What to do?

cfibelkorn

We don't really have a choice in our ceremony start time since our wedding is on a Friday. In downtown traffic we want to provide enough time for people to make it to the ceremony which starts at 7pm. This will mean the reception will start at like 8pm. 

We can do either a full meal and no alcohol (cash bar) or hors d'oeuvres only and beer and wine. 

So what would you do? My guest list is about 40-50 and about half of them drink.

EDIT***My family wont think a Cash Bar is tacky, so please try to not think of it that way, unless it just kills you

juliebug1997

Most will tell you that cash bars are tacky and not everyone takes cash with them (especially in the days of debit cards).  The argument is that you are hosting a party and, when you are the host, people shouldn't have to pay.

Tiffany618

Are you bringing in your own beer and wine or is your caterer/venue doing it?

The reason I ask is because we are considering doing a set dollar amount for alcohol through our venue (and we can increase it if needed during the event)....because probably close to half our guests won't drink more than 1 drink and it is a waste to pay per person.    Just thought that might be an option for you.

Tiffany618

In answer to the question though, I would do hors d'oeuvres and open bar if there is not a way to make it work with a meal.  Just spread the word that there won't be a full meal.

melissajayne82

....how about....

Lady Gaga - just dance
Michael Jackson- the way you make me feel
Al Green- Let's stay together
              - I'm so In love with you
John Melloncamp- Cherry Bomb (one of my all time fav songs my mom used 2 play)
Madonna- Super pop
Britney Spears- Toxic, Im a slave for you, Crazy, Ooh Ooh Baby. Anything by Brit!

cfibelkorn

melissajayne82 I think your on the wrong post...haha

Mariah09202008

Yeah....uh, Melissa wrong post.

Anyway, I definitely think that the heavy hors 'douevres is the way to go. 

cfibelkorn

Do you think it would be rude to ask my guests which they would prefer?

fallbride1109

Provide what you can afford.  If you can only afford Hors d'oeuvres w/Beer and Wine, then do that.  Don't ask your guests to pay.

emimayor

Don't ask your guests. It isn't rude, but will turn into more of a headache than you need. If there is one thing in the planning I learned was that the fewer outside opinions, the better.

You know your guests. I personally would not stick around at a wedding that was cash bar, especially on a Friday night. Call me rude, but if I am invited to an event on a weekend night, I fully expect to be treated like a guest, not a paying customer. And I think heavy hours'douevres with beer/wine is perfecty suitable. Friday weddings are tough, especially when you have to determine feeding your guests, the timing can get tricky.

Anyway, sorry for the rant, but I will ALWAYS be the first to say Cash Bars should NEVER EVER EVER EVER be done.

kris928

I wouldn't ask guests which they prefer.
Open bars are great but, I see nothing wrong with a cash bar. The last wedding I went to had a cash bar and there was a line the ENTIRE time.

amberpro

I'm with pp... heavy hors d'oeuvres, open beer/wine.  Many people can make a meal out of heavy hors.... anyway.  No asking and no cash bar.

clea

Check the prices. 
You can probably do a dinner for  the same or less than hors d'oeuvres.

If you expect people to come after working all day, they will expect dinner. 
You don't want to look cheap or have them leave early to go out to eat.

Jay+Marissa

I'm assuming your venue doesn't allow you to bring your own alcohol?

Either way, a signature mixed drink might be a nice idea to throw in there as well if your caterer can make it affordable.