Our Open Bar Is a No-Go, But Are We the Worst for Making Guests Pay?

Here at Loverly HQ, we’re constantly keep tabs on what has nearlyweds’ stomachs in knots when it comes to tying the knot, so that we can help lend a hand!

Christy, a Cash-Bar-Conscious Bride-to-Be, asked: Ok, how bad is it to have a cash bar? We have way more guests on our list than we originally planned for and are worried we can't afford the open bar we wanted... Help! 

Kellee, Founder & CEO of Loverly, answered:  Christy, we hear you, totally. We're sure you're feeling like the snap judgments are just one pair of #cashbar #cheapcouple hashtags away. Rest assured, though, it happens - and hey, wouldn't you rather be able to have more friends and fam celebrate the occasion with you, than bask in the booze?

While it's definitely not ideal to make your guests pay for their drinks, it's something you'll need to consider de-prioritizing if you're moving closer and closer to your budget cap. If you can make some tweaks to the bar menu, limiting the cocktail choices to just FREE wine and beer, then you can spare yourself some ill feelings from irritable guests. Or, if you're really bottoming out on budget, just make the decision and give your guests lead time to digest the news.

Make note that you'll be having a cash bar on your wedding website, and if your friends are less than thorough about fine print, make sure you're also spreading the word by mouth. Listen, a cash bar isn't great, but at the end of the day, your squad is there to celebrate you and your S.O., not get blacked out. If you're still feeling weird about the spirits-for-pay scenario, then issue an IOU to your nearest and dearest via a post-wedding party at your newlywed humble abode (date TBD). Booze is on you :)