Party Question? Budget related

[disneystacy]

I want to have a 40th party for my hubby. We found a venue, its a restaurant/dance club/bar. The party is going to start at 8:00pm and I will be serving heavy munchies (wings, cocktail meatballs, cheese tray, veggie tray etc).
The party will be private until 10 pm, the venue then will open up to the public for dancing. We are inviting approx 50 people.

I do want to provide drinks, but don't want to break the bank. Is it tacky to provide beer, wine, soda and maybe one signature drink (like a Long Island Ice tea) for just 2 hours? Then have a cash bar after if people are still interested in drinking? Open bar is not possible as we have some heavy hitters in our group of friends (expensive scotch drinkers). Should I mention this on the invite? Need opinions.

 

[Pixiedust34]

I want to have a 40th party for my hubby. We found a venue, its a restaurant/dance club/bar. The party is going to start at 8:00pm and I will be serving heavy munchies (wings, cocktail meatballs, cheese tray, veggie tray etc).
The party will be private until 10 pm, the venue then will open up to the public for dancing. We are inviting approx 50 people.

I do want to provide drinks, but don't want to break the bank. Is it tacky to provide beer, wine, soda and maybe one signature drink (like a Long Island Ice tea) for just 2 hours? Then have a cash bar after if people are still interested in drinking? Open bar is not possible as we have some heavy hitters in our group of friends (expensive scotch drinkers). Should I mention this on the invite? Need opinions.

I think it's fine to have the bar open for basic drinks for a time frame and then go to a cash bar later in the evening.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

I don't think it's tacky at all but would definitely mention it either on the invitation or on a note that you send with the invitation. Maybe something like "appetizers, soft drinks, beer and wine will be provided from 8 - 10 pm" and then mention that the party will be open to the public after that time and a cash bar will be available.

 

[mjkacmom]

I live in the NYC area, and that is fine. I think many people stick to beer and wine anyway these days. I don't know many people who drink long island iced teas anymore (I used to love them 20 years ago!). How about some kind of "tini.

 

[disneystacy]

I live in the NYC area, and that is fine. I think many people stick to beer and wine anyway these days. I don't know many people who drink long island iced teas anymore (I used to love them 20 years ago!). How about some kind of "tini.

I was just throwing out a LI ice tea as a example, but some kind of drink.

 

[pixiewings71]

well personally I'd rather drink a Long Island Iced Tea over any type of 'tini. lol I have yet to find a 'tini that likes me. LOL I had high hopes for appletinis but alas, our relationship did not work out. LMAO!!

OP yes, I think you're fine with just beer & wine & munchies. And yes, I would definitely say in the invite that an open bar is available after the 8-10 period. Happy bday to your DH!! Have a good time!

 

[NVDisMom]

I would probably skip the signature drink altogether during that two hour period. Offer beer and wine only, that way their is no confusion and the bartender isn't put into a difficult situation with substitution requests. I would even go so far as to limit the choices to house red or house white and the bar's favorite tap beer. If anyone chooses something else they are welcome to pay for it.

 

[disneystacy]

Thanks everyone, so what do I write on the invite? Beer, wine and soda will be provided, cash bar is available?

 

[Pixiedust34]

Thanks everyone, so what do I write on the invite? Beer, wine and soda will be provided, cash bar is available?

I'd also include the timeframe that the drinks will be provided. People who stay late and want to drink can plan ahead to bring some cash for after 10 PM.

 

[labdogs42]

I think that is a great idea! You are providing a nice array of drinks and if people want something else they can buy it. Perfect!

 

[AndreaDM]

I had my husband's 30th at a restaurant/bar and we provided appetizers and draft beer and soda. I think I just emailed the invites and said something like food, soda and draft beer provided, and people knew they were on their own for pricier drinks. I think we only had 2 "snobs" in the group who didn't want to drink the free beer. Have fun!!