Guide To Wording A 'No-Host Bar' On Wedding Invitations

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important aspects is ensuring your guests are well-informed. This includes letting them know about the drinks situation. While it's not necessary to specify every detail, it's helpful to give guests a heads-up if they need to bring cash for drinks. This is especially true if you're having a cash bar, limited bar, or subsidised bar.

There are a few ways to go about this. You could include a separate reception card with your invitation, stating something like Cash bar available or Hosted wine & beer. Cocktails available at cash bar. Alternatively, you could add a line to your wedding website, such as For bar drinks, please bring cash. While some people consider it rude to have a cash bar at a wedding, others believe it's perfectly acceptable, especially if guests are given a heads-up. Ultimately, it's up to you and your partner to decide what works best for your special day.

Where to include the information on your invitation

If you are having a no-host bar at your wedding, you may be wondering how to communicate this to your guests. Here are some suggestions for where to include this information on your invitation:

The Invitation Itself

If you are inviting guests to a casual wedding, you may choose to include a line about the no-host bar on the invitation itself. This could be something as simple as "Cash bar available" or "Dinner is on us. Drinks are on you." This option provides clear information to your guests, so they know what to expect and can come prepared.

A Separate Reception Card

If your wedding invitation suite includes a separate reception card, this is an ideal place to include information about the no-host bar. You can simply add a line at the bottom, such as "Cash bar available" or "Drinks available for purchase." This approach keeps the main invitation uncluttered while still providing guests with the information they need.

A Details Card

If you are including a details card with your invitation, this is another suitable place to mention the no-host bar. The details card can include other pertinent information such as dress code, transportation, or accommodation options. A simple phrase like "Hosted wine & beer. Cocktails available at a cash bar" or "Open bar until 10:00 pm. Cash bar until midnight" will suffice.

Your Wedding Website

Sharing the details of your bar arrangements on your wedding website is a more subtle approach. This option allows you to share all sorts of additional information without making a big deal out of it. Include a link to your wedding website on your details card, so guests can easily access this information. On the website, you can simply state, "There will be a cash bar available during the reception."

Word of Mouth

If you prefer not to include any written information about the no-host bar, you can always spread the word through your bridal party and close friends. This method may not reach all your guests, but it can help get the message out without putting it in writing.

How to word a cash bar tactfully

A cash bar at a wedding can be a sensitive topic, but it's ultimately your decision. If you're having a cash bar, it's important to let your guests know in advance so they can prepare and bring money. Here are some ways to tactfully include this information in your wedding invitations:

• Formal wording: "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."
• Casual wording: "Dinner's on us. Drinks are on you. So, if you want to consume, bring a buck or two (or a credit card)."
• Limited drinks available: "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."
• Separate reception card: If your invitation suite has a separate reception card, include a simple statement like "A reception of dinner and dancing to follow. Cash bar available."
• Details card: If you want to include more details, add a 'details' card to your invitation suite. For a more formal invitation style, you can say, "Limited bar available." For a casual approach, try "We'll bring the beer and wine; you bring the party."
• Wedding website: Share all the details on your wedding website. This option allows you to provide more information without making it the focus of your invitation. Include a link to your wedding website on your details card.
• Be upfront: It's proper etiquette to inform your guests ahead of time that they need to bring cash or a card for drinks. This way, they can plan accordingly and determine their alcohol consumption.
• Offer alternatives: If you're concerned about the cost of alcohol, consider providing only wine with dinner or offering drink tickets for a limited number of drinks. You can also have a subsidised bar with $2 drinks or a toonie bar, where guests throw in a few dollars for each drink.
• Provide other options: If you're worried about the perception of a cash bar, you can offer a limited bar with only beer and wine or a subsidised bar with discounted drinks.
• Set specific bar hours: Instead of serving alcohol throughout the event, have specific opening and closing times for the bar to limit over-indulgence.
• Consider the location: If your wedding is in a place where cash bars are common, guests may be more understanding.
• Embrace transparency: Be transparent with your guests about your decision. You can simply state, "Dinner included. Alcohol extra." or "All drinks free except alcoholic drinks."

Whether to include drink tickets

Including drink tickets in your wedding plans can be a great way to keep your event organised and within budget. However, it's essential to weigh up the benefits against the potential challenges.

Pros

One of the main advantages of using drink tickets is that they help you control your budget. You can limit the number of drinks served to each guest, reducing overall costs. This also means you won't have to stock up on more drinks than necessary.

Drink tickets can also help to ensure your guests remain sober enough to control their behaviour. No one will get too drunk and start behaving wildly, and you won't have to worry about guests getting into trouble with the authorities for drunk driving. You can also provide alternative transport for guests who have been drinking, so they can get home safely.

From a practical perspective, drink tickets can help your staff manage the bar. For example, tickets can be marked for each drink served, ensuring guests don't exceed their limit.

Cons

Some people may view drink tickets as tacky, particularly if they are not executed elegantly. There is also a risk that guests could lose their tickets, causing confusion and frustration.

Managing and distributing the tickets can also be logistically challenging. You will need to decide how many tickets each guest will receive, how they will obtain them, and whether there will be a cash bar option after they have used up their tickets.

Alternatives

If you're concerned about the potential challenges of using drink tickets, there are alternative options to consider. You could provide a limited open bar, offering only wine and beer, or create a signature drink or Sangria Bar.

Another idea is to take a 'drink order' from guests when they are seated, rather than giving them tickets. This way, you can control how many drinks each person has, and it may be easier for staff to manage. However, this option may come with an extra cost, as you will need to employ waitstaff to take these orders.

You could also ask guests to select their drinks when they RSVP via your wedding website, and then have their choices ready for them at their tables. This reduces the need for tickets and ensures guests get their preferred drinks.

Communication

If you decide to use drink tickets, it's important to communicate this clearly to your guests. Let them know in advance so they can prepare and bring extra cash if needed. You can include this information on your wedding website or invitation details card.

Ultimately, the decision to use drink tickets is a personal one and will depend on your budget, guest expectations, and preferences. While they can be a useful tool for budget control and maintaining a structured bar service, some may view them as detracting from the celebratory atmosphere.

How to communicate a limited bar

Communicating a limited bar to your wedding guests can be tricky, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you navigate this situation:

Be Transparent

It's important to be upfront with your guests about the bar situation. This will help them come prepared and avoid any confusion or disappointment during the reception. You can include a "details" card along with your invitation or create a wedding website where you can share this information. Statements like "Limited bar available" or "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party" are clear and concise ways to convey the limited bar.

Provide Specific Information

Let your guests know exactly what to expect. If you're only serving beer and wine, mention that. If there will be a cash bar for additional drinks, include that detail as well. For example, you can say, "Hosted wine & beer. Cocktails available at a cash bar." This way, your guests will know to bring cash if they want something other than what's provided.

Consider Alternatives

If you're concerned about the limited bar causing confusion or frustration, consider alternative options. You could offer drink tickets to each guest, providing a set number of free drinks before they need to pay. Another idea is to have an open bar until a certain time, after which it switches to a cash bar. For example, "Hosted bar till 10:00 pm. Cash bar till 12:00 am."

Emphasize Celebration

Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love with your guests. You can include a lighthearted sign at the bar that says something like, "Our wedding will have an open bar. It will also be heavily photographed. Any drunken shenanigans will be mocked for years to come. Proceed with caution!" This approach adds a touch of humour and reminds guests that the focus is on joy and celebration, not unlimited drinks.

Plan Accordingly

When deciding on the specifics of your limited bar, consider your guest list and their drinking preferences. Estimate how many drinks you'll need based on the number of guests and plan your budget accordingly. You may also want to discuss this with your bar provider to ensure you have a realistic understanding of how long your tab will last.

In conclusion, while navigating a limited bar at your wedding can be delicate, it's achievable with thoughtful communication and planning. Remember, it's your special day, and your guests are there to celebrate you and your partner.

What to do if you're offering a subsidised bar

If you're offering a subsidised bar, it's important to let your guests know ahead of time so they can bring enough money. You can include this information at the bottom of your invitation, along with the rest of the reception details. Here are some ways to word this:

• "$2 drinks all night."
• "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 offering a limited selection of subsidised drinks, it's a good idea to keep the wording simple and clear to avoid confusion. For example, if you're providing wine, beer, and signature drinks, with additional cocktails at a cash bar, you could say:

"Hosted wine, beer & cocktails. Cash bar also available."

It's worth noting that some people may consider it rude to have any form of cash bar at a wedding, so it's essential to know your audience and consider their expectations.

Frequently asked questions