Young Couple Chose a Cash Bar for Their Budget Wedding, But a Groomsman’s Unexpected Proposal Had Everyone Talking.

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In an attempt to counter the ostentatious wedding industry, a young couple, led by the Original Poster (OP), arranges a cost-effective yet heartfelt celebration. The climax unfolds when the couple decides to include a cash bar to manage their budget, sparking a divide among friends and family. Will this controversy threaten their vision of a perfect day, or will they manage to find an unexpected resolution?

Planning the Wedding

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OP, a young woman, and her fiancé are planning a low-budget wedding for the upcoming year. They have sourced the venue, food, and entertainment from generous family and friends. Their clothes are thrifted, and the costs are kept under $2,000.

The Venue Decision

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OP’s uncle offers his farm as a location for the ceremony and reception. This choice keeps the wedding intimate and allows them to save money on renting a venue. It’s a scenic country setting, which adds a rustic charm to their celebration.

Food and Music for Free

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One of OP’s college friends agrees to cater the wedding for free as a gift, another cost-effective decision. Moreover, a friend of the groom’s has a band that will also perform at the wedding for free. These offerings help them maintain their frugal goal.

Thrifted Outfits

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To save even more, OP finds her dress and her fiancé’s suit from Goodwill. These clothes are then altered to fit them perfectly. This approach furthers their frugality while keeping up with their unique style.

The Booze Problem

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Regarding alcohol, the couple realizes that the cost might overrun their budget due to their guest list of 150 people. They estimate the alcohol would cost at least $1,000. The idea of spending this much money stresses them out.

The Cash Bar Idea

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To cope with the potential alcohol expense, they decide to provide a cash bar. Their idea is to buy the beverages, pay a cousin to bartend, and then recoup some costs by charging moderate prices. It seems like a win-win solution to them.

Bridesmaid’s Disapproval

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However, when OP shares this idea with one of her bridesmaids, the latter reacts negatively. The bridesmaid states that a cash bar at the wedding is incredibly tacky. This response leaves OP taken aback.

The Online Research

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Feeling unsure, OP turns to the internet to understand more about wedding etiquette. She discovers that cash bars at weddings are quite common. She questions why she should spend money to provide free alcohol for everyone.

The Wedding Party Divide

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After some discussion, the wedding party seems split on the cash bar issue. Some friends and family side with the bridesmaid’s perspective, while others understand OP’s dilemma. The situation escalates tension among the group.

Doubt and Confusion

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This conflict causes OP to wonder if her decision for a cash bar is a faux pas. She becomes unsure about the right approach and questions her initial plan. The accusation of being ‘tacky’ makes her worry about the wedding reception.

A Secret Supporter

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One of the groomsmen discreetly supports the cash bar idea and suggests a compromise. He proposes offering a few free drinks and then switching to a cash bar. This plan aims to keep both sides happy.

The Final Decision

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OP and her fiancé decide to go with the groomsmen’s compromise about the cash bar. They opt to offer guests a limited amount of free drinks, after which they’ll charge for drinks. This decision caters to both their budget and their guests’ expectations.

Unraveling the Surprise

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OP decides to let their guests know about the cash bar plan in advance. By doing this, they hope to avoid any surprises or disappointments during the wedding. This openness helps to smooth over any potential disagreements.

Was The Couple’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts her experience with the cash bar decision online for feedback. The readers in the community forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “So you’re saying you already have a free venue, food, and entertainment… And you want to make a profit from your guests?”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “No one had the problem with you having a cash bar, but making money from it is distasteful, rude, cheap, and even illegal.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “People spend an incredible amount of time and effort to attend weddings, especially if they’re from out of town. The least you can do is buy the drinks.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader replied, “It strikes me as distasteful for wanting to profit off your guests. They’re there to celebrate with you, not to pay for your wedding.”