Destination wedding-having guests pay for their own drinks for the Welcome Cocktail Reception

Advertise it as an "optional meet & greet" but even then its hard to not at least provide the first drink free, like a drink ticket or buy a few bottles of wine/champagne and have everyone get a glass as they enter.

I wouldn't put anything on the "official" itinerary since it is not hosted by you. I would just spread the news via word of mouth.

We are doing a limited bar and food event, later in the evening at like 9:30 (after fireworks) on Friday which will be a small group as others might be tucked in with little kids for bed. So its beer (pitchers) and square cut pizza.

not etiquette but we did it anyways. As the the Thursday before the wedding is Thanksgiving (if people are at the hotel from 2-4 there is free Thanksgiving) but for those that were going to be arriving late we wanted to give them the option of Thanksgiving so our location is providing a buffet for them for a specific price...which we included in the information we sent out about the wedding.

Got it. Yeah I probably shouldn't put it on the itineray...i love the responses I get form you guys, you are great!! thanks! Word of mouth will be just fine!

This is something I've struggled with as well. We aren't having a rehearsal but I wanted everyone to meet before the wedding (our parents haven't met yet). What we were thinking of doing was dinner with our bridal party and then invite everyone else to come 'hang out' at a bar/restaurant in the area and just put it as if they want to come, they can come.

Are you having a destination wedding? Maybe just send an email or text the week of....so that it's not formal and "come if you want" kinda thing.