The first wedding consultants were upper-class women who informed the family on how to host an appropriate society event. Therefore, I feel that it is my job as a Wedding Planner to tell you the proper etiquette for hosting your wedding. According to the rules of etiquette cash bars are tacky and not suggested. Inviting guests to your wedding is the same as inviting guests to your house. You would never host a dinner and charge guests for their glass of wine or a can of beer. The same principals apply to hosting your wedding. If you are having liquor at your wedding it is not polite to ask your guests to pay for part of the wedding. That being said it is also my job to help the bride and groom stay within budget. There are many alternatives to having a cash bar that will decrease costs.
Below are a few suggestions:
1.
Consider having your wedding during the day.
Guests are far less likely to drink in the morning or afternoon.
2.
You could have a signature drink. A signature
drink can be pre-made with a combination of juice, soda and liquor. This keeps
guests drinking, but at a fraction of the cost
3.
You can always choose not to serve alcohol. If
you have great music, entertainment and good food your guests will still have a
great time
4.
You can also have a beer and wine bar. This
decreases the cost as the expensive spirits are not available
5.
The location of your wedding can decrease costs
too. If you have a backyard wedding you can purchase your own liquor license
and have your provincial liquor commission sell you the liquor. The liquor
purchased will be cheaper than the charge per drink or bottle that a hotel,
golf & country club or any other wedding venue would charge.
Cash bars or toonie bars have become increasingly popular as
a way to decrease the cost of the wedding; however, they really are not appropriate
according to the etiquette rules. If you really want to have a cash bar remember to mention
it on your invitations so guests can remember to bring cash!