Cash Bar Weddings: Dos and Don'ts

Ah, the Cash Bar question… one of the most controversial topics when it comes to weddings. Most couples do it to save money, while others choose it because of personal preference or religious observance. While I usually refrain from sharing too much personal opinion here on the blog (rather than purely professional) this post will go into the personal realm a bit, fair warning. Here are my Do’s and Don’ts to follow when considering a cash bar at your wedding:

Photo: southernbride.co.nz

DO consider the pros and cons of an open bar (as well as the price) before committing to your venue. Many venues have strict rules and ridiculous pricing for alcohol, so if you get locked into your venue and wait until later to “do the math” on the bar piece, you may find yourself pigeon-holed into spending a fortune or having to do a cash bar when that’s not really what you wanted.

DO think of your wedding as a (very large) dinner party. Having a cash bar is like offering your dinner guests a glass of wine, and then asking them to pay you for it. Now, if you’re not someone who offers wine to your dinner guests, then it’s acceptable to have a dry wedding or offer a cash bar to those guests who can’t live (or won’t have much fun) without it.

DON’T think of “open bar” as one-size-fits-all. “Open Bar” does not have to mean craft beer, fancy wine and top shelf liquor all night long. There are plenty of ways to do an affordable open bar that gives your guests access to adult drinks all night without completely breaking your budget. Consider a cocktail hour with signature drinks and then switching to beer and wine, or just do beer and wine all night. Something to note: In my experience, most guests would opt for an open bar with “house” drinks, than a cash bar with top shelf options.

DO have a Cash Bar if you or the hosts of the wedding have a strong aversion to heavy drinking, but be prepared for push back, depending on your guest list. It is understandable to offer a cash bar if you don't want to have a party full of drunks, but don't be surprised to annoy a few people if you go this route. Know your crowd. If the norm for your circle of friends and family is cash bar, it’ll be fine! But if not, people will either be thrown off or disappointed, or both. (Which brings me to…)

DO let your guests know ahead of time if you choose to host a wedding with a cash bar, probably on their invitation. Most people these days expect some sort of open bar at an American wedding, and many women don't even bring a wallet, never mind actual cash. If they're told ahead of time, they'll be prepared with cash and won't be as disappointed or annoyed when they're asked to buy their drinks. A simple way to let guests know is a single line at the bottom of the invitation: “Dinner and Dancing to follow. Reception will have a cash bar”

DON’T host your wedding at an over the top (expensive) venue and then have a cash bar to save money. This is tacky and inconsiderate. If you’re on a budget that only allows for the expensive venue but no open bar, book a moderately priced venue instead, to find room in the budget for the bar. Your guests WILL notice that you booked an expensive venue, and that on order to afford it, you’re asking them to foot the bar bill.