Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding websites are a convenient way to share important information with guests. While the decision to include the bar policy on the wedding website is ultimately up to the couple, it may be helpful to include it in certain scenarios. For example, if you're having a cash bar, it's considered polite to let guests know ahead of time so they can come prepared with cash or a credit card. Similarly, if you're having an open bar, it might be helpful to mention this so guests can arrange for a designated driver or preschedule a ride-share. If you're having a dry wedding, it's a good idea to let guests know so they don't expect alcohol. Including the bar policy on the website can also reduce the number of text messages and questions you receive from guests.
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What You'll Learn
- Guests' expectations: Whether they expect an open bar or a cash bar
- Help guests prepare: Letting guests know to bring cash or a credit card
- Safety: Encouraging guests to pre-arrange a designated driver or ride-share
- Etiquette: How to politely communicate your bar policy
- Guest experience: Guests can enjoy the right drinks and know what to expect
Guests' expectations: Whether they expect an open bar or a cash bar
Whether you include your bar policy on your wedding website is ultimately up to you and your partner. However, it is worth considering your guests' expectations and experiences.
Some guests may expect an open bar, particularly if this is the norm in your region or social circle. An open bar can help your guests indulge and get into the party spirit, and it can also help you relive your university years and go a little wild with your friends. However, an open bar can be expensive, and you may prefer to put that money towards other aspects of your wedding, such as a live band or more desserts.
If you opt for a cash bar, it is considered good etiquette to let your guests know in advance. This is important because guests will need to bring cash, and they may also want to arrange for a designated driver or pre-schedule a ride-share. It is also worth considering that some guests may be put off by a cash bar, particularly if they have already spent money on gifts, travel, and wedding party expenses.
A limited bar, which typically includes beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options, can be a good middle ground. This option can be open or cash, and it tends to be cheaper. However, you may encounter some picky drinkers who don't like beer or wine.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you can choose the option that best fits your budget and preferences.
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Help guests prepare: Letting guests know to bring cash or a credit card
It is essential to inform your guests about the bar policy on your wedding website or invitation so that they can prepare accordingly. Here are some suggestions for letting your guests know to bring cash or a credit card:
Be Direct and Honest
It is best to be straightforward and direct when informing your guests about the cash bar. You can simply state: "We won't be covering the bar for this event, so please bring money for alcoholic beverages." This ensures there are no misunderstandings. You can also specify the accepted payment methods: "We can't host the bar, but they will take cash or major credit cards."
Provide Practical Transportation Advice
If you are having an open bar, it is considerate to encourage guests to arrange safe transportation in advance. You can suggest they select a designated driver or pre-schedule a ride with a rideshare company. This approach subtly hints that guests may consume more alcohol than usual without explicitly mentioning the open bar.
Offer a Drink Ticket System
You can provide each guest with a limited number of drink tickets and inform them that additional drinks can be purchased with cash or a credit card. This approach softens the message while still conveying that guests need to bring money for drinks.
Emphasize the Positive
While some guests may be disappointed by a cash bar, you can frame it positively. For example, "Dinner's on us. Drinks are on you. So, if you want to consume, bring a buck or two (or a credit card)!" This lighthearted approach may ease any potential concerns about the cash bar.
Provide a Signature Drink or Limited Bar Option
Instead of a fully open bar, you can offer a signature drink or a limited bar with beer and wine. This reduces the financial burden while still providing guests with alcoholic options. You can mention this on your website to set expectations without explicitly stating that guests need to pay for drinks.
Remember, the decision to include the bar policy on your wedding website is ultimately up to you and your spouse. Consider what information your guests may need to prepare and tailor your message to fit your wedding style and theme.
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Safety: Encouraging guests to pre-arrange a designated driver or ride-share
Wedding websites are a great way to communicate important information with your guests. While it's not necessary to include a bar policy, it may be helpful for guests to know what to expect when drinking during your cocktail hour and/or wedding reception. This is especially true if you're having a cash bar, as guests will need to prepare and bring adequate funds.
If you're having an open bar, it's a good idea to encourage guests to select a designated driver or pre-schedule a ride-share to arrive home safely. This is important information to include on your wedding website, especially if many of your guests are from out of town and may not be familiar with the area. You can also include information about public transportation options or taxi services.
- Include a section on your wedding website or FAQ page about transportation options. You can provide information about local taxi companies or ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Lyft.
- If you've arranged for shuttles or other transportation, be sure to include those details as well. This could be especially helpful if your venue is in a remote location or if guests will need to travel between different locations during the wedding.
- You can also gently remind guests to drink responsibly and select a designated driver if they plan on drinking. This can be done in a light-hearted and respectful way, such as "Please enjoy our open bar, but be sure to arrange a safe ride home. We want everyone to have a wonderful time and return home safely."
- If most of your guests are local, they may plan to drive themselves. In this case, it's helpful to include parking information on your wedding website, such as nearby parking garages or valet services.
- For guests who are travelling from out of town, you can recommend local hotels or accommodations and remind them to select a designated driver or pre-arrange a ride-share.
By including this information on your wedding website, you're providing your guests with the tools they need to make informed decisions and have a safe and enjoyable time at your wedding. Ultimately, the level of detail you include is up to you and your future spouse.
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Etiquette: How to politely communicate your bar policy
Communication about your bar policy is essential for your guests to plan their night, especially if they need to arrange transportation. It is also helpful for them to know what to expect during the cocktail hour and/or wedding reception.
The best way to communicate your bar policy is through your wedding website. This is an ideal option as it is informal, and you can share as many details as you like without making a big deal out of it. You can also include a link to your wedding website on your invitation details card.
If you are having a cash bar, it is considered polite to let your guests know in advance so they can plan accordingly and bring cash. You can do this by adding a simple line on your website, such as "Cash bar available".
If you are having an open bar, you may want to encourage guests to arrange transportation in advance, but some people consider it unnecessary or even tacky to mention this. You could instead add a general reminder to "Please enjoy responsibly" or imply that drinks will be available by mentioning a "Cocktail reception".
If you are providing limited drinks, such as beer and wine, you can use a casual phrase such as "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party".
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Guest experience: Guests can enjoy the right drinks and know what to expect
Wedding websites are a great tool to communicate important information with guests. While it's not necessary to include the bar policy, it may be helpful for guests to know what to expect when drinking during the cocktail hour and/or wedding reception.
Guests can enjoy the right drinks and know what to expect by providing clear information on the wedding website. If you're having a cash bar, it's polite to let guests know in advance so they can come prepared with cash or a credit card. This is especially important if your wedding is in a location where cash machines may be hard to find, such as a remote or rural area. You could also suggest that guests bring their favourite wine or cider if you'd like them to supply their own drinks.
If you're having an open bar, you might not need to include this information, especially if it's the norm for weddings in your community. However, if it's not the norm, it's a good idea to let guests know so they can plan ahead and select a designated driver or pre-schedule a ride. You could also include a gentle reminder for guests to drink responsibly.
If you're having a limited bar, you can let guests know by including a simple statement such as "Limited bar available" or "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party". This will ensure guests know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
For an alcohol-free wedding, it's a good idea to let guests know in advance so they aren't surprised. You can simply state, "Please join us for an alcohol-free reception" or "At the request of the bride and groom, this is a dry event".
Including the bar policy on your wedding website is a great way to ensure your guests are well-informed and can enjoy their drinks without any surprises.
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Frequently asked questions
It's ultimately up to you and your future spouse, but it might be helpful in certain scenarios. For example, if you're having a cash bar, it's a good idea to let guests know so they can come prepared with cash or a credit card.
If you're having an open bar, it's a good idea to encourage guests to arrange a designated driver or preschedule a ride with a rideshare company. If you're having a dry wedding, it's a good idea to let guests know so they don't expect alcohol.
Aim for simple, straightforward, and gracious wording. For example, "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."
You can include ceremony and reception locations, directions, starting and end times, dress codes, child-free policies, plus-one requests, RSVP responses, dinner requests, wedding registry information, after-party invitations, special meal requests, allergies, and photo requests.
