Weddings are special celebrations that bring together friends and family members to celebrate the union of two people who love each other. While weddings can be expensive, the happy couple may not be able to host a fully stocked open bar for their guests. As a result, it is becoming more common to have a cash bar at weddings. But how do you tell your guests that you will have a cash bar? In this post, we will explore the etiquette of a cash bar at weddings and how to communicate this to your guests.
Why have a cash bar?
Weddings are expensive, and the cost of hosting a fully stocked open bar can add up quickly. A cash bar helps to offset some of this expense. By asking guests to pay for their own drinks, the couple can lower their overall wedding costs.
However, there are some drawbacks to having a cash bar. It can be seen as impolite or inhospitable to ask guests to pay for their own drinks. Moreover, some people might not be able to afford to buy a drink or may feel embarrassed if they can’t.
How to communicate a cash bar to your guests
If you are planning to have a cash bar at your wedding, it is important to communicate this to your guests in a polite and respectful manner. Here are some tips for doing so:
1. Mention it on the invitation. You can add a line on the invitation that says something like “Please note that we will be having a cash bar.”
2. Include it on your wedding website. If you have a wedding website, you can include details about the cash bar there.
3. Post a sign at the bar. You can put up a sign at the bar that lets guests know that it is a cash bar.
4. Mention it during the reception. During the wedding reception, the couple or the emcee can make an announcement about the cash bar.
Alternative Ideas for a Cash Bar
If you are concerned about the etiquette of a cash bar, there are some alternative options that you can consider.
1. Signature drinks. You can offer one or two signature drinks that are free, while other drinks are charged.
2. Beer and wine only. To minimize the cost, you can offer a selection of beer and wine for free, while other drinks are charged.
3. Drink tickets. You can provide each guest with a certain number of drink tickets that they can use for free drinks.
4. Limited bar time. Another option is to have an open bar during the cocktail hour only, and then switch to a cash bar for the rest of the night.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision to have a cash bar at a wedding is a personal one that should be based on the couple’s financial situation and priorities. If you do choose to have a cash bar, it is important to communicate this to your guests in a respectful and polite manner. Ultimately, the most important thing is for everyone to have a great time and celebrate the happy couple.
FAQ
How do you say cash only on an invitation?
When it comes to wedding invitations or any event invitations, it’s common to include registry information as a way of helping guests know what kind of gifts to bring. However, if you are hoping for cash gifts only, it can be challenging to communicate that without sounding rude or demanding. Nevertheless, there are some polite ways to request cash gifts on your invitation without offending your guests.
One way to request cash-only gifts is to include a short and simple message at the bottom of your invitation. You can say something along the lines of “we kindly ask for cash gifts only” to communicate that you would appreciate cash gifts over physical gifts. Alternatively, you can explain the reason for your preference for cash gifts. For example, you could mention that you’re saving for a down payment on a house, charitable donations, or that you’re trying to reduce clutter in your home.
Another way to request cash-only gifts in a polite and friendly manner is by using a poem or a creatively worded message that will help communicate your preference for cash gifts. You could write something like “We ask only of your love and presence but if a present is your desire, we would be honored with a cash gift to help us save for our new home! Much love and thanks!” Alternatively, you could write, “We require only your presence but if you were thinking of giving a gift, we would greatly appreciate a gift of cash to help us save for (gift idea).”
It’s essential to communicate the request for cash-only gifts clearly without placing too much emphasis on it, so it does not overshadow the celebration itself. Although some guests might prefer to give a physical gift, most people will understand that you have a good reason for requesting cash gifts only. when planned and communicated appropriately, asking for cash-only gifts on your invitation can be a polite and effective way to get the gifts you want on your special day while still fully celebrating your event with your guests.
Why do people leave cash on the bar?
There are a few reasons why people might leave cash on the bar. One reason is that they are leaving a tip for their bartender or server. Tipping is a common practice in many countries, and leaving cash on the bar is one way to do it. Some people prefer to leave their tip directly on the bar rather than handing it to their server, as it can be a quicker and more discreet way to do so.
Another reason why people might leave cash on the bar is as a way of paying for their drinks. In some bars, especially ones that are cash-only or don’t have a formal system for paying, customers may leave cash on the bar to indicate that they have paid for their drinks. This is often done in bars with a relaxed atmosphere or where regular customers are trusted to pay their tab at the end of the night.
However, there is also a more unusual reason why people might leave cash on the bar. In some old pubs, it is traditional to pin money to the ceiling of the establishment. The origins of this tradition are unclear, but it is thought to have started in America during the gold rush. Miners would come into town to spend their hard-earned money, often at local bars. However, some miners never made it back from mining, or they no longer needed the money they had accumulated. As a result, cash was abandoned to the ceilings of these pubs. The money that was never claimed stayed there, and in some pubs, it is still there today. Thus, the tradition of pinning money to the ceiling of a bar was born.
There are a few reasons why people might leave cash on the bar. It could be to leave a tip, pay for drinks, or in some old pubs, to add to the money already left on the ceiling. Whatever the reason, it is a practice that has become a part of bar culture all over the world.