Have you ever gone to a function where you had to PAY for soda???

[SeaSpray]

DH and I just got back from a wedding where not even the soda was free. Geesh. DH had to run out an ATM during the reception just so we could have a drink with our meal!!

I've never heard of, or been to, a function where the hosts didn't at least include some sort of beverage, even if they wanted to do a cash bar.

Anyone else??????

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Never, ever. I've never even been to a wedding where there was a cash bar. It seems in the Northeast all weddings are usually sitdown (not buffet) and liquor and soft drinks flow (no cash bars).

Geez, even the sports banquets my kids have always included soft drinks!

 

[JessicaR]

Never heard of that! Pretty tacky.

 

[mnasmom3]

I can't imagine. At any function....weddings, showers, sports banquets, etc....at least coffee and soda were available. We'd have been running out for cash, too, unless the bar took debit cards!!

 

[Cool-Beans]

Nope.

Picked up DS from a kiddie birthday party and was told what my share of the event came to, though. Nothing on the invites, nothing when dropping off, but when we picked up, we were all told what we owed.

 

[happygirl]

Was there nothing at all you to drink and everyone had to pay for a drink?? or there was water or tea and you wanted pop either way I have never heard of paying for non alcholic drinks

 

[tuckerkeys]

yup. worst wedding ever. it is why we do not seal a wedding envelope gift until after we get to the reception. cheap reception? then maybe the gift may get a little lighter........

 

[creativeamanda]

Never been to a wedding with a cash bar, but it seems that at least punch would be offered at no cost.

 

[DVC Sadie]

Now, I have heard it all.

I cannot believe that anyone would have any kind of function and expect the guests to purchase soda, ice tea or any other kind of beverage.

Maybe they are saving for a Disney vacation. j/k

 

[kimmikayb]

Nope.

Picked up DS from a kiddie birthday party and was told what my share of the event came to, though. Nothing on the invites, nothing when dropping off, but when we picked up, we were all told what we owed.

Did you pay it??? That's horrible. I don't think I would have been able to keep my mouth shut.

OP, no I've never been to an event where some sort of drink wasn't available. Usually coffee, tea, punch and/or soda.

Once I got invited to a bridal shower and ended up having to pay to eat. Of course, I had little money with me and had to split an appetizer between my DD and I. I thought at least they could have mentioned we would be paying for our food. I've never had to do that again....so I'm not sure how often it happens.

 

[L107ANGEL]

Nope.

Picked up DS from a kiddie birthday party and was told what my share of the event came to, though. Nothing on the invites, nothing when dropping off, but when we picked up, we were all told what we owed.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Never, ever. I've never even been to a wedding where there was a cash bar. It seems in the Northeast all weddings are usually sitdown (not buffet) and liquor and soft drinks flow (no cash bars).

Not in New England. I'm from NJ, where weddings always had open bars. When we moved to New England, we were shocked at having to pay for drinks at weddings. When I was in my friend's wedding (in my halter dress and tiny evening bag), I didn't have any money on me...never occurred to me to bring money...and someone took pity on me and bought me a soda. (Yup, even had to pay for that.) When I got married (in RI), our friends were amazed that we had an open bar, and I think my ILs thought we were being show-offy. But my parents' philosophy was that we were inviting guests to our event...essentially "our home", altho it was at another venue...and as our guests, they shouldn't have to pay for anything. Obviously, it's driven by local custom tho.

I was surprised when my DS went to a laser-tag birthday party and had to pay for playing laser-tag.

 

[wilderness01]

I was at a baptism where there was open bar before dinner and then cash bar after dinner, including soft drinks. I thought it was completely tacky. Why not just cut the event short then instead of having the band play after dinner with dancing?

I would never ever pay for my child to attend a birthday party. Isn't that why you bring a gift?

 

[luvmy3]

Nope.

Picked up DS from a kiddie birthday party and was told what my share of the event came to, though. Nothing on the invites, nothing when dropping off, but when we picked up, we were all told what we owed.

When it comes to parties, that is just about the tackiest thing I have ever heard, no that IS the tackiest thing

OP I have been to a few weddings where it was a cash bar but there was never a charge for soft drinks.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Never went to a wedding where I had to pay for non-alcoholic drinks, that just crazy. It's very tacky to treat your guests that way.

 

[pweyl36]

Nope.

Picked up DS from a kiddie birthday party and was told what my share of the event came to, though. Nothing on the invites, nothing when dropping off, but when we picked up, we were all told what we owed.

I would of said, Too bad and left.

 

[trip]

yup. worst wedding ever. it is why we do not seal a wedding envelope gift until after we get to the reception. cheap reception? then maybe the gift may get a little lighter........

Is that a regional thing?

I know that there is a whole regional thing about giving a gift that equals the cost of the reception but I don't buy into that. I give based on how close I am to the couple and what I can afford.

It is really interesting to read about all of the different regional attitudes about weddings and whats "right".

Kids/no kids
cash bar/pay bar
buffet/sit down
family catered

I feel the couple should plan a wedding that they want and can afford. All guests should be attending because they care for couple and want to celebrate with them.

I guess we should follow what my late Mother used to tell me. Never go anywhere without some "mad money". At the time she used it when I was dating - that if I got mad at my date I could always take a cab home.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I've been to events where there was no soda provided but there was always water/tea/coffee.

How odd to offer NOTHING to drink.

 

[aprilgail2]

Never heard of that! Pretty tacky.

I agree!! Even cash bars at weddings are tacky but to have to pay for soda too is just unreal!

 

[My2Cinderellas]

To pay for pop is tacky. Around here, it is common to have pop and keg beer be provided, then a cash bar for anything else.