As far as tradition
goes, the general assumption is that it's pretty inconsiderate to have
one. You are, after all, making your guests pay to have drinks at YOUR
wedding when they're already giving you an expensive gift.
But then, is it your responsibility to get your guests drunk? And with the current state of the economy, couples who are planning their wedding
have it quite tough. Things aren't getting any cheaper, and combined
with other wedding expenses, opting to go for a cash bar is definitely
something that helps to alleviate some of the costs involved.
We asked our readers what they thought of having a cash bar at a wedding.
Check out some of their responses below:
Lerato: It's affordable, manageable and practical. Guests can be wasteful.
Lynette:
This is a tough one because everyone expects to get drinks at a
wedding, but in this tough economic climate this might not be a bad
idea. On the other hand, does the couple want to offend everyone? I
don't know if I'd be brave enough to do this.
Yolande:
Supply the wine and maybe one round for the guests. Thereafter
guests can pay for themselves. You also find people are better behaved
than when alcohol has a fee.
Lize: We are providing wine,
beer, soft drinks and bubbly (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) at our
wedding - anything else people need to pay for themselves (this is
shooters and spirits). Most weddings we have been to, have gone this
route.
Namhla: Totally against it. The least you can do is
provide selected cheaper drinks (wine, beers, etc), and just not have
any whisky, shooters, champagne etc.
Hlengiwe: Provide
soft drinks, fruit juice, mineral water. Cash bar for the liquor. It
saves money and it ensures good behaviour from the guests.
Catherine: Weddings
are pricey to arrange! A free bottle of red and white wine, but real friends won't mind paying
for the rest!!
Tamarryn: For the idea. I don't drink
alcohol, so why should I pay for others to drink. It will save money. I
don't want drunk people at my wedding. It's supposed to be a special
memorable day, so that's another way to keep people well behaved.
What's
your take on this? Are you for or against the idea of having a cash bar
at your wedding? Share your thoughts with us.
- Women24