Post # 1

Member
1 posts
Wannabee
I want to add something on our reception insert stating that beer, wine and sangria will be hosted by us; however, other drinks will be as cash bar. Any suggestions how to word this? I was thinking something like:
Beer, wine and sangria will be provided with our compliments. Other drinks are available for purchase.
Thoughts????
Post # 2

Member
493 posts
Helper bee
I’m team no cash bar, ever. Stick to what you can afford to provide. Wine, beer and sangria will be plenty for your guests.
Post # 3

Member
438 posts
Helper bee
I second cblank181 . Spirits aren’t always expected – and I highly doubt anyone would judge if you don’t include them in the bar tab.
Don’t mention them at all: simply phrase it as “Beer, wine and sangria provided”. If people are that desperate for hard liquor they can put 2 and 2 together
Post # 4

Member
5595 posts
Bee Keeper
None of this is appropriate for an invite anyways. Possibly website, but I wouldn’t put any of this on your actual invite.
Post # 5

Member
1689 posts
Bumble bee
jessica14 : This is pretty standard where I’m from, though I know it’s frowned upon by a lot of bees. I wouldn’t put anythng on your invite, if I’m invited to the wedding, I assume drinks are hosted. I would perhaps just put a sign on the bar, or a note on your wedding website. We didn’t do either – guests asked the bar what was available on the tab and if they wanted something different, they purchased it. That’s how things work around here though if you aren’t super rich.
Post # 6

Member
1985 posts
Buzzing bee
Most of the weddings I’ve been to had cash bars for liquor. Do you have a wedding website? You could put the information on there.
Post # 7

Member
703 posts
Busy bee
I think this is reasonable. I wouldn’t list it on the invite. I know a lot of people are against cash bars but I say do what you can afford. I think it’s fairly common now days.
Post # 8

Member
2030 posts
Buzzing bee
I wouldn’t list it either. I did have a thought though… wine and sangria are very similar. If you’re going to have a third option other than wine and beer, perhaps consider something different than those two drinks.
Post # 9

Member
454 posts
Helper bee
Where I’m from, cash bars are the norm. We had wine available on the tables (banquet-style informal dining type tables, winter wedding) and the cash bar was in another room. I don’t think we mentioned it at all? If we did I think we just said “Wine provided, cash bar on site” or something to that effect.
Post # 10

Member
13386 posts
Honey Beekeeper
There’s no polite way to point out what you aren’t providing your guests on an invitation. Just don’t have spirits if you can’t afford them.
Cash bars are incredibly uncommon in my circle, so if there was one, people would be really turned off. Only you know your guests though.
Post # 11

Member
10989 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
There is no polite way. Host what you can afford. That includes tips. Your guests should not have to take out their wallets, and should be appreciative of whatever you provide.
Post # 12

Member
291 posts
Helper bee
I think your suggestion sounds fine, but then I’m in the U.K. and cash bars are the norm. I’ve only ever been to one wedding which had an open bar, I’ve always expected to buy my own drinks.
If I were a guest, I’d appreciate the heads up that I’ll need some cash.
I can see from the previous posts that I may be in the minority here though…
Post # 13

Member
138 posts
Blushing bee
kittycatcat : cash bars are the norm where I live too so it is always strange to me to see these posts where so much disdain is thrown for those who will have them.
Post # 14

Member
9021 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
it’s ok to just serve beer, wine, and sangria.
Post # 15

Member
8932 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
I wouldn’t put anything on your invite. You’re providing drinks.
Cash bars are totally normal here so people would be pumped to get free alcohol of any kind.