How to tell people the drinks aren't free?

Do people automatically expect a free bar? Now you have me worried lol. Our reception is very casual and we are not having a free bar either! x

You don't' People don't expect a free bar.

It's a bit cheeky for anyone to expect. A welcome drink and feeding them is more than enough.

I don't think anyone goes to a wedding expecting a free bar, at all! I don't think you need to tell people anything.

I've never been to a wedding with a free bar and wouldn't expect one. Our package has four drinks each per day guest and my dad has said he'll buy everyone a drink in the evening but that's as much as we're doing.

Haha Well, wouldn't go to a wedding expecting a free bar, but you never know!

and we're not feeding them either... so hopefully, they come prepared.

Like the others have said, I wouldn’t worry about anyone expecting a free bar but have you let them know there won’t be food? Especially if any part of the reception is over a mealtime (lunch/teatime) I would let people know they have to feed themselves – will there be food available for them to buy?

Sorry, I love my food and would usually expect there to be some at a wedding (not that I'd mind if there wasn't, I would just want to know in advance).

They don't know at the moment there won't be food, but the time of the invite should hopefully make that clear, we'll tell them too. It's not a traditional reception by any stretch of the imagination, just celebration drinks really.

I certainly wouldn't expect a free bar so I wouldn't worry too much about it ?

This.

I don't think people expect a free bar but I'd be miffed if it was cash only and I hadn't been warned.

I agree, I dont think people expect a free bar anymore. I think its an old tradition, that died out yearsss ago ?

unfortunately not in the US.

Like the others have said i wouldn't worry about it but let them know its cash only and they don't take cards if thats the case

We have an 'Information' section on our invites

It informs people that there is a cash only bar, by sharing this information I don't see how they can assume our bar will be free ?

I will reiterate what everyone said and say I don't think people expect a free bar anymore. We always go to weddings with plenty of money for drinks and so does everyone I know.

However, if you're worried how about a wedding info sheet where you can state this and give any other details. Or a wedding website.

We wrote on the invites:

'A cash only bar will be present. Please note there are no bank facilities nearby so come prepared!'

I like this^^ although I've only ever been onto one wedding where there was a free "bar" and that was an Indian wedding where there was a bottle of vodka and a bottle of jack on each table, but once these had gone it was cash bar. I always go prepared**

**for prepared! please read! make sure oh has been to the cash machine hehehehehehehe :-)

Hi Muppet!

Ive never been to a wedding where a free bar was provided and have only heard of one other person who has. I say try stop worrying about what other people will think and look forward to your day and evening. I've learned during the wedding planning process that you're never going to please everyone so don't worry xx

Like everyone else I've never been to a wedding with a free barso doubt anyone would expect one

I'd always expect to pay for my drinks so if it was a free bar it would just be a bonus.

I really don't think you need to tell people unless it is cash only and no card, in which case a short note with something like 'please note there will be a cash bar only, no cards, sorry.'

Definitely don't think people will expect a free bar but if it is cash only, it's worth letting them know this. I would definitely tell them about food though as I'd be expecting a bit of a buffet - could you do some crisps and sandwiches? Is this for the evening guests?