Cash Bar vs. Open Bar:
A cash bar is where guests pay for their own drinks. In contrast, with an open bar the hosts foot the bill.
Host Bar vs. Cash Bar:
What is the difference between a host bar and a cash bar? A host bar is another name for an open bar where the bartender tracks the alcohol served and charges the host at the end of the event. With a cash bar, guests pay for everything they drink and tip the bartenders themselves.
Invitation Wording for Cash Bar:
Invitation Wording if You’re Having a Cash Bar at Your Reception. If it’s a straight up cash bar, where your guests buy all their own drinks, add the line “cash bar”.
Cash Bar Information:
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Is a cash bar legal? Regardless of the location of the party, it is illegal for a caterer to give away free alcohol to guests or the host. A caterer must either operate a cash bar, where the guests pay by the drink, or charge the host on a by-the-drink or by-the-event basis.
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Is Having a Cash Bar Tacky? No. When you’re planning a wedding, don’t pay any attention to people who call things tacky.
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Is a cash bar rude? It’s not tacky—it’s simply safer. "But when you have a cash bar, your guests will drink less—or at least be better aware of how much they’re drinking—simply because they have to pay for it."
Instructions for Guests:
How do you tell guests it’s a cash bar? Listing “cash bar” tells guests to expect to pay for drinks.
How do you say cash is preferred for a wedding? One of the easiest ways to share your preferences is to register with a cash registry website or honeymoon fund registry. This is a clear signal that you’d be overjoyed with a cash gift.
Informing Guests About Cash Bar:
Though strictly speaking you don’t have to warn guests that it’s a cash bar only, it’s good etiquette to give people fair warning. Especially as guests will be expecting a hosted bar. This is so they can be prepared by bringing their wallets and budgeting enough money for their night out.
Details about Cash Bar:
What does it mean to have a cash bar?
A cash bar means guests pay for their own drinks, usually with cash or credit card. In contrast, with an open bar the hosts pay.
The difference is who pays. With an open bar, hosts pay and tips are included. With a cash bar, guests pay for drinks and tip bartenders.
Hosts can pay for drinks up to a time, then it becomes a cash bar. Another option is paying for some drinks, like wine and beer, but having a cash bar for cocktails.
Putting "cash bar available" on invitations tells guests to bring cash. Listing “cash bar” means guests should expect to pay.