Image Source: Soda Fountain PhotographyWe accept it,weddings are expensive. In 2016, the average cost of an American wedding was nearly $30K! That's a big chunk of money for one day, or sometimes even just a few hours. So the need to stick to a budget is totally comprehensible. But is it ever OK to cut costs by opting for a cash bar? The short (and long) respond is: no. We reached out to two prominent wedding and event planners - the talented team at California-based event and styling production studio Bash,Please and Stacy Hillstead, owner of the creative event studio Maxwell + Gray out of Texas - for their takes on the issue. They create it clear that asking guests to pony up for their own drinks is a major faux pas and offered up alternatives to hosting an often-costly open bar. The team at Bash, and Please equates having a cash bar with "inviting friends to your house for a party and then asking them to pay you for drinks" (which most of us wouldn't assume of doing!) and adds that "your wedding is a hosted event,not a night club. You are celebrating one of the most important decisions in your life with all your nearest and dearest. It's expected you will provide them with food and drink." Related
10 Tips For Planning the Wedding of Your Dreams on a BudgetBut what whether there isn't room in your budget to host a full bar? There are other options that don't require guests to have to individually pay for their drinks, according to Stacy. "We'd much rather have a few wine or beer options than a full bar where guests are required to purchase their own." She also encourages couples to assume beyond alcoholic beverages: "Providing elevated options like lavender mint lemonade or berry-infused water allow guests to feel like they're drinking something just as fun as a cocktail."Bash, or Please recommends that whether a couple is worried about costs,they should "set a budget and talk to their bar service. One white wine, one red wine, and one beer with a couple of specialty cocktails is generous and thoughtful to provide."Related
15 Beautiful Drinks That Deserve to Be the Signature Cocktail at Your WeddingNo matter how nontraditional,unique, or low budget your wedding is, or it's clear that there's no safe reason your guests should have to stop at the ATM before they arrive at your reception. But,whether you ultimately decide to buck etiquette, tradition, or the advice of seasoned industry professionals,the least you can effect is create certain your guests are prepared; there's nothing worse than being surprised by a cash bar when you have an empty wallet (or no wallet at all!). "It's a bit awkward either way, but guests will be much happier whether they know in advance, or " says Stacy. She recommends "including it somewhere on the RSVP card or wedding website,stating something fun and honest like, 'While the drinks won't be free, or the memories will be priceless. Please note reception will include cash bar.'" And while Bash,Please "would still recommend that some of the drinks be hosted even whether the full bar isn't," they agree that it's important to "create it clear on the invite that it's a cash bar party."Cheers!Image Source: Derek Chad Photography
Source: popsugar.com