Incorporating Byob In Your Wedding Invitation: A Guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to budgeting for the big day. One of the biggest costs is often alcohol, and some couples choose to ask guests to bring their own drinks to save money. This can be a tricky situation to navigate, as some guests may find it offensive to be asked to bring their own alcohol to a wedding. In this paragraph, we will explore different ways to approach a bring your own booze (BYOB) wedding while trying to avoid causing offence.

Wording a BYOB wedding invitation

Weddings can be expensive, and alcohol is often one of the biggest costs. While a BYOB wedding can save you money, you may not want to offend your guests by asking them to bring their own drinks. It's important to consider the formality of your wedding and whether your venue permits BYOB due to licensing issues.

If you decide to go ahead with a BYOB wedding, there are a few ways to communicate this to your guests. Firstly, you could include it on the invitation itself. This can be tricky as some guests may perceive it as tacky. A polite way to do this would be to mention it at the beginning of the invitation so that guests see it right away. For example, you could say: "Please join us at our BYOB wedding celebration for (name) and (name) on (date, time) at (location). We hope you can attend!" Alternatively, you could add it to the RSVP card and the lower right corner of the invitation, simply stating: "This is a BYOB event."

Another option is to spread the information by word of mouth. You could ask close friends and family to let their invited guests know that it will be a BYOB event. This way, you avoid any potential negative impressions from those who may view it as inappropriate to include on a formal invitation.

If you're not comfortable with these options, you could email your guests after they RSVP. Keep it short and sweet, such as: "Thank you for your RSVP. We are delighted that you are joining us! Due to budget constraints, we kindly ask that you bring your own drinks to the event. Thanks for your understanding."

Finally, consider choosing a venue that allows you to bring your own alcohol and then purchase it yourself. While this may not be as cost-effective as a BYOB event, it will likely be cheaper than buying drinks from the venue.

Remember, the key is to communicate clearly and politely, ensuring your guests are well-informed and aware of your decision, whatever it may be.

Advantages of BYOB

There are several advantages to hosting a BYOB wedding. Firstly, it can be a lot more affordable for the couple. Wedding costs can quickly skyrocket, but a BYOB wedding can help keep expenses down. By asking guests to bring their own drinks, couples could cut their event budgets down by thousands of dollars. According to The Knot, the average amount spent on alcohol for weddings with over 100 guests was over $3,000.

Another benefit is that everyone can choose their desired drink. When the couple purchases alcohol through a venue, they may be limited to certain options. BYOB events offer more freedom and control over what guests can consume.

BYOB weddings can also save the couple from planning hassles. Deciding on the right quantities and drink options can be challenging, and a BYOB wedding allows the couple to focus their energy on planning other aspects of their big day.

Additionally, some venues offer flexible alcohol options, allowing couples to bring their own alcohol. This can be a great way to save money, especially if the venue has a high alcohol price markup.

Finally, a BYOB wedding can be more intimate and casual, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere for guests.

However, it's important to note that there are also potential challenges and considerations, such as ensuring guests are aware of the BYOB policy, coordinating drinks, and complying with local laws and regulations.

How to politely say BYOB

There are differing opinions on whether it is ever appropriate to ask guests to bring their own alcohol to a wedding. Some sources claim that ''as a general rule of modern-day etiquette, it's never appropriate to ask guests to BYOB'' and that ''it's your job as the host to provide drinks for your guests". Others suggest that it is acceptable in certain circumstances, such as an intimate wedding in your backyard or a casual get-together. If you are set on having a BYOB wedding, it is important to consider the venue and the guest list. Some venues may not permit outside alcohol due to licensing issues, so it is crucial to check with the venue before making any decisions. It is also essential to assess whether your guests would be comfortable with a BYOB arrangement. If you know your guests well and believe they would be understanding, it may be more suitable than if you have a diverse guest list with varying expectations.

If you decide to proceed with a BYOB wedding, there are a few ways to politely inform your guests. You could include an extra insert with your invitation, stating something like "soft drinks, water, and ice will be provided, and guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages". Another option is to mention it on the RSVP card or in the lower right corner of the invitation, simply stating "this is a BYOB event". While some sources suggest that it is best to be direct and clear, others recommend getting creative with your wording. For example, you could say ''limited bar available. Feel free to bring what you like'' or ''our venue allows outside alcohol, so feel free to bring something more to your taste for personal consumption''.

If you are hesitant to include the BYOB information in the invitation, you could spread the news by word of mouth or through your wedding website. This way, you can avoid any potential negative impressions and let your guests know in a more casual manner. However, it is crucial to ensure that the information reaches all your guests, so they are not caught off guard on the day of the wedding.

Ultimately, the decision to have a BYOB wedding is a personal one, and there are various factors to consider, including venue restrictions, guest expectations, and budget constraints. If you choose to go ahead with it, there are polite ways to communicate this to your guests, either through the invitation or via alternative methods.

Venues that allow BYOB

When it comes to wedding venues that allow BYOB, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, bringing your own alcohol can be a great way to save money on your wedding, especially if you can buy in bulk. However, it's important to check the county laws and venue requirements regarding providing your own alcohol, as these can vary. Some venues may require you to hire your own bartenders, while others may include bartending services. It's also a good idea to look into permits and insurance, as you may need a special event permit or liquor liability insurance for your wedding.

Seven Arches, Joshua Tree, CA

This unique venue is a 1960s Spanish-style home surrounded by the beauty of the Mojave Desert. It features seven iconic arches and arched doorways, as well as a stylish outdoor mural. Seven Arches allows you to use their kitchen and bar to keep your guests' drinks chilled and provide glassware and bottle openers. This venue is perfect for intimate weddings, accommodating up to 25 people.

Flower Farm, Dallas, TX

Take your vows under the pavilion at this sustainable flower farm, which offers a stunning outdoor space with a party barn and picnic tables, and charming rural views. You can place wooden barrels filled with ice around the space for guests to store their drinks, and provide glassware and bottle openers within easy reach. This venue costs $150 per hour.

RESOBOX, NYC

RESOBOX is an intimate, exposed brick multi-use event space in the East Village that accommodates up to 74 guests. The host provides tables and chairs, A/V equipment, and an on-site kitchen. Their BYO policy includes both food and drinks, offering flexibility and a stunning venue for $200 per hour.

Historic Brookfield Estate, Griffin, GA

Enjoy the beauty of rolling Georgia pastureland at the Historic Brookfield Estate, which offers a private setting dotted with pecan trees, oaks, and magnolias. The venue includes a hedged dressage field for a tented event, a carriage house for serving food or drinks, a formal garden for cocktail hour, and a smoke house for intimate whisky or wine tastings. It can accommodate up to 450 guests.

Swan Lake Overlook, Dawsonville, GA

Swan Lake Overlook is a luxurious wedding venue sitting on 225 acres of land that has been in the same family for over 100 years. It offers scenic views of the North Georgia Mountains and includes both indoor and outdoor ceremony spots, as well as a large indoor venue space that can seat up to 300 guests. Swan Lake Overlook is a rustic-elegant space with a combination of rustic elements and modern amenities.

These are just a few examples of venues that allow BYOB for weddings. When considering a BYOB venue, be sure to do your research and ask about any requirements or restrictions the venue may have.

Alternatives to BYOB

If you are looking for alternatives to BYOB for your wedding, here are some suggestions:

Opt for a Cash Bar

A cash bar is a good alternative if you don't want to impose on your guests to bring their own drinks but still want to offer a variety of alcoholic beverages. This way, guests who wish to consume alcohol can purchase their drinks, and you avoid the cost of providing an open bar.

Provide a Limited Selection of Alcoholic Drinks

If you are concerned about the expense of a full open bar, you could consider providing a limited selection of alcoholic drinks. For example, you could offer only beer and wine, or a signature cocktail, in addition to non-alcoholic options. This way, you can control the cost while still providing alcohol to your guests.

Host a Dry Wedding

If you and your partner do not drink at all, or if you want to avoid alcohol altogether, you could opt for a dry wedding. While some guests may be expecting alcohol, there are other ways to ensure your guests have fun. You can plan events and games, choose a unique venue, offer a variety of interesting non-alcoholic drinks, and provide plenty of food and entertainment, such as a DJ or band.

Inform Guests Verbally or Through Your Wedding Website

If you don't want to include BYOB on your invitations, you could spread the information by word of mouth or through your wedding website. This way, you can ensure that your guests are aware that they need to bring their own drinks without having to put it on the invitation.

Provide a Mix of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Options

If you want to provide drinks for your guests but are concerned about the cost, you could offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. For example, you could provide beer and wine, or a limited selection of liquors, along with sodas, lemonade, and iced tea. This way, guests have a variety of choices, and you can control the cost by limiting the amount of alcohol provided.

Remember, it is essential to check with your venue beforehand to ensure that they allow outside alcohol if you choose to go with the BYOB option or any of the alternatives that involve guests bringing their own drinks.

Frequently asked questions