no need to bring cash to the event. We will be providing a fully hosted bar with a range of beverages, and we invite you to indulge and celebrate with us!
Paragraph 6:
Our wedding will be a cashless event, so you can leave your wallets at home and fully focus on celebrating with us. We will be providing a variety of drinks, ensuring that you stay refreshed throughout the night. So, get ready to dance, cheers, and make unforgettable memories!
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Cash Bar
How to Word Cash Bar Information on Wedding Invitations
If you're planning on having a cash bar at your wedding, it's a good idea to let your guests know in advance so they can bring money. While some people consider it rude to include this information on the invitation, others argue that it's helpful to be transparent about what to expect. Ultimately, it's your wedding, and you can choose to include cash bar details however you see fit. Here are some options for how to word it:
Direct Approach:
- "Cash bar"
- "Cash bar available"
- "Drinks on the guests"
- "Dinner is on us. Drinks are on you."
- "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 with cash."
Indirect Approach:
- "Drinks available for purchase"
- "A selection of drinks will be available for purchase"
- "No host bar"
- "Hosted wine & beer. Cocktails available at a cash bar."
- "Hosted wine & beer. Cash bar available."
- "Hosted wine, beer & cocktails. Cash bar also available."
- "Hosted bar during cocktail hour. Cash bar available after dinner."
- "Open bar during cocktail hour. Cash bar available after dinner."
- "Cash bar – every drink $2"
- "Hosted bar till 10:00 pm. Cash bar till 12:00 am."
- "Open bar till 10:00 pm. Cash bar till 12:00 am."
- "2 free drink tickets. Cash bar available."
If you're unsure about including the cash bar information directly on the invitation, you can also consider adding it to your wedding website or spreading it via word of mouth. Whichever method you choose, it's essential to ensure your guests have the information they need to prepare accordingly.
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Open Bar
There are differing opinions on whether or not to include information about an open bar on a wedding invitation. Some people think it is unnecessary and tacky to include this information, while others believe it is helpful for guests to know what to expect. If you do choose to include information about the open bar on your invitation, here are four to six paragraphs with different wording suggestions:
Paragraph 1:
"We invite you to join us for a evening of celebration, including a premium open bar." This direct approach provides clear information about the open bar while maintaining a formal tone.
Paragraph 2:
"In addition to a delicious meal and lively entertainment, we will be providing an open bar for your enjoyment." By mentioning the open bar in the context of other amenities, you can subtly emphasize the variety of offerings at your wedding.
Paragraph 3:
"As we dance the night away, a fully stocked open bar will be available for your refreshment." This phrasing adds a touch of elegance to the description of the open bar, alluding to a sophisticated atmosphere.
Paragraph 4:
"We are thrilled to host an open bar at our wedding reception, ensuring a memorable celebration for all our guests." Expressing your enthusiasm for providing an open bar can make your invitation more engaging and exciting.
Paragraph 5:
"Whether you prefer cocktails, wine, or beer, our open bar will have something for everyone's taste." This paragraph emphasizes the diverse beverage options that will be available at your open bar.
Paragraph 6:
"As a special treat, we are delighted to offer an open bar throughout the evening, so raise a glass and join us in toasting the newlyweds!" Framing the open bar as a special feature of the wedding can create a sense of excitement and hospitality.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to let your guests know about the bar tab limit. You can include this information on a separate card along with other details or on your wedding website. A simple way to word it could be "Limited bar available" or "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party."
It is important to be clear about who is invited to the wedding. You can add a line at the bottom of the invitation expressly stating that children are not invited, for example, "Unfortunately, children are not invited – we hope you understand".
If your parents are divorced but have kept the same surname, you would use both parents' full names on the invite: "Mr John Smith & Mrs Beth Smith request the pleasure of [guest name/your company] at the marriage of their daughter Jessica to Mr Edward Jones". If your parents have remarried, you would name them separately: "Mr John Smith & Mrs Beth Howard request the pleasure of [guest name/your company] at the marriage of their daughter Jessica Smith to Mr Edward Jones".