BYOB?!?!?!

If I brought my own drinks I might not get you a gift......or at least not much of one but I'd bring drinks.

I would no issue with it.

Especially if it is informal and relaxed and guests know that.

Just say that x and x will be provided, feel to bring whatever else you would like (like what Kendra said) or something else like that.

We are having a dry reception as well. On the website we stated we would be "providing tea, lemonade, pop, sweet tea and coffee. The park does allow beer and wine, if you'd like, you may bring your own as well as a designated driver." We don't drink much at all, neither do most of our friends/family...but there are a few that do, and they can bring it if they want, but they are also asked to have a driver.

I think for what you are describing, BYOB is fine.

Do you people really not let people drink at your home without purchasing "dramshop" insurance. Seems a little excessive. It doesn't seem like this wedding would get and more rowdy than a normal Friday night.

@Bridget One of the reasons OP mentioned wanting to do BYOB was that she didn't want to be responsible for people if something happened.

Since her state's social host laws DO NOT protect her as she thought, yes, I suggested insurance, a bartender, or a police officer if she is worried about her liability.

If she didn't mention that as a reason for BYOB, it wouldn't even have come to mind.

Just to be clear on the MA laws, here:

You can ONLY be held liable for a drunk guest IF:

1) You knowingly serve someone under age 21

2) You knowingly serve someone that is visibly impaired (like, slurring, staggering...)

3) Or your behavior as a host while serving alcohol reaches the level of 'wanton or reckless' (like, you get someone drunk and put them in the drivers seat...)

You won't be held liable IF:

1) You don't knowingly let someone under 21 drink,

2) You don't furnish and serve the alcohol yourself (so, if your guests BYOB, you're good)

3) You don't put a drunk guy behind the wheel (no 'wanton and reckless')

You can read the laws in the Annotated Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 231, Section 85T (you can Google it)

"Policy underlying ALM GL c 231 § 85T is that person who has voluntarily and responsibly put himself into condition where his judgment and functioning are impaired may not cast blame on others, when he suffers injury as result of that condition. Tobin v. Norwood Country Club (1996) 422 Mass 126, 661 NE2d 627, 1996 Mass LEXIS 39."

It sounds like you're going with a really laid back wedding, I wouldn't be offended with a BYOB on a BBQ-reception invite. I'd grab a bottle of rum and be good to go!