Alcohol Not Being Provided (BYOB)
This is a thread that was started in our old BlissWeddings.com forums by napdaddy on 06/14/2004.
**************************************************
posted by napdaddy
Hi gang:
First I'll give some background on the big event which will occur in two weeks, June 26, 2004. About 150 family and guests will attend the wedding (3:00pm) and reception (5:00pm). At the reception there will be a DJ and dance floor space provided. I would categorize the food being served as a small dinner platter. Now the bride to be and I don't drink alcohol so we are not providing alcohol but have an alcohol license for the premises. The premises also has an icemaker machine. The family and most guest know this and they will be bringing their own (included coolers, etc.). My question is what would be an appropiate way to letting others know, like co-workers, that they can bring their own alcohol, and not do it in a way that seems out of wedding tradition or trashy? I can do this in an email to those invited or just do it by word of mouth. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
CMW
Groom To Be
:-}
Christopher M. Walker
**************************************************
posted by wynelle
I can't think of a very good option for letting friends and family know that it is a BYOB wedding reception. I would also be concerned that without professional bartenders available, you would be liable if anyone drove home after drinking and was involved in an accident.
**************************************************
posted by catina
Personally, I would rather be told that it was a cash bar, then to be told to bring my own! Or allow no alcohol at all.
**************************************************
posted by feb-bride
Honestly, I would just have no alcohol served rather than a BYOB reception. Just seems a little weird to me for the guests to be dragging in coolers of booze.
In some states, you could still be liable for your guests driving drunk if they get tossed at your reception.
**************************************************
posted by TheaterDiva1
I think BYOB is pretty much the same as a cash bar - and that's a no-no (at least in NY, since geography seems to be a factor here). Why not just a limited bar with beer, wine and soda, but no hard stuff, or stop serving alcohol at a certain time (after dinner, for example). Or forego (sp?) alcohol altogether, but please don't do BYOB!
**************************************************
posted by BrideAge45
My wedding is also on the 26th at 3:00 p.m., followed by a full dinner at a very fine restaurant at 6:00. We are not paying for any alcholic beverages (it would kill our budget to do so), however the restaurant does have a full bar. If a guest requests an alocholic beverage, we have requested that the wait staff explain very discreetly that alcoholic beverages have not been included, but if the guest would like the restaurant to run a bar tab for them, then they would be happy to serve them. We have about a 50/50 mix of drinkers and non-drinkers coming to our wedding and reception.
**************************************************
posted by BrideAge45
Just wanted to let you know that the wedding and reception was this past weekend, and it was absolutely perfect. Many people did order alocholic beverages, and the restaurant ran a tab for them. No one seemed offended or put out by it, everyone was just having a good time. I have written a more detail summary of the day under Dinner Only Reception in this forum, if anybody wants to read it.
**************************************************
posted by dilydaly7
I personally feel that telling people to bring their own alcohol is not wise. First of all, it is tacky to require your *guests* to provide anything but their presence at your party. Secondly, people carrying in coolers and later huddling around them breaks the elegance of your special day. I strongly advise you tactfully ask your friends who were planning on bringing their own alcohol to not and instead enjoy your wedding day alcohol-free. If you think they will object to going without, reconsider serving alcohol for your guests, even if you will not be taking part. Your priority should be to ensure your family and friends are happy. If cost is an issue, have a cash bar. While not the most tasteful option, it is much less tacky than BYOB, and won't disrupt the atmosphere. Another option to satisfy your drinking guests is to have a much more casual backyard-style celebration after your honeymoon which can be BYOB. That is much more appropriate than having a BYOB reception.
If you and your honey still feel that having guests bring their own alcohol to your reception is the best idea, assign a groomsmen or bridesmaid to call those who have RSVP'd to say politely, "The bride and groom just wanted you to know that there will be no alcohol served at the wedding, but to feel free to bring drinks for yourselves if you so desire. There are some others who are planning on doing that." Again, I think that is tacky, but at least you are being as tasteful as possible when presenting the idea.
**************************************************
posted by SWallace
Cash Bar, or no alcohol, its really the only way to go, the BYOB is really unavoidably tacky. Sorry, my .02
SWallace
|
Linear Mode
