Cash Bar

Kathryn,
Well, the proper etiquette is that you don`t have a cash bar.
I know people have them all the time, and they are socially accepted in lots of places. If everyone who gets married in your area has one, then you can too.
If all the friends in your circle and all your relatives have one, then you can too.

Remember that some receptions sites have a time limit on the bar; it can only be open a few hours. Find out if this is the case with your location. If it is, then you may not need to have a cash bar. You may find that the drinks you have already planned on providing will cover the time limit anyway.

The reason etiquette exists is to try to not make people feel uncomfortable. If more people at your reception would be uncomfortable if you DIDN`T have a cash bar, then by all means have one.

Having a cash bay is a huge etiquette no-no. Many guests have travel expenses, some have to buy something to wear, some buy shower gifts, most buy wedding gifts....they should NEVER have to bring cash to buy drinks at a wedding.

There is nothing wrong with not being able to have a full open bar. We aren`t all rich. BUT - you should never host a party that is beyond your financial means and expect your guests to pick up the slack.

Picture it this way...

Say you really want to serve lobster or filet minon at your wedding, but you can only afford chicken. Would you put a note in the invites telling the guests that you are serving chicken but if they want lobster or filet minon they can bring cash and buy their own? I hope not. In my opinion that is the same as telling them your are serving champagne and soft drinks but if they want liquor they have to buy there own.

If you cannot afford it, leave it out altogether. That`s just my opinion though - some guests would be happy to buy their own liquor as long as they can drink.

~Cammie