Host Bar or Cash Bar?

kparker83 · March 2010

Ok, I've heard it's incredibly tacky to have a cash bar.
Our venue does not do corkage functions so they are supplying all of the alcohol and the bartender. We are on a low budget and will be providing each guest with 2 drink tickets and then after that they are on their own.
Just looking for opinions....

Goldlie11 · March 2010

What about a limited bar (wine, beer, and soda only)? In all honestly if I really couldn't afford to serve alcohol, I just wouldn't if I were you. I'm not a fan of tickets.

imma2010 · March 2010

I think it sucks to have cash bar! usually people dont really walk with enough cash in their wallet anyway, i think its tacky. if you can't afford it, it might be best to opt out or have only a few signature drinks!

kaesha · March 2010

Try to swing a wine & beer bar first. The cash bar should be your last resort... and tickets... ugh. As for it being tacky, it tends to be more of a regional thing. I think they're a total bummer, but in a few of my social circles, they're also the norm. In others, it would be a massive no-no. We did 3 signature cocktails, wine, beer and sparkling wine at my wedding, and everyone thought it was a great way to save money (and they didn't feel limited).

Calumet · March 2010

Honestly, I've only been given tickets at fundraisers and things like that. I agree that just a wine and beer bar would be better, but in all honesty I totally understand money constraints.

Lasairiona · March 2010

Guests should never under any circumstances open their wallets at the reception for any reason. If you can't afford something, either don't serve it at all or else cut something else out that isn't important to you so that you can afford to host it yourselves.

king26 · March 2010

I agree with PP-I've only been given drink tickets at fundraising events. I also agree with the fact that you should try just serving beer and wine if you can't afford the liquor. This way your guests won't end up paying for their own beverages, and it will be much cheaper for you.

ceilidhsaunders · March 2010

I'm having an afternoon reception after I return from my DW. We're just having champagne which we'll supply to the guests. We're not a big fan of drinking/or giving other people alcohol.

Honestly, I wouldn't give out tickets. I would either have a limited bar (maybe just have some wine or champagne) or go all out and pay for the whole thing.

The venue where I am having my reception mentioned that people have charged for the drinks at weddings, but I can't see too many people paying for drinks at a reception.

emalee_jane · March 2010

Hmmmm....
So I am having the same dilemma. These days parents are not paying for the wedding. Neither of our sets of parents could afford this, and we don't expect it either. The whole wedding day is about celebrating a union of two people! It's not about what you did or didn't get! I do agree that it is a little tacky to do drink tickets, but a free drink is a free drink. And if I were at a wedding, I would prefer to choose to drink or not to drink.... It is a hard debate, but all these formalities are starting to drive me nuts!

I feel your frustration!

UDscoobychick · March 2010

Could you do alcohol only during dinner or only during the cocktail hour and then soda/water/juice only the rest of the time? Or have one or two signature drinks rather than an open bar--that's often cheaper. One other option, if your guests aren't big drinkers (and only do this if you're POSITIVE they're not going to drink much), you can do a consumption bar, where you just pay for what your guests drink.

emmaandgino · March 2010

I agree also. I've only been given drink tickets at fundraising events. I would try serving wine, beer and maybe a few signature drinks or even sangria! This way your guests won't end up paying for their own beverages, and it will be much cheaper for you.

Good Luck!
Emma

Rhonda H · March 2010

I agree host bar is the best way to go if you can afford it.

SFHsgirl · March 2010

We are doing wine for toasts which our parents will be pouring - great way to mingle for them with the other side of the family and then a cash bar. We are having a large wedding (my fiance is Jewish so BIG family) and we are paying for our own wedding. We also have punch/coffee and tea that does not have to be paid for by guests. We can't pay for it all and our friends/family like to have a few drinks.

KellyandEddie0808 · March 2010

I may be biased because I'm from an area where it is the norm to have full open bar and sit down dinner but, you expect people to pay for their own drinks and give you gifts and money too????? If I ever went to a wedding where I had to pay for my drinks I'd be taking money of the card envelope (in NJ we don't bring gifts to weddings we bring money). Anyway who goes to a wedding with enough money to buy drinks all night. Its a wedding not a night at the bar. Do you invite people to a dinner party at your home and make them pay for drinks there too??

Making people pay for things at a party you invited them to is TACKY and very RUDE.

smore154 · March 2010

I agree- I would look at all other options before you just decide not to do alcohol- because honestly that would be your only option if you can't afford it. Don't do the tickets or the cash- in the end no one will remember your wedding, they'll remember you as the couple who gave out drink tickets at their wedding- or made them pay for booze.

I agree if you cannot afford this- I know it's hard, but there are always ways around, whether you move your entire reception somewhere else- only do a "cocktail station" reception to save on money, or cut down on your other budgets. It just has to be done.

Host Bar or Cash Bar?

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