This makes me CRINGE!! As a wedding coordinator, I have to put up with a LOT of isht from people (mostly bride's mothers!!) about what they do and do not do. I never try to "run" the wedding plans, but I do offer advice and input where needed (and obviously in this case there is no wedding coord. because I can't think of anyone in their right mind who would stand by and let that happen!)
And I am sure that I will get some flames from this, but I will go ahead and say for all you brides-to-be, DO NOT have a cash bar at your wedding (especially if you are in the South - I don't care if you are a Yankee-transplant, your location does matter
)! Tacky doesn't begin to describe it! Have beer and wine, and if you can't afford that then WOW don't have alcohol -- anyone who shows up and is disappointed that he/she can't drink/get drunk isn't there for the right reason. Cash bars are just a total nightmare!!
And one last thing -- IF YOU WANT TO SAY YOU ARE REGISTERED, ASK THE PERSON(S) HOSTING YOUR SHOWER TO PUT IT IN THOSE INVITES -- THEY DO NOT BELONG IN YOUR WEDDING INVITATION!!! And for the love of Pete -- DO NOT put the cards in there for all the places you are registered at....so tacky that AXO Alum is having to catch her breath for a minute!! I actually received an invite once with 5 cards - 3 were for stores, one was for their TRAVEL AGENT, and one was for their MORTGAGE BROKER!!! AAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!
Weddings can be simple, elegant, fancy, stylish, etc. and still be on a budget and carried off perfectly. You are inviting these people to be there with you because they are special to you and/or your family -- not because you want them to bring you a gift. A gift is THEIR choice, and while it is traditional, it is not acceptable to solicit gifts!!