Alcohol at Welcome Parties?

After a day or more of travel, checking into a hotel, getting ready to go to an event the day before the wedding, a signature cocktail or just beer and wine would be very hospitable. Or even just make it available to unwind from the day. I'm not talking getting buzzed or sloshed, just a beverage from a long day. No, people don't have to go and can relax at their hotel or wherever, but I would at least give the option to guests.

I completely agree with Janet. I think a signature cocktail, beer and wine would be a great idea as a way for your guests to unwind and get into the celebratory mood!

I agree with Janet too! Especially since you’re providing transportation, it’ll be nice for your guests to have a cocktail and properly unwind after a day of travel

Unpopular opinion but alcohol is always optional. Some couples skip it entirely for a number of reasons and that is not impolite as long as they are providing a full array of hydration. Personally I never expect alcohol, nor have I seen it offered. I would also never think the couple were bad hosts by not offering it. However the internet gives people unrealistic expectations of what reality entails vs social media or people who think their experiences of full bar or beer/wine are the base requirements at every party across the country. If someone “feels cheated” as you describe that it is not offered, then they are attending for the alcohol, not to see you. Serving a cocktail is fine but there is no one size fits all drink that everyone will enjoy equally, which is where signature drinks tend to backfire.


Another unpopular opinion, since you mentioned that your crowd doesn’t drink beer or wine, it makes zero sense whatsoever to serve beer/wine only or beer/wine in addition to anything. It’s a hard idea for some to grasp but there are people who absolutely do not drink those even if the alternative is water. Our families and friends don’t touch it so we didn’t offer at any time because it would be wasted money.

As a guest I would not expect alcohol at a theme park welcome party. Lemonade, soft drinks, and water are fine with hors d'oeuvres. But if you do provide, another option might be a stocked cooler on your transport (bus?). I've seen many popular mocktails and cocktails in cans that are widely distributed. Of course, act within your transport and venue contracts. Good luck and no one will feel cheated. They came to see you.

I’d expect drinks included at any hosted meal event. I don’t think I’d feel “cheated” without, just a bit confused.

Wow the party sounds cool! I think I would expect alcohol for a party of that type. What about serving something like mimosas?

I think that is a wonderful idea. I would just make sure to have some non-alcoholic options for people who can't/don't drink too. My fiance doesn't drink and there has been times he has felt left out or an afterthought as far as beverages go, especially since he doesn't like pop either.

I am also doing a welcome party since my wedding is a destination wedding for most of my guests. We are having it at a brewery for three hours the night before. I researched this. You should have alcohol as an option, but you do not have to pay for it except at your actual wedding. However, my fiance and I wanted to cover some of the alcohol at ours, so we are giving each guest two tickets for beers. But for the wedding we are covering all the alcohol. Hope this helps.

Another "Welcome Party" bride here. I struggled with the alcohol thing, too. Then our venue suggested 'drink tickets'. Each guest gets one alcoholic drink ticket to use for whatever floats their boat. Then after that, if they want more booze, they pay. Soft drinks, water and juices will be provided at our cost. I think it's a great compromise.