Cash Bar or No Bar at all after Cocktail Hour?

pittsamp7

I know this has already been discussed endlessly on wedding boards, but I am trying to decide between providing a cash bar or having no bar at all for my wedding reception. I am providing a champagne toast for guests during the reception, as well as champagne punch during the cocktail hour (at $65/gallon!). However, this alone is a strain on our very small budget, and the option of providing alcoholic beverages during the reception as well would be impossible. Yes, we've considered the beer/wine/soda option only, and that too is extremely expensive and out of our budget, as our venue requires that they provide all of the beverages.

As a wedding guest, would you prefer to have the option to pay for additional drinks if you wanted them during the reception, or would the idea of a cash bar (even after cocktail hour) turn you off?

JoanE2012

In Response to Cash Bar or No Bar at all after Cocktail Hour?:
[QUOTE]I know this has already been discussed endlessly on wedding boards, but I am trying to decide between providing a cash bar or having no bar at all for my wedding reception. I am providing a champagne toast for guests during the reception, as well as champagne punch during the cocktail hour (at $65/gallon!). However, this alone is a strain on our very small budget, and the option of providing alcoholic beverages during the reception as well would be impossible. Yes, we've considered the beer/wine/soda option only, and that too is extremely expensive and out of our budget, as our venue requires that they provide all of the beverages. As a wedding guest, would you prefer to have the option to pay for additional drinks if you wanted them during the reception, or would the idea of a cash bar (even after cocktail hour) turn you off?
Posted by pittsamp7[/QUOTE]

As I posted on the Etiquette board (helpful if you put XP if you are going to post the same questions on multiple boards), cash bars are rude.  Host what you can afford.   You don't invite someone over for dinner and charge them if they want wine, so why would you do it at a reception you are hosting?  The concept is the same, just on a larger scale.

hordol

Cash bars are technically rude, and I would probably be a little irked if I had to buy my own drink, plus I never carry cash, but I would appreciate having the option. I'm probably in the minority in that though.

Maggie0829

Host what you can afford.  If you cannot afford to host a bar all night then don't have alcohol.  If I were a guest I would be pissed if during cocktail hour I could drink all I want without spending a dime and then as soon as the reception started I had to pay $6+ dollars a drink.  Plus I hardly ever carry cash with me especially to a wedding.

Also, if you think the champagne punch is too high price wise, why not change it out for something a bit less expensive?

alithebride

i'd MUCH rather have 2 beers than a champange punch at cocktail hour and a champagne toast. i dont really like champaign anway.

if you can't host serve no alcohol.

AmandaJoy7686

I would nix the champagne punch if you're already having a champagne toast at the reception and do the open bar instead. I never saw the point of a cash bar unless you know for sure that most friends and family are non-alcoholic drinkers. I agree with the PP's as well.

mewebster59

No bar.  Even though I might want a drink bad enough to pay for it, it is just rude to have a cash bar and ask your guests to pay. IMO, it is the same as asking them to pay for thier dinner, you just don't do that.  Also, come up with a cheaper alternative than Champagne punch.  It is so specific that a lot of guests might not even enjoy it, and you could have served beer or wine for a much lower price.

MyNameIsNot

Cash bars are rude.  If you can't afford to host it, don't offer it.

If the champagne punch is is expensive, why don't you look to a cheaper punch/drink option.  You might then be able to serve one drink or punch all night.  I'd also trade off the champagne toast for something that could go a little further.