Advice on my half-cash bar

DondadaTimes2

Ok, so Josh and I have decided to do a half cash bar.

Were going to buy a keg, a few bottles of wine and (if possible) cover the cost of the non-alcoholic drinks (unless thats sounds stupid or unfair). We're gunna start this at 1pm (theres a cocktail hr 12-1 that is cash bar) and when its all tapped out....cash bar.

So how do I go about letting people know.

Should I put a sign at the bar? A little note at each table? Nothing?

kevinandmonica2011

I'm confused... the cocktail hour is cash bar?  When are you opening the keg and bottles that you are paying for?  Will there be drinks available during dinner?  I'm confused....

My advice would be to use the bottles/drinks you have bought during the cocktail hour, and post a sign at the bar saying something to the effect of

"The Bride and Groom will host the following drinks during the cocktail hour
Bud Light
Budweiser
Something Something Merlot
Something Something Chardonnay"

A cash bar will be offered following dinner service."

Not sure if "host" is the best word... I will try to think of something else.  Since your parents are paying, maybe it could say "The hosts are offering the following drinks...."

If the first round of two of drinks during the cocktail hour (because there is still beer in the keg or what not) are free, cool.... if not, they will be prepared.

kevinandmonica2011

I would also use your BP and family to help spread the word... just so people know to bring money.  I typically do not even bring a purse to a wedding, so I would be SOL unless someone gave me a head's up in advance.

DondadaTimes2

Well, we're being selfish in wanting to start it at 1 b/c we have to pay for our drinks (which is beyond stupid to me but whatever) and we didnt want it to be kicked by the time we come in!

So we were going to start the free drinks at 1 ("dinner" at 1:30) and when its kicked, its cash bar. I should probably quit my selfish-ness huh?

kevinandmonica2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_central-new-york_advice-half-cash-bar?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:621Discussion:94ba26bb-12ff-4300-b595-485146c52901Post:00d4d6d0-39cb-4a7e-9f9e-c7e5753dfca8">Re: Advice on my half-cash bar</a>:
[QUOTE] I should probably quit my selfish-ness huh?
Posted by DondadaTimes2[/QUOTE]

Yep.  <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-wink.gif" border="0" alt="Wink" title="Wink" />

No one will make the bride and groom pay for their drinks... even if by the time you start drinking it is "cash bar"

Let your guests enjoy as many of the free drinks as they can... open everything during the cocktail hour and when it's done, it's done.  I am sure people will be buying your drinks throughout the entire reception. 

sbolger17

I agree with Monica.  I think the time to host it is definitely during cocktail hour because the whole point is to drink!  Hopefully it will last that whole time, plus some.  Maybe once it hits cash, you and Josh can work out a deal with the bartenders so that they just run you a tab and you pay for your stuff later?  If the bride and groom don't have to pull out money, that's probably good.

I think you covering the cost of all non-alcoholic drinks is good.

A sign like Monica mentioned as well as BP/family spreading the word beforehand would clarify the situation.  I remember that happened at one wedding I was at and I was flabbergasted because we had no idea it was coming.

DondadaTimes2

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_central-new-york_advice-half-cash-bar?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:621Discussion:94ba26bb-12ff-4300-b595-485146c52901Post:79ab2e43-520f-412d-b641-61d51eae3a22">Re: Advice on my half-cash bar</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with Monica.  I think the time to host it is definitely during cocktail hour because the whole point is to drink!  Hopefully it will last that whole time, plus some.  Maybe once it hits cash, you and Josh can work out a deal with the bartenders so that they just run you a tab and you pay for your stuff later?  If the bride and groom don't have to pull out money, that's probably good. I think you covering the cost of all non-alcoholic drinks is good. A sign like Monica mentioned as well as BP/family spreading the word beforehand would clarify the situation.  I remember that happened at one wedding <strong>I was at and I was flabbergasted because we had no idea it was coming.
</strong>Posted by sbolger17[/QUOTE]


See Im trying to get the word spread but Im gunna feel so bad if some people dont hear about it. The wedding Josh and I "met" at was a cash bar and if it wasnt for my grandma offering to buy me a glass of wine and Josh being a gentleman and offering me a beer, I woulda been SOL.

Unfortunately I cant swing an open bar and even if we could, with the amt of people we know that dont drink....its not worth it.

Ok so Ill work on a sign for the bar.

kevinandmonica2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_central-new-york_advice-half-cash-bar?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:621Discussion:94ba26bb-12ff-4300-b595-485146c52901Post:f873b50b-5449-45b6-a96c-14a74520e96d">Re: Advice on my half-cash bar</a>:
[QUOTE]Ok so Ill work on a sign for the bar.
Posted by DondadaTimes2[/QUOTE]

Make it pretty!!

kkozlo2

I agree with the above advice. Free drinks at cocktail hour. Your guests will be confused if they buy a drink, then get one for free, and then buy one....