The Big Debate - should you or shouldn't you??? The question here is not will you have a bar at your wedding, it's what kind of bar will you have? When it comes to bars, there are a few options but two main alternatives; cash bar and open bar.
Let's explore the differences.
An open bar is where the booze flows free, you and your bride pick up the tab. This is great for everyone who attends the wedding, but can affect the bottom line and can quickly eat a large portion of your budget.
A cash bar is where your guests pay cash for their own drinks. They can still have anything that they want; they just have to pay for it. Though this choice is easier on your wallet, it's not at the top of the etiquette list and it's not so cool for your rep either. Tradition says that people who attend your wedding are your guests, and as such, they shouldn't have to pay for anything. So keep this in mind when making your selection.
Another option if you absolutely can not have an open bar, the best way to handle the matter is to take a combination approach. You provide a pre-set (and pre-paid) number of tickets to each guest. This way you can still treat your guests to a bit of the bubbly without breaking the bank. After your guests have used their 2 tickets, they will be required to pay for any additional drinks. You know how many drinks you are going to pay for right from the beginning, so you can budget for it.
This is a non-offensive approach and makes you both look more socially responsible-just incase you are on the road to improving your image and everything this will fit right into your plan.
If you have, after careful consideration, made the decision to have a cash bar, it is crucial that your guests be advised of this in advance. You can very appropriately print the words "cash bar" beneath the reception information on the invitation. This allows guests to arrive prepared and no one is taken by surprise. Hey I am sure your frat bro's will come equipped with all the necessities anyway so - no worries!
