Considering other times of the year may afford you more flexibility with your budget. Wedding merchants have to pay their mortgage year-round. People e-mail us all the time about zoos, museums. These are all very affordable alternatives. Most people believe that a beer and wine reception is cheaper, but hotel staff tell me that isn't true.
People consume more beer and wine than hard liquor.
As for the popularity of cash bars, Winner warns that you wouldn't invite people to your home and make them pay, so you shouldn't invite them to your wedding and charge. Instead, she said if you can't afford liquor, punch is proper. Going into debt for the perfect wedding is never advised. Keep that budget in your face. Weddings often take on a life of their own, and it's hard not to get carried away by expenses.