Weddings call for impromptu decision-making, big and small. One of those bigger decisions is what type of bar you are going to offer your guests. A popular choice for weddings is a cash bar, but what exactly does that mean? In this blog post, we will explore just that and discuss why a cash bar may or may not be the right option for your upcoming nuptials.

What is a Cash Bar?

A cash bar is when the guests pay for their own drinks from the bar. The host of the event does not provide a free drink package or open bar option-- instead, they simply provide space and staff to serve the alcohol.

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Why Do People Choose Cash Bars Over Open Bars?

It comes down to one main thing: cost. Having an open bar means that the wedding hosts have to pay for all of the liquor and staff provided for the entire night. Some venues allow you to buy back unused alcohol, but not every venue allows this. Especially if you are providing the alcohol and simply hiring a bar staff to legally serve it-- at the end of the night, you are stuck with whatever people did not drink!

According to a recent poll conducted by the Knot, a single wedding guest on average will have up to 4 drinks over the course of your cocktail hour to the end of the reception. If you choose not to have a cash bar, that means you will be paying for those 4 drinks per head out of your own pocket.

Another popular reason people choose a cash bar over an open bar is that it encourages your guests to drink responsibly. We all want wedding guests to have a great time but no one wants to deal with drunk Uncle Jerry at the end of the night. If they are paying for their own drinks, they may be less likely to overindulge since they are not getting an unlimited supply of free drinks.

If you’re on an extremely tight budget and can’t afford a full bar or even bar packages, this might be the best option for you. Although, we recommend informing your guests in advance to bring IDs and cash or card so no one is thrown off when they arrive at cocktail hour.

How Do You Tip Bartenders With a Cash Bar?

When you are using a cash bar, some of your guests may assume that they should not tip the bartenders. However, it is polite and respectful to tip your bartenders-- even if guests are paying for their own drinks! It is common etiquette to tip your bartender at a cash bar $1 per beer or wine, and $2 per cocktail.

As the wedding or event hosts, it is also encouraged to give extra tips at the end of the night when everyone has been served. This can look like one large tip out to your catering staff including bar, or individual caterer and bartender envelopes containing a small tip for each individual. However you decide, we highly encourage tipping your bartenders as it's not guaranteed that your guests will utilize a tip jar.

Is a Cash Bar The Only Way To Minimize Alcohol Spend?

Not necessarily! If you would like to provide a full bar, there are other ways to keep costs low. You can opt for beer and wine packages only or offer specialty cocktails but no shots or hard liquor. You can also choose drink packages based on consumption-- the more guests drink, the higher the cost of the package. We have also seen where the bar is only open for a period of the night, thus minimizing the quantity of overall alcohol you'd need to purchase. Lots of vendors are flexible on their packages as it's important to many that you have a great night for the budget that fits you best.

Do I Have to Have a Bar at My Wedding?

No, you don’t! If an open bar or cash bar is not for you, there are plenty of other ways to entertain your guests. You can serve a signature mocktail or nonalcoholic beverage, provide various flavored lemonades and iced teas, or even rent a slushy machine! If you enjoy snacks and activities more than providing alcohol, put aside some of your drinks budget for what you and your partner care about most! It is recommended that you express to your guests what they can expect in regard to timeline, food, and also beverages. If they know there won't be any alcohol, they might feel better about driving themselves to the wedding as opposed to arranging a ride there and back if intoxicated. There really are no rules when it comes to weddings and events-- so be creative and have fun with it.

Consider CLAY Venues!

We love a great party here at CLAY Venues, but we ultimately LOVE the party that you and your partner want! Whether that looks like a full bar or no bar, we are here to serve you on your special day. Come visit CLAY Venues and check out our special bar packages filled with affordable and delicious options for you to serve on your wedding or event day. We can't wait to meet you and party with you!