Help with planning a cocktail party

[p00kylu]

I am going to have a rehearsal dinner for FI and I, our parents, bridal party and their spouses (about 20 people) but I wanted to have something for the rest of our guests too, I was thinking a cocktail party following the RD, where we would have drinks and hand out the welcome bags.

Im really trying to watch the budget, so Im wondering what the best option is for the cocktail party. Our hotel? Will they be cool with 50-60 people just hanging out there?(Not everyone will be staying there) or just pick a bar? Should I reserve a place? Is it expected that we provide drinks or do guests buy as they drink? aagghh!! Any advice?

[starchild]

What hotel will you be at? Some of them will only allow non-guests for a fee. We did one WD for all guests at a private restaurant. At first we looked into doing a cocktail party instead but found that getting a venue to do drinks/apps only was almost as pricey as a full dinner, in our case it would have been cheaper to rent a condo with a kitchen for the night and throw our own cocktail party.

 

Check around though and you may find a good deal. I think if you will be inviting people to a cocktail party where you'll be handing out the OOT bags that you should pay for drinks and/or munchies. You can keep it simple & cut costs though by limiting the type or amounts of alcohol you include - like maybe only serve margaritas and beer as opposed to a full open bar.

[p00kylu]

we will be staying at Fiesta Americana. I'll have to check if they have a fee for non guests...didnt think of that.How much is that typically , $10?

I do like the margaritas and beer idea

[PVBride]

Hmmm...this is a good question. I agree that if you are going to "host" a cocktail party you should provide the drinks. Beer and Margaritas is a great idea.

 

You could also do it very informally, and have all guests meet out at a bar after the RD?? No formal invite, maybe just word of mouth? That way, it would seem acceptable for everyone to buy their own drinks.

 

Let us know what you decide!

[starchild]

You may be okay at the FA, it's not exclusively AI right? AIs are the type of resorts that are strict about bringing outsiders in. (like at Dreams PV you can't even have someone meet you in the lobby, they won't get past the gate without a room number of their own).

 

I don't know how much they would charge if they did, but I've learned here that for weddings some people pay a lot per outside guest at other resorts. It's a fee to enter the grounds and use the facilities basically, in addition to what you pay for the event. Definitely ask in advance )

[edna]

Also you can check with the restaurant if they can offer you a corkage fee, you bring the bottles of wines, liquors and they provide the apps and the mixers...