Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Cash Gifts For Drinks?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding what type of bar service to offer. Many couples opt for a cash bar to save on costs, but the question remains: should you notify your guests about this in the invitations? While some may consider it taboo, others argue that it is practical to give guests a heads-up so they can bring money. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide, but here are some considerations to keep in mind.

Communicating a cash bar to guests

While a cash bar can be a great way to save money on your wedding day, it's important to communicate this to your guests in advance. This will ensure they come prepared with cash or a credit card and don't feel surprised or inconvenienced. Here are some tips and suggestions for effectively communicating a cash bar to your wedding guests:

• Use Proper Etiquette: It is considered proper etiquette to inform your guests ahead of time that they will need to pay for their drinks. This gives them a chance to prepare and decide how much they want to drink.
• Choose an Appropriate Communication Channel: You can include information about the cash bar on the details card of your wedding invitation suite, your wedding website, or even in hotel welcome bags. You can also ask your wedding party to spread the word and remind guests about the cash bar.
• Keep the Wording Simple and Gracious: When conveying the cash bar information, aim for simplicity and graciousness. You can say something like, "We're excited to host you for dinner! Unfortunately, we can't host the bar, so please bring cash or a credit card for alcoholic beverages."
• Provide Clear Instructions: Let guests know exactly what to expect and what payment methods are accepted. For example, specify if it's a traditional cash bar where each drink is paid for by the guests or a ticketed cash bar where guests receive a limited number of free drinks.
• Remind Guests About ATM Access: If you're providing transportation from a hotel, ask a few friends or family members to remind guests to stop by the lobby ATM or remember their wallets before boarding the shuttle.
• Consider Other Cost-Saving Measures: Instead of a traditional cash bar, you might offer a limited bar with only beer and wine, or provide a signature cocktail with cheaper alternatives to hard liquor. This can help reduce costs without shifting the entire burden to your guests.
• Be Mindful of Guest Experience: Keep in mind that a cash bar can interrupt the flow of the evening, as bartenders mixing drinks and running cards may result in longer lines. Consider the setup and ensure it doesn't disrupt your reception schedule.
• Address Tipping Expectations: Decide whether you will cover the tip for bartenders or if guests are expected to tip. If you're covering the tip, include it in the gratuity you pass on to your caterer. If guests are tipping, avoid tip jars as they can be seen as inconvenient and give the impression that tipping is required.
• Offer Alternatives for Heavy Drinkers: If you're concerned about guests overindulging, consider alternatives such as a consumption bar, where you pay for a certain number of drinks, and then it switches to a cash bar. This way, guests can still feel treated without breaking your budget.
• Provide a Variety of Options: If possible, offer a variety of drink options at your cash bar. This can include beer, wine, spirits, and perhaps a signature cocktail. This ensures that guests have choices and can find something they enjoy.

Pros and cons of a cash bar

Pros of a Cash Bar at a Wedding

A cash bar can be a great way to save money on your wedding budget, as it significantly reduces catering costs. It is also a way for couples who don't drink to stick to their values while still giving guests the option to imbibe.

Cons of a Cash Bar at a Wedding

Having a cash bar at a wedding goes against the general expectation that the host will cover the costs of their guests' food and drink. It can also cause interruptions to the flow of the evening, with long lines at the bar as bartenders mix drinks and run cards. It is also important to note that cash bars are considered illegal by the majority of venues.

Tips and Etiquette

If you decide to have a cash bar, it is important to let your guests know in advance, either on the invitation or wedding website, so they can bring cash or cards. It is also recommended to have this set up at venues that are equipped to handle multiple customer transactions, such as restaurants and country clubs.

Etiquette of a cash bar

A cash bar at a wedding is where guests are expected to pay for their drinks, including any tips, and can do so with cash or card. This is a way for couples to save money on one of the biggest expenses of their wedding. However, it is considered by some to go against the core tenets of hospitality.

If you are going to have a cash bar, it is important to let your guests know in advance. This can be done by including it on the details card of your wedding invitation suite, on your wedding website, or by asking members of your wedding party to spread the word. It is also a good idea to remind guests to bring cash or cards on the day, for example, by leaving a note in hotel welcome bags.

When it comes to phrasing, it is best to be simple, straightforward, and gracious. Here are some examples:

> "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."

> "If you wish to participate in beverages throughout the night, please bring a credit card or cash to enjoy the bar."

> "Unfortunately, we can't host the bar, but please know they will accept cash or credit cards."

> "Dinner is on us, but unfortunately, we will not be hosting an open bar. Please bring a credit card or cash so you can enjoy the bar."

> "We're beyond excited to celebrate with you on our special day! We're hosting a delicious dinner but unfortunately, will not be able to host the bar. So, please bring cash or a credit card for the cash bar if you want to indulge in any alcoholic beverages."

It is important to note that cash bars can cause longer wait times at the bar, interrupting the flow of the evening. They also may not be suitable for all venues, working best at venues with in-house electronic sales systems, such as restaurants and country clubs.

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:

• Limited Bar: Instead of a full open bar, you can offer a limited selection of drinks. This could include only wine and beer, or you can add a few signature cocktails to the mix. This helps to cut costs while still providing your guests with some complimentary drinks.
• Subsidized Bar: You can offer a subsidized bar with discounted drinks, such as "$2 drinks all night" or "cash bar - every drink $2". This way, you're still helping to cover some of the costs for your guests.
• Open Bar for a Limited Time: You can have an open bar during the cocktail hour or until a certain time, and then switch to a cash bar later in the evening. This allows your guests to enjoy some complimentary drinks without breaking your budget.
• Drink Tickets: Provide each guest with one or two drink tickets for a free drink, and then have them pay for their drinks after they've used their tickets. This way, you're providing a drink or two, but not covering the entire bar tab.
• Consumption Bar: With this option, you pay for however many drinks are served. If your guests don't drink a lot, you'll save money. But if they're heavy drinkers, your tab might be higher than you expected. You can also cap the consumption bar at a certain point and then switch to a cash bar to keep costs under control.
• Beer and Wine Only: Serving only beer and wine can help reduce your bar tab since you're not serving liquor, which tends to be more expensive.
• Signature Drink: Offer your guests a personalized signature cocktail instead of a full bar. This option is more cost-effective and simplifies things for your bartenders.
• Champagne Toast: Bring out the champagne for the wedding toasts, and then switch to a cheaper option like prosecco later in the night. You can also set up a classic champagne tower display for a touch of elegance.
• Non-Alcoholic Drinks: If you prefer a dry wedding, there are plenty of fun non-alcoholic drink options to choose from. You can offer mocktails or non-alcoholic cocktails, creating a unique and tasty experience for your guests.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you can choose the option that suits your budget and preferences. These alternatives can help you find a balance between treating your guests and managing your expenses.

Wording a cash bar on an invitation

There are differing opinions on whether or not to include information about a cash bar on a wedding invitation. Some people believe that it is vital to let guests know in advance so that they can bring money, especially if most weddings in the area usually have an open bar. Others believe that it is rude to include this information on the invitation and that it should only be spread by word of mouth or on the wedding website.

If you do decide to include information about a cash bar on your wedding invitation, here are some suggestions for wording:

• "Please join us for dinner and dancing at [venue], cash bar available"
• "Dinner, dancing and celebration. Cocktail reception will begin at half past four in the afternoon. Cash bar available during dinner and dancing"
• "Limited bar available"
• "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party"
• "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"
• "If you wish to participate in beverages throughout the night, please bring a credit card or cash to enjoy the bar"
• "Hosted wine & beer. Cocktails available at cash bar"
• "Hosted wine, beer & cocktails. Cash bar also available"
• "Hosted bar till 10:00 pm. Cash bar till 12:00 am"
• "Open bar till 10:00 pm. Cash bar till 12:00 am"

Frequently asked questions