Decide open bar vs cash bar before guests reply, then say it plainly on the RSVP page—so nobody is surprised at the bar line.

The open bar vs cash bar RSVP question is a host decision, not a poll for guests. You choose the bar, then you say so on the RSVP page so people know whether to bring cash. Asking guests to vote on the bar does not belong on the form.

Put the note on your wedding RSVP website next to the schedule, or add it in create while the rest of the details are still short. Keep the actual questions limited to the list in what to ask on a wedding RSVP form.

Pick a model before invites go out

Open bar: you cover drinks for a set window (beer, wine, spirits, or a limited list)
Cash bar: guests pay per drink
Consumption or hosted bar: you are billed for what is poured, often with a cap
Limited host: wine and beer open, cocktails cash; or a signature drink on you

Tell the caterer or venue the same phrase you will publish. If the contract says “beer and wine only,” do not write “full open bar” on the RSVP page.

What guests need on the page

Which hours the host is covering
What is included (beer and wine vs. full liquor)
Whether a cash bar starts after a certain time
Non-alcoholic options, always
Cash, card, or both—if they will pay

Two sentences is enough. Guests skim on a phone between the map and the meal question.

Wording you can paste

“Dinner includes an open bar from 6–10 p.m. After 10, the bar is cash.”
“Beer, wine, and soft drinks are on us. Cocktails are available at a cash bar.”
“This is a cash bar. Non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary.”
“A signature cocktail is hosted during cocktail hour. The rest of the evening is a cash bar.”

Avoid jokes that hide the policy. “Buy your own trouble” is not clear to an uncle booking a taxi.

What not to ask on the RSVP

Do not ask guests to choose open vs. cash
Do not ask how many drinks they will have
Do not require a drink package upsell before they can submit Yes
Do collect meal choice and allergies—the bar note does not replace that

Drink preferences are optional color at most (“red or white with dinner”) and only if service is poured at the table. Meal fields are covered in wedding RSVP websites with meal choice.

Common mistakes

Leaving the bar unstated because it feels awkward
Saying open bar in the group chat and cash bar on the website
Forgetting to mention the cutoff hour
Hiding “cash only, no cards” until guests are in line
Promising liquor the venue license does not allow

Quick checklist

Bar model matches the venue contract
Hours and what is included are on the RSVP page
Cash or card expectation is explicit if guests pay
Soft drinks are mentioned
The form still asks meals, not drink forecasts

Open bar vs cash bar is settled by the host, then published once. Guests can RSVP without a debate, and nobody learns the policy at the bar.