Expert: Patty Sachs - 4/13/2009

Question
Hi
We have organized a 21st dinner party type of celebration at our local surf club for our eldest daughter.  Although it is not a private room as such, the three tables for thirty guests will be relatively private.  We are giving our daughter a plane ticket overseas and she does not want us to go overboard in cost, so we have issued invitations stating in small print, dinner and wine provided.  We will also be offering a beer tab at the bar and some champagne and will just inform guests of that fact when they arrive.  The Surf Club said this is all very normal i.e. how we have arranged it and these days its okay to pay everything for your guests or nothing.  Would you agree?  I don't want to be hit with huge bills but on the other hand we want our guests to enjoy themselves.  We have a cut off amount for the wine, beer and champers.

Thank you

Gay

Answer
Dear Gay:

As your caterer advises, almost any type of hosting plan is acceptable, as long as it does not appear as an invitation to come and pay one's own way.  That is called an announcement, but that is not what you have in mind.

If your guests are expecting dinner and wine, you can just leave it at that and have a cash bar for any other alcoholic beverages--offer soft drinks, coffee or water, complimentary.

If you wanted to offer beer or wine complimentary had you thought of carafes of wine and pitchers of beer at each table to be flowing until you decide to cut off.  Those who want either can just help themselves and no need to go to the bar.  You might be able to get a better rate on them as well. Does that sound viable? It could make things a lot easiery for you.

It sounds like a wonderful party for a mighty lucky young woman.
Best of luck to you and your daughter.

Patty Sachs
www.PartyPlansPlus.com