Welcome Happy Hour

We only have a few (approx 6) OOT guests coming and we're doing a welcome dinner for them at our venue/hotel's restaurant where everyone will be staying. We're going to have a prix fixe menu that includes an appetizer, entree and dessert and we may include 1 alcoholic drink. Cost is approx. $25 per person plus whatever drink they choose. Maybe you could arrange something like that with a restaurant.

Nay, that's a good idea. I was thinking maybe I could splurge for beer/wine/appetizers. We're having it at an Irish Pub, so it's pretty casual to begin with.

Weʻre bbqʻing at my parents for all of the OOT guests the night before

I think you can have a cash bar! In fact, I think it's such a good idea that I'm going to borrow it! Thanks!

Karen, beer, wine, and apps sounds great to me! IMO, no need for the cash bar if you're providing that.

I would offer beer and wine and they can pay for anything else. If you just do cash bar, I would present it more as "we'll be at this bar if you want to come see us." That will cause less confusion.

I think the best thing for your situation would be to have a regular rehearsal dinner with any bridal party/family you want to include and then let folks know that you'll be out at the bar that evening for drinks with the larger group. Like Eleanor said "we'll be at this bar if you want to come see us." That way you can still give guests an idea of what to do and get some extra time with the OOTers. You're certainly not obligated to host them in any way other then at the actual wedding.

Thanks ladies! I saw this on someone's wedding website and I know how cash bars are usually considered tacky, but that's at the reception. Here's how she worded it.

A Welcome Happy Hour where family and friends can mix and mingle with the bride and groom. Drinks and appetizers will be available for purchase..

To be perfectly honest, I would have to look into how much it would cost for beer/wine only. Even that might be out of my budget.

That sounds great! My way of thinking is that if you're hosting something then you should pay but if you're just going to a bar and meeting up with people then it's fine for them to pay. Admittedly it's just a matter of semantics so I wouldn't worry about it. I'm assuming invites won't be sent out or anything.

No Eleanor - no invites. I was just going to post it on the website and then spread the word by word of mouth.