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By Lei Lydle
Founder and Editor
Last Updated: 7/11/2008 12:20:04 PM |
You will find that one of the most expensive costs of the wedding reception is the alcohol - especially if you want to provide an open bar with premium liquors. Many reception sites will charge you $4.50+ per drink or a flat rate (around $22+) per head. You and I may think this is outrageous but there isn't much you can do about it!
Cash Bar?
Some brides have thought to provide cash bars instead of open bars. Do not do this!!! This is so tacky! It's one thing if you have your reception at a country club or hotel that has a bar where guests can buy drinks if they choose - but forcing them to buy drinks for the reception is horrible! Just don't have any if you can't afford it!
Cut Costs On Alcohol
Skip The Alcohol
The obvious way to cut this cost is to refrain from providing alcohol. And, if you do not provide alcohol you won't have to worry about any liability issues.
Limit The Alcohol
A great option is only to provide beer, wine and champagne. These options are much cheaper than having liquor.
Choose Call Brands Instead of Premium
If you must have liquor, choose call brands instead of premium brands. This won't amount to huge savings, but every penny counts!
Bring Your Own
A great way to save on liquor is by choosing a site that doesn't provide in-house catering or bar service. If you have to choose an outside caterer, the caterer might let you buy the liquor wholesale.
If you have selected a reception site that will let you bring your own alcohol, you could have a "Stock The Bar Party" to stock up on liquor. Although everyone won't bring bottles of liquor unless you specify this on the invitation, you can use the liquor that you do get for the reception.
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Lei Lydle, Editor from says... |
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Ladies, I have already responded to this type of comment - see my comment below. But let me reiterate - my opinion is based on the rules of wedding etiquette. Etiquette is a set of rules by which people know how to act in social situations. They are not laws. No one is going to arrest you if you don't follow them but it does cause problems when you don't follow them. When invited to a wedding guests do not expect to pay for anything other than the gift they bought - not food, not alcohol, not parking, etc. If you want to poo poo wedding etiquette it is your perogative but you better tell your guests it is a cash bar or they will be unprepared!
It is my opinion that you should stick to the rules of etiquette and skip the cash bar. How would you like it if your guests didn't follow the rules of etiquette? For example, etiquette dictates that only the people listed on the invitation are invited to attend the wedding. But what if your guests thought, "that is outdated, I am going to bring whoever I want!" and they just proceed to bring 5 additional people? Or, let's say your wedding is formal but your guests don't want to follow etiquette because they think it is outdated and they show up in shorts - how would you feel about that? Or, etiquette indicates that you are supposed to stand when the bride makes her entrance to the ceremony and is walking down the aisle. How would you feel if your guests just said, "that tradition is outdated, I am not going to stand up for her" - how would you as the bride feel? Etiquette is important and we should try to follow the rules of etiquette whenever possible. Best of luck with your planning! ~ Lei |
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Posted: 7/11/2008 8:39:46 AM |
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Michelle from Denver says... |
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I agree get off your high horse. Friends and family's don't want you to go broke just so they can have a free drink. This is out dated.
Wedding Date: sept 13th |
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Posted: 7/11/2008 12:18:43 AM |
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Jolene from Grand Rapids, MI says... |
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How funny that a cash bar at a wedding is acceptable in Canada. I love it. Only Canada.
Wedding Date: Sept 08 |
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Posted: 5/3/2008 7:56:10 PM |
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Lei Lydle, Editor from says... |
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Dear LF,
I certainly respect your opinion and appreciate your comments on this site. However, this site is meant to give brides the proper advice on what is the appropriate social etiquette for weddings. While you may feel this is outdated, it certainly is not.
In the U.S. it is considered bad form to require wedding guests to pay for alcohol at the wedding. I would challenge you to find any good wedding planner or publisher to say otherwise. I would hate for anyone to mistakenly provide a cash bar because they thought it was socially acceptable from reading your post. It may be socially accepted in Canada but it is not in the U.S.
In the end, planning your wedding is up to you and it is your decision to stray away from socially accepted wedding etiquette - people do it all the time. But most people want to stay within the guidelines which is what I offer here.
Again, as I stated in the article, it is one thing if you have a cash bar available through the hotel or club as well as a limited "free" bar supplied by you. But, unless you are hosting a college party of some type or you are hosting a BYOB party, the hosts are generally expected to supply food and beverage.
Thanks again and good luck with your planning! ~Lei |
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Posted: 7/5/2005 7:11:01 PM |
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LF from Canada says... |
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I think it is horrible to say that a cash bar is tacky and to never do it. 'If you can't afford it don't buy any at all', great advice! In some cultures it is not considered appropriate to have a cash bar but that not here in North America. I think it is a whole lot better to supply drinks at a dollar or two then to have guests pay 5 bucks at a hotel. There is nothing wrong with having a cash bar and you should get off your high horse before spouting off your out of date opinion to the many people that are trying to give a great time to their guests at a somewhat reasonable cost.
Wedding Date: Augusst |
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Posted: 7/5/2005 6:35:10 PM |
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