Weddings are a time of joy, celebration, and often, a fair bit of tradition. One of those traditions is the hosting of guests, which typically includes providing food and drinks. But what happens when a bride decides to break with tradition and charge guests for their alcoholic beverages? This is the dilemma that one bride-to-be faced, and her decision sparked quite the debate online.

The bride in question took to Reddit to seek advice on whether it would be considered 'tacky' to have a cash bar at her wedding. She explained that her family had a number of 'terrible drunks' and she was concerned about them overindulging if alcohol was freely available. Despite her good intentions, her query was met with a wave of criticism from the online community, branding her decision as 'tacky' and 'cheap'.


The concept of a cash bar at weddings is not new, but it remains controversial. Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding – often the bride and groom or their families – cover the cost of food and drinks as a gesture of hospitality towards their guests. However, with the rising costs of weddings and the desire to prevent excessive drinking, some couples are considering alternative approaches like cash bars.


The bride's post, titled 'Cash bar only opinion?', detailed her concerns and her tentative solution. She and her fiancé planned to provide two bottles of wine per table during dinner, but beyond that, guests would need to pay for their own drinks. The reactions were swift and strong, with many advising against a cash bar, suggesting it would be the one thing guests would remember and talk about for years to come.


One commenter suggested that a cash bar wouldn't necessarily prevent drunkenness and that the couple should consider a drinks package with a security guard to monitor guests' alcohol consumption. Others pointed out that the gesture might come across as inhospitable, overshadowing other aspects of the wedding.

So, is it really tacky to have guests pay for their own drinks at a wedding? The answer isn't straightforward and can depend on cultural expectations, the social circle of the bride and groom, and the overall atmosphere they wish to create. In some circles, an open bar is seen as a non-negotiable element of a wedding reception, while in others, guests might not bat an eyelid at buying their own drinks.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, you've likely seen many wedding trends come and go. You understand that the essence of a wedding is the union of two people in love, not the extravagance of the event. However, it's also true that weddings are social occasions, and the way they are hosted can leave a lasting impression.


If you're planning a wedding and are concerned about costs or overindulgence, there are a few strategies you could consider:

• Limited Open Bar: Offer a selection of free drinks for a limited time or in limited quantity, such as beer and wine, and then switch to a cash bar later in the evening.
• Drink Tickets: Provide each guest with a set number of drink tickets to use, which can help control the amount of alcohol consumed.
• Signature Cocktails: Serve one or two signature drinks for free, which can be a fun and cost-effective option.
• Dry Wedding: Opt for a completely alcohol-free wedding, which eliminates the issue altogether and can be a unique choice that reflects the couple's values.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to charge for drinks at a wedding should be made by the couple, taking into consideration their budget, their guests, and the type of celebration they want to host. It's important to communicate any decisions clearly to guests ahead of time to avoid any surprises or misunderstandings on the big day.

We'd love to hear from our readers on this topic. Have you been to a wedding with a cash bar? What did you think? Or if you've hosted a wedding recently, how did you handle the cost of drinks? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!