Photography courtesy of Tanya Plonka.

Alcohol can be a huge expense at a wedding and an unnecessary expense if the bride and groom do not drink themselves. Cash bars are a great, but controversial alternative for many brides and grooms. We asked our Facebook and Twitter followers their opinions on whether cash bars were a good idea. Here’s what they had to say:

“Limited cash bar. Set a cap then switch to a cash bar after that limit has been met. Or have beer and wine and let folks pay for mixed drinks if they choose.”
– Derric Smith via Facebook

“The only way to go is with an open bar! It’s the polite way.”
– Carollyn Yvonne via Facebook

“No way. Another option that I did at my wedding is drink tickets plus 3 bottles of wine per table. Not everyone used their tickets so other people did and everyone had a good time.”
– Alyssa Ashley via Facebook

“We did an open bar but had the option to limit types of beer/drinks. It’s kind of a middle ground. But certainly have a cash bar if cash is limited.”
– @samobeid via Twitter

“Where I am from, you would be stupid to have an open bar. People would go overboard and it would make a mess of your reception. I think that it really depends on where you are from and the people that you are inviting.”
– Alana Chaput via Facebook

“I think it depends on your bar. We had an open bar, but provided our own liquor. If you are at a hotel that charges you $6 a drink you may not want to pay for the open bar. Its a tough one. I’ve seen people take cash out of presentation envelopes to pay for the drinks.”
– Amanda Kueneman via Facebook

“Just adds another price tag to the wedding. We did a cash bar and people didn’t mind at all. Everyone still enjoyed the wedding.”
– Mary Thompson via Facebook

“Heck No! Open bar all the way! It’s bad enough guests have to buy an outfit and a gift, you could at least let them have a good time and drink their faces off.”
– Melissa Martin via Facebook

“Please, please don’t!”
– @envelopments via Twitter

“Don’t. I don’t want my guests to feel that they’re going to a lounge/club/bar during the reception.”
– Natalie Therese Bisnar via Facebook

“No, it’s called BYOB [Bring your own]. It’s cheaper on the bride and groom and people can bring what they like.”
– Erin Brooke via Facebook

“Don’t. Cash bars are gross. But if you must have one please let your guests know so they can bring cash.”
– Cara Ducasse via Facebook

“Yes do do do.”
– Marie-Josee Gagnon via Facebook

“Don’t. At Punjabi weddings, it’s considered a huge ‘don’t’ to have a cash bar — always open bar.”
– Naveen A. Grewal via Facebook

“Yup. My partner has been sober for over a year; There is no way we’d be paying for other people’s booze.”
– Jess Grover via Facebook

“We did a cash bar which worked well for us and our family and friends. But we did have a red and white wine at each table, and gave everyone of age a drink ticket that was personalized with a bow.”
– Jessica Bishop via Facebook

“Definite do! I’m from the Maritimes where open bars are unheard of. Thank goodness – I could never afford it. That being said I am providing wine for the tables.”
– Angela Wolf via Facebook

“Ew! Never!!!”
– FranZingone via Twitter

“As a planner I say no, very tacky.”
– Courtney B Kern via Facebook

“I think it would depend on your own family and friends. My friends drink a lot but my family doesn’t. I think the idea of three drink tickets and wine on the table is a good idea, then cash after that. But have non-boozy options too, for those who don’t drink. Or mock-tails.”
– Melissa Giroux via Facebook

“Toonie Bar.”
– Asia Lee Hoffart via Facebook

“Don’t. Would you have your friends & family pay for drinks at your own home? Your wedding is an extension of that. No way, so tacky!”
– Old, New, Borrowed and Blue Weddings via Facebook

“Absolutely do not!”
– madelinemg via Twitter

To join in this discussion and others follow us at facebook.com/weddingbellsmag or twitter.com/weddingbellsmag.