At the rehearsal dinner we're paying for the entree only. How do we nicely say "cash bar" as well as extras.

Question

For the wedding's rehearsal dinner, we are paying for the "meal" - the entree and whatever it comes with, e.g. veggies, potato, etc., only. We have started a wedding website. The Rehearsal Dinner is listed in the Wedding Events page, telling when and where it will be held. It goes on to say: "Please select your meal:" followed by a description of several different entrees. The dinner is going to be held at a really really nice brand new restaurant overlooking a particularly scenic river in a giant forest. Quite spectacular. Many of the attendees won't be much interested in alcohol, and we have a tight budget. How do we nicely tell our guests any bar requests are cash only, as well as any appetizers or dessert requests.

The entree choices will include grilled salmon fillet or Kobe beef or a vegan selection.

Answer 1

Just say it. When telling everyone where to go, and what their choices are,put a note after saying there will be a "no-host bar available. This is not unusual at all. Weddings and all the social functions that go along with them are expensive. Don't sweat this one. Good luck

Answer 2

DO NOT mention anything like "cash bar" or "you will pay for any extras"-- that would be terribly rude.

Your invitation (even if on a web page) should mention what IS being served, NEVER MENTION what is NOT being served. You should not even be encouraging people to order extras-- really you should not even be bringing the extras to their attention.

You may want to even write up menu cards to set out on the table to confirm what you're serving, so there is no confusion.
If your budget does allow, however, it would be nice to at least just serve everyone a simple scoop of ice cream to end the meal, and it may not cost much. And it would make the menu cards look a little more balanced:

Suzie and Mark's Rehearsal Dinner
June 14, 2007

Entree
Chicken Parmigiana
or
Roast Beef
or
Vegan Pasta Primavera

Potato or Vegetable sides as indicated

Your choice of Fountain Soft Drinks

Dessert
Vanilla ice cream

Tea and Coffee

In fact, as guests it would be rude of them to be trying to add their own side order in for drinks and desserts-- they should be graciously accepting what you provide as a host, not ordering in additionals because what you're serving them is "not good enough." That's not proper manners for a hosted meal at a private event!

I hope you're not having any kind of "cash bar" or "pay for your extras" sort of of thing at your reception? Please say no.

Answer 3

No, but it's fair to let the Bush tax cuts to expire. These people are making ludicrous amounts of money. Why should they get a discount? It's amazing that so many companies not only get discounts but also get subsidies. Who are the real moochers? In years past if the president thought we needed more revenue raising taxes was acceptable. You people act like we want your first born children. Get over it, the cons have destroyed the economy and the cons will help pay to fix it.

Answer 4

most rehearsals are no alcohol or cash bar don't worry about looking cheap
also it would be a good idea not to drink before the wedding day, it's going to be a very busy and exhausting day
i would though consider having at least a coffee/tea service with scones/cookies for an after dinner desert--cheaper than a decorated cake or pies, just an idea--remember chocolate makes people happy

at my rehearsal we set up a appetizer bar and just had non-alsoholc beverages-there was a bar at the restaurant that was available for drinks but most people who were looking for a 'drink' figured that out after passing thru the line and not seeing any booze being offered

Answer 5

You can say "no-host bar available" or just not bring it up at all. However, you should consider supplying several bottles of wine (enough so each person drinking can have 2 glasses). After all, if it's your party, the guest shouldn't be asked to pay for anything.

Answer 6

I cant imagine trying to do it on the cheap and being able to do it graciously.

Why not order a complete meal with the appetiizer and desert preselected by you and a bottle of wine for each table.
also need to include coffee , tea or soft drink.

No bar available. Instruct tthe staff to say they have not ordered any bar service but if you would want the cash bar it is over there and point to it.

Answer 7

Eliminate alcohol or simply put on invitaion at bottom "cash bar provided"

Answer 8

I have seen invites that flat out say cash bar...as far as the rest, make sure you have a menu strictly for them to chose from....there won't be any questions. They will know anything else, that's not on the menu.....is optional, at their expense.