What is Cash Bar?

A cash bar (also called a no-host bar) is a beverage service where guests pay for their own alcoholic drinks. This is in contrast to an open bar where the host covers all drink costs. While cash bars help hosts manage budget constraints, they can be controversial at certain events like weddings. Some guests consider it inhospitable to ask them to pay for drinks. Acceptable compromises include offering a limited open bar (beer and wine only) with a cash bar for spirits, providing drink tickets for a set number of free drinks, or having an open bar during specific hours only.