In hard economic times many couples begin to look for additional ways to cut down the costs associated with their wedding. With one of the biggest costs of a reception being alcohol it has some deciding to opt for a cash bar at their event. This would mean that guests would be expected to pay for their own alcoholic beverages.
So, we wondered, does having a cash bar at a wedding make good common sense? Or, is it better to limit the bar offering simply to beer and wine or even to throw a “dry” event altogether?
Join discussion and let us know. Does a cash bar make you want to rant or rave…
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
January 9th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I think you need to offer some sort of drinks for your guests, even if you are not offering a full bar. For example, you only offer beer and wine at the open bar and require a cash bar for liquor. That way, you are cutting costs but not entirely cutting out bar service. You can also close the bar during dinner or speeches to limit the accessibility, thus cutting costs.
January 9th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I think that cash bars are a good idea to cut down on costs for a wedding.
January 9th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
We’re going through the same thoughts. In the end we decided a glass of cheap bubbly on arrival was the way forward
January 9th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I think people should actually host the event that they are having. If that means limiting choices or guest list, then so be it. Guests don’t expect to have to pay for things when you invite them out and some don’t carry cash. And no matter what friends say, it makes the wedding not quite as nice.
January 10th, 2009 at 1:10 am
A cash bar would weigh heavily on my decision whether or not to attend the wedding. You’re already spending a few thousand on traveling to the event, a gift, a tuxedo or dress, the extra $500 blown on blacking out might be enough to stay home and mail a card.
January 10th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Def RANT! After all, if you hosted a party in your own home, would you ever consider handing your guest a bar tab? Of course, not, so why do it at a wedding? Host the wedding you can afford.Limit the guest list, offer only beer and wine, host an open bar only during the cocktail hour, etc.
January 11th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Dependent upon the couple’s budget, only offering wine and beer at a wedding will work just fine. Not all guests will drink liquor anyways so by doing this the cost will be cut significantly. Another idea is to have a signature drink or drink cards (i.e. 2 drink cards per guest) . This way you are able to limit the amount of drinks you offer to guests and you won’t feel like you’ve ‘jipped’ your guests or the quality of your wedding.
January 11th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
If the wedding budget does not allow enough space for hosting the bar then the entire budget and guest list should be evaluated. Perhaps some other items should be scaled down to make room. For example, spending less on wedding favors, centerpieces, invitations or cutting back on the guest list can help couples stay on budget. The other suggestions of hosting only select beverages is another great way to limit the bar expense. I likely wouldn’t attend an event where I was expected to not only bring a gift but also cash for beverages. In addition, it will probably be the #1 thing your guests talk about and remember after the wedding is over.
January 11th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
You know, every time I hear people complain about bar crap makes me happier and happier I am having my wedding in a church that forces us to be dry. I can’t believe some of the insensitive junk guests spew out their mouths. I have no problem ever shelling out the dough to make it to a wedding, get a dress, a gift, and if I wanted to buy my own drinks; and I barely make 800$ a month. I don’t know what or why you guys complain so much seriously. You were invited to your friend’s or loved one’s big day and what the hell do you do? Complain cause the booze aren’t free. Seriously it makes me sad cause now I have to wonder if all my guests are behind my back being callous.
Well thankfully this site allowed for a rant on it. Just think about what you say about your hosts. Maybe they wanted to “allow” you to be able to have drink if you wanted but they can’t afford to. It isn’t cheap for them either average weddings cost in the ballpark of 10 grand, so yea stop complaining. To some previous comments: Yea you don’t charge your friends for the alcohol they drink in your home, but from what I know of my friends they don’t expect us to buy all the alcohol we drink. We share the burden cause that’s what friends do. If they blow through my vodka they buy me a new bottle.
January 14th, 2009 at 8:18 am
I personally feel that if you are planning a wedding, and essentially throwing a party for people to celebrate your marriage, then it’s your responsibility to to pay for it. If you can’t afford to have an open bar for 100+ people, then cut down your guest list, or have a brunch wedding where alcohol consumption would be dramatically decreased- hopefully
. I personally think it’s tacky to have a celebration where you ask other people to foot the bill… what’s next seperate checks for the reception dinner as well?
January 20th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Right now I am contemplating the same issue. It is not only for the cost of the open bar, but the responsibility you assume when one of your guests has too much to drink or someone underage happens to obtain access to alcohol. I am not willing to start my new life knowing there is the possibility there could be an accident for which we could and would be held accountable. How do the charges “endangering the welfare of a minor” sound as a way to start out your new life together? There is enough stress in planning and in life; why add more? Here is the dilemma – Is it better to be socially acceptable or socially responsible? How does one balance both at such an event? When someone comes to my house, yes, I provide the drinks; however, if I feel the person is not sober enough to drive, then, he or she does not. Another situation that I am facing is some of the people attending are alcoholics, why have the temptation? It isn’t always a matter of being what some are calling “cheap”, but showing your guests, your loved ones, how much you truly care for their wellbeing.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
We’ve decided to do a cash bar at our wedding and here’s why:
1) All the food and non-alcoholic beverages are no cost to our guests. So, you don’t wanna pay, don’t drink the booze. Simple. No one is left thirsty.
2) We are using our savings, not some unlimited amount of cash, to pay for this wedding and if we can cut down on cost AND assure that our guest will limit themselves and not get sloshed and embarrassing, then BONUS for us!
3) We are inviting these people to OUR special day. OURS! It stands to reason the we might not even get a drink or a piece of cake at our own wedding. So if we’re not drinking, we’re not paying for it.
So our guests can consider it tacky if they wish. I consider it tacky to judge the way others choose to celebrate their day. I love everyone I’m inviting to this wonderful party and I would hope that they love me just as much and would never consider deeming me tacky or rude for trying to save money, and yet still throwing them all a great party.