Wedding Invitation Wording: Cash Bar Etiquette For Your Big Day

There are differing opinions on how to word wedding invitations with a cash bar. Some people believe that it is rude to have a cash bar at a wedding, while others think it is perfectly acceptable. However, most people agree that it is important to let guests know about the cash bar in advance so that they can bring money. One way to word it is to include a line like Dinner, dancing and celebration. Cocktail reception will begin at half past four in the afternoon. Cash bar available during dinner and dancing. Alternatively, you can mention it on your wedding website or spread the information by word of mouth.

Cash Bar Wording

There are many ways to indicate that your wedding will have a cash bar, and it is generally considered a good idea to notify your guests ahead of time so they can come prepared. Here are some suggestions for how to word this on your invitations:

• "Dinner, Dancing and Celebration. Cocktail Reception will begin at half past four in the afternoon. Cash Bar available during dinner and dancing."
• "Please join us for dinner and dancing at [location], cash bar available."
• "Limited bar available."
• "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party."
• "Hosted wine & beer. Cash bar available."
• "Hosted wine, beer & cocktails. Cash bar also available."
• "Open bar during cocktail hour. Cash bar available after dinner."
• "Cash bar - every drink $2."
• "2 free drink tickets. Cash bar available."

If you would prefer to avoid putting "cash bar" on your invitations, you can spread the information by word of mouth or on your wedding website. However, it is important to ensure that your guests are informed, especially if cash bars are uncommon in your area.

Etiquette and Alternatives

Including information about a cash bar on your wedding invitations is a tricky issue. While some people consider cash bars to be rude or "tacky", others view them as a normal and acceptable way to manage the cost of a wedding. Ultimately, it is your wedding, and you can choose to do what you think is best.

If you decide to include information about the cash bar on your invitations, there are a few different ways to word it. You could simply write "cash bar" at the bottom of the invitation, or include it with other reception details. For example, "Dinner and dancing at [location], cash bar available". Alternatively, you could use a phrase such as "Drinks on the guests" or "Dinner included. Alcohol extra".

If you are offering a limited selection of free or subsidised drinks, it is a good idea to let your guests know in advance. You could say something like "Hosted wine and beer. Cocktails available at a cash bar".

Another option is to include the information on your wedding website, or spread it by word of mouth. This can be a more subtle way of letting your guests know without putting it directly on the invitation. However, some people may still be caught off guard if they are not properly informed.

It is worth noting that some people may be offended by a cash bar, especially if it is not common in your area. To avoid any potential issues, you could consider providing a limited selection of free drinks, such as beer and wine, and then switching to a cash bar later in the evening. This way, you can reduce costs while still offering your guests some complimentary drinks.

Remember, the most important thing is to celebrate your marriage with the people you love. Choose the option that suits you and your budget, and don't worry too much about what others may think.

Communicating Cash Bar to Guests

When it comes to your wedding, you want to ensure your guests are informed and prepared. If you're planning to have a cash bar at your wedding, it's a good idea to let your guests know in advance so they can bring money and be ready to purchase their drinks. Here are some tips and suggestions for effectively communicating the cash bar arrangement to your guests:

Wedding Invitations

One way to inform your guests about the cash bar is to include a note on your wedding invitations. This can be done in a straightforward manner by simply adding a line such as "Cash bar available" or "Drinks available for purchase" at the bottom of the invitation or on a separate reception card. This ensures that all guests are aware of the arrangement and can plan accordingly.

Wedding Website

If you have a wedding website, this can be an ideal place to share details about the cash bar. You can include a section on the website dedicated to frequently asked questions (FAQ) or additional information about the reception. This way, you can provide more context and details without cluttering your invitations.

Word of Mouth

While it's not always reliable, spreading the information through word of mouth can be an option, especially for smaller weddings. You can inform your closest friends and family members about the cash bar, and they can, in turn, inform other guests. However, this method may not reach all your guests, so it's best combined with another form of communication.

Signage at the Venue

Consider placing a sign at the bar itself, clearly stating that it is a cash bar. This serves as a reminder for guests who may have forgotten to bring cash or were unsure about the arrangement. The sign can be simple and direct, such as "Cash Bar – Please bring your drinks tickets/cash."

Offering Alternatives

If you're concerned about the cash bar causing inconvenience or disappointment, you can offer alternatives to a fully cash-based system. For example, you could provide a limited selection of free drinks, such as wine and beer, with additional drinks available for purchase. This way, guests have the option to enjoy a complimentary drink while also having the choice to purchase something else if they prefer.

Be Mindful of Guest Experience

When communicating the cash bar arrangement, it's essential to be mindful of your guests' experience. Some guests may not regularly carry cash, so providing advance notice allows them to prepare. Additionally, consider if your venue has an ATM or accepts credit cards, as this can be helpful for guests who may not have brought enough cash.

In conclusion, when informing your guests about a cash bar, it's best to utilise multiple communication channels, such as invitations, websites, and word of mouth. This ensures that your guests are well-informed and can fully enjoy your special day without any surprises or confusion regarding the bar arrangements.

Wording for Limited Bar

If you're offering a limited bar, it's a good idea to let your guests know in advance so they can bring money if they wish to purchase additional drinks. Here are some suggestions for how to word this on your wedding invitations:

• "Limited bar available."
• "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party."
• "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."
• "The first few rounds are on us! If you're feeling extra celebratory, a cash bar will be available for extra libations."

If you prefer a more casual approach, you can include this information on a separate reception card or your wedding website. Alternatively, you can provide drink tickets to each guest, implying that once the tickets are used, they will need to pay for additional drinks.

Cash Bar Invitation Examples

There are many ways to word your wedding invitations to let your guests know about the cash bar. Here are some examples to consider:

Formal Wording:

• "Limited bar available."
• "Hosted bar during cocktail hour. Cash bar available after dinner."
• "Open bar during cocktail hour. Cash bar available after dinner."
• "Hosted wine, beer & cocktails. Cash bar also available."

Casual Wording:

• "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party."
• "Dinner is on us. The drinks are on you."
• "Dinner included. Alcohol extra."
• "All drinks free except alcoholic drinks."
• "Bring cash for spirits and alcohol."
• "We’ve provided a bar service. Drinks will be provided with cash."
• "Hosted wine & beer. Cash bar available."
• "Cash bar - every drink $2"
• "2 free drink tickets. Cash bar available."

Other Options:

If you prefer not to include the information on the invitation itself, you can add it to a separate reception card included with the invitation or share the details on your wedding website. This may be a good option if you want to provide additional context or if your invitation design does not allow for extra text.

Frequently asked questions