When it comes to hosting a wedding, there are many decisions to make. One of the most important is whether or not to have a cash bar. While it may seem like a great way to save money, it can also be seen as tacky and rude. To help you decide if a cash bar is right for your wedding, here is some expert advice on the topic. Will a cash bar save you money? Technically, yes.
But if you're thinking of taking this route so you can spend somewhere else, you're likely to do more harm than good. It's not bad taste as long as you let your guests know. Ready guests are happy guests, says reader Mindy. I don't think a cash bar is tacky, he says, but most wedding guests will expect an organized bar.
So if you plan to go the cash bar route, make sure to spread the word through your wedding website or even word of mouth, so guests can be prepared. Providing food and drink (including alcohol) is the right accommodation for your guests at the front desk. Asking them to open their wallets at your wedding can be considered tacky, if not downright rude. In addition, there is no discreet way to notify them in your invitation that they need to carry cash. Cash bars at wedding receptions have a negative perception because it goes against the hospitality relationship between the host and the guest.
Many guests expect an open bar (or at least a limited bar) paid for by the host. Many guests expect this, as they take the time to celebrate (and bring a gift) for your special day. In addition to the potential negative effect on guests, you and your partner can also be badly affected. Since waiters make the drinks and take care of payment, wait times will increase, resulting in long lines at the bar. Dividing lines interrupt your reception hours because you'll have to wait for your guests to sit down before moving on to the important events of the night. I live in an area where cash bars are the norm for weddings (Southwest Ontario outside of a major city; alcohol is very expensive here), so it's normal to see an information card on the invitation with information about the bar (former cash bar available during cocktail hour and reception, which accepts cash and cards).The main advantage that some couples like about cash bars is that it allows them to save money on one of the biggest wedding expenses.
At a wedding I went to, they had the drink bottles on each table (two red, two white and I think a bottle of gin and one of JD) and that was it. But I always remember weddings that didn't have an open bar and give guests the impression that you refused to cut that budget elsewhere, and it's horrible. If you plan to make a full bar during the middle of the night, I suggest changing it for beer and wine throughout the night. I keep hearing this, but I've only been to one wedding since moving to the UK that had a cash bar, and it definitely surprised me. Sure, you may have made an announcement on your wedding website warning guests that you are going with a cash bar. You may ask your bar if they will allow you to have a standard price per ticket system where each ticket is valid for a wine or beer and you pay in advance for the number of tickets redeemed or the number of tickets. I've never been to a wedding with a full open bar, I've always been effective, so around here, I don't consider tacky, I'm just saying. Yes, seriously, the weddings I have attended here have all been cash bar weddings and there is absolutely no expectation that they will give me a free drink other than champagne for the toast.
Here's everything you need to know about having a cash bar at your wedding before you decide to take the plunge.
What Is A Cash Bar?
A cash bar is when guests pay for their own drinks at an event or gathering. This means that instead of having an open bar where drinks are provided free of charge by the host or hostess, guests must pay for their own drinks with either cash or credit card.Pros And Cons Of Having A Cash Bar At Your Wedding
Jason Rhee, owner and director of Wedding Celebrations and Special Events at Rheefined Company, says having a cash bar changes the relationship between the wedding host and the guest. So before you decide to have a cash bar at your wedding reception, learn what a cash bar is, its pros and cons, and some fun and inexpensive alternatives.Pros:
- It saves money - The main advantage that some couples like about cash bars is that it allows them to save money on one of the biggest wedding expenses.
Cons:
- It can be seen as tacky - Cash bars at wedding receptions have a negative perception because it goes against the hospitality relationship between the host and guest.
- It can cause long lines - Since waiters make drinks and take care of payment, wait times will increase resulting in long lines at the bar.
Alternatives To A Cash Bar At Your Wedding
- Provide beer and wine - If you plan to make a full bar during the middle of the night, suggest changing it for beer and wine throughout the night.
- Inform guests ahead of time - Make sure to spread word through your wedding website or even word of mouth so guests can be prepared.
- Welcome bags - When wedding weekend comes around hotel welcome bags are another chance to remember.
Conclusion
Having a cash bar at your wedding can be seen as tacky if not done properly. Make sure to inform your guests ahead of time so they can be prepared.There are also alternatives such as providing beer and wine throughout or providing welcome bags with information about payment options...
