Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Cash Bar Location

When it comes to weddings, alcohol can be a contentious issue. While some couples opt for an open bar, others choose a cash bar, where guests pay for their drinks. This can be a controversial choice, as some see it as going against the core tenets of hospitality. However, it is ultimately up to the couple to decide how they want to handle the bar situation at their wedding. If they do choose to have a cash bar, it is important to inform guests in advance so they can bring money. This can be done through word of mouth, or by including a simple statement on the wedding invitation or website. While some worry that mentioning a cash bar on the invitation is rude, others argue that it is more rude to surprise guests and leave them scrambling for cash or a credit card. Ultimately, the couple should do what they feel is best for their wedding and their guests.

How to inform guests about a cash bar

There are a few different ways to inform your wedding guests about a cash bar. The most direct way is to include this information on your wedding invitations. You could add a line such as "cash bar available" or "cash bar" at the bottom of your invitation, along with the rest of the reception details. If you prefer a more subtle approach, you could use phrases like "dinner is on us, drinks are on you" or "dinner included, alcohol extra".

Another option is to include the information on your wedding website, which you can then direct guests to by including the URL on your invitations. This way, guests can easily access all the relevant details in one place.

Additionally, you can spread the information through word of mouth, especially if you have a small guest list. You can also ask your wedding party to help spread the word so that guests are aware and can come prepared.

• "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."
• "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."
• "Dinner’s on us. Drinks are on you. So, if you want to consume, bring a buck or two (or a credit card).".

Cash bar invitation wording

It is considered proper etiquette to inform your guests ahead of time that they need to bring cash or a card to pay for their drinks. This way, they can determine the amount of alcohol they want to drink and prepare in advance. Here are some suggestions for how to tactfully include this information on your wedding invitations:

• "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."
• "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."
• "Dinner's on us. Drinks are on you. So, if you want to consume, bring a buck or two (or a credit card)."
• "Two drink tickets: 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."

If you are offering a limited selection of free or subsidised drinks, it is also a good idea to let your guests know ahead of time. Here are some examples of how to word this:

• "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."
• "2 free drink tickets. Cash bar available."

Pros and cons of a cash bar

Where to Put the Cash Bar Information on a Wedding Invitation

It is considered proper etiquette to inform your guests ahead of time that they need to bring cash or a card. This can be done by including a details card in your wedding invitation suite, or on your wedding website.

Pros

The stand-out pro of a cash bar is that it is very cost-effective for the couple hosting the wedding. It allows them to save money on one of the biggest wedding expenses. It also allows couples who might not drink to stay true to their values while still giving guests the option to imbibe.

Cons

The biggest con of a cash bar is that it goes against the core tenets of hospitality. Many guests expect an open bar (or at least a limited bar) that is paid for by the host. It can also interrupt the flow of an evening, as bartenders mixing drinks and running cards can cause long lines at the bar.

Alternatives to a cash bar

If you're looking for alternatives to a cash bar at your wedding, here are some ideas to consider:

• Limited selection bar: Instead of a fully-stocked bar, opt for a limited selection of drinks. You can choose a few types of spirits, such as vodka, tequila, bourbon, gin, and rum, or work with your beverage team to select the best options for your wedding. This helps to reduce costs without shifting the financial burden to your guests.
• Consumption bar: This option allows you to pay for the number of drinks served. If your guests drink less, you save money, and if they drink more, you may spend more. You can also consider capping the consumption bar at a certain point to control your budget.
• Beer and wine only: Serving only beer and wine can significantly reduce your bar tab since liquor is typically more expensive. This option still allows your guests to toast to your happiness without breaking the bank.
• Signature drink(s): Offering one or two signature cocktails is a great way to personalize your bar and keep costs low. It also simplifies the bartending process and ensures your guests have a unique drinking experience.
• Champagne-only: Bring out the bubbly for a timeless and elegant vibe. You can serve more expensive champagne for toasts and then switch to cheaper prosecco later in the night to save money. A champagne tower display is sure to impress your guests.
• Non-alcoholic bar: Forgo alcohol altogether and explore the wide range of fun and delicious non-alcoholic drinks on the market. You can also get creative and offer mocktails—non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails. This option ensures a sober yet enjoyable celebration.

These alternatives to a cash bar can help you manage your budget while maintaining the hospitality of treating your guests. Remember, there are many ways to cut wedding costs beyond the bar, such as simplifying stationery or paring down florals.

Cash bar etiquette

If you're having a cash bar at your wedding, it's important to let your guests know in advance. This is so they can bring cash or a card and not be taken by surprise. It's also helpful to communicate this information clearly and tactfully. Here are some tips and suggestions for doing so:

• Invitation wording: You can include information about the cash bar on your wedding invitations or on a separate reception card. Some suggested wordings include:
• "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."
• "Dinner's on us. Drinks are on you. So, if you want to consume, bring a buck or two (or a credit card)."
• "Hosted wine & beer. Cocktails available at a cash bar."
• Wedding website: It's a good idea to include information about the cash bar on your wedding website, especially if you don't want to include it on the invitations.
• Word of mouth: While it's not advisable to rely solely on word of mouth, it can be helpful to ask your wedding party and close friends to spread the word.
• Other communication channels: You can also include information about the cash bar on hotel welcome bags, door tags, or in FAQs on your wedding website.

It's also important to consider the pros and cons of having a cash bar. Some advantages include cost savings and encouraging responsible drinking. However, it may be seen as going against the tenets of hospitality, and it can interrupt the flow of the evening if bartenders are handling both drinks and payments.

Additionally, here are some other tips for having a cash bar:

• Make sure your venue and vendors can accommodate: Cash bars work best at venues with electronic sales systems and processes for handling multiple customer transactions.
• Skip the tip jar: It's generally considered more polite to pay for gratuity yourself or include it in the contract with your venue or caterer.
• Designate a cut-off point: Even with a cash bar, it's important to designate someone to keep an eye on guests' alcohol consumption and cut them off if necessary.

Ultimately, the decision to have a cash bar is a personal one, and you should choose what feels most comfortable for you and your partner.

Frequently asked questions