Wording 'Byob' On Wedding Invites: Etiquette And Examples

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the trickiest parts is navigating the sticky world of invitation wording. While modern communication is often quick and casual, wedding invitations are still expected to be relatively formal. This can make it challenging to convey certain details, such as whether guests should bring their own drinks. In this case, it's essential to strike a balance between clarity and maintaining the desired tone of the event.

Include a 'details' card with your invitation

If you're planning a BYOB wedding, you may want to include a separate details card with your invitation to let your guests know. Here are some tips and suggestions for including a details card:

Keep it concise and to the point

It's important to be brief and concise on your details card. Too much information can overwhelm your guests and make the card difficult to read. Focus on providing essential information about the BYOB policy and leave out unnecessary details.

Wording suggestions

You can word your BYOB details card in a way that matches the tone and style of your wedding. Here are some suggestions:

• "An assortment of non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Feel free to bring the alcoholic beverage of your choice."
• "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party."
• "Limited bar available. Feel free to bring what you like."
• "We have provided [list of mixers and sodas]. Drink what we have, or bring alcoholic beverages to suit your taste."
• "We will be providing sodas, beer, and lemonade. Please feel free to bring other drinks if you prefer."
• "A variety of non-alcoholic drinks will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own beverage."

Other details to include

In addition to the BYOB information, you can include other wedding details on the card, such as:

• Full address and contact details of the venue(s)
• Parking arrangements and instructions
• Transport options for guests between venues
• Accommodation options, especially if you have guests travelling from out of town
• Timeline for the day, including arrival time, ceremony time, and end time
• Menu options, if guests need to pre-order
• Dress code or attire suggestions
• Gift registry information (optional)

Remember, the details card is meant to provide practical information to your guests, so keep it clear and concise. You can include a link to your wedding website on the card if you have one, where guests can find more detailed information.

Be clear and concise

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, it's important to strike a balance between clarity and conciseness. You want your guests to have all the information they need without overwhelming them with excessive details. Here are some tips to help you effectively communicate your BYOB request:

Be Direct: Clearly state that guests are welcome to bring their own beverages. You can say something like, "Feel free to bring your favourite beverage" or "You are welcome to bring your own drinks." This direct approach ensures there is no confusion about what guests are allowed to bring.

Provide Context: Give your guests a better understanding of the beverage options you will be providing. For example, you could say, "We will be providing a limited bar with beer and wine." This lets guests know that while there will be some drinks available, they may want to bring their own if they have specific preferences.

Mention Non-Alcoholic Options: If you're only providing non-alcoholic beverages, it's important to specify this. You could say something like, "An assortment of non-alcoholic beverages will be available, but guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic drinks." This clarifies that alcoholic drinks won't be provided, so guests can plan accordingly.

Use a Separate Card: Instead of cluttering your main invitation, consider including a separate details card or enclosure card with your BYOB request. This keeps the main invitation elegant and concise while still providing guests with the necessary information.

Keep it Casual: Depending on the tone of your wedding, you might opt for a more casual and playful wording. For example, "We'll bring the food and fun, you bring the party" or "Join us for a celebration! Drinks are BYOB." This approach adds a touch of personality to your invitation while still conveying the necessary information.

Be Mindful of Venue Restrictions: Before finalising your invitation wording, check with your venue to ensure they allow outside alcohol. Some venues have strict policies regarding alcohol, so it's important to confirm this detail in advance to avoid any last-minute changes or disappointments.

• "We'll provide the food and fun, and you're welcome to bring your own drinks!"
• "An assortment of non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Feel free to bring your favourite alcoholic beverage to enjoy."
• "Join us for a celebration! We'll have a limited bar, so feel free to BYOB."
• "We're providing beer and wine, but if you prefer something stronger, feel free to bring it along!"

Provide other information on a wedding website

If you're looking to include BYOB on your wedding invitations, you may want to consider including a separate details card with your invitation. This way, you can include all the necessary information without cluttering your invitation. Here's an example: "An assortment of non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Feel free to bring the alcoholic beverage of your choice."

Alternatively, you can include this information on your wedding website, which is a great way to share all sorts of details about your wedding without making a big deal out of it. Here are some ideas for other information you can provide on your wedding website:

Practical Information

Start by covering all the essential details your guests will need to know. This includes the date, time, and location of the wedding and any other events associated with the wedding, such as the rehearsal dinner, welcome party, or after-party. Include addresses and clear directions to the venues, as well as parking information. If your wedding has a dress code, be sure to mention it here.

Travel and Accommodation

If you're having a destination wedding or expect out-of-town guests, provide suggestions for nearby airports, transportation options, and accommodation. You can coordinate a hotel block for your guests and include a link to booking on your website. It's also helpful to provide a range of lodging recommendations to suit different budgets.

Registry Information

Your wedding website is the perfect place to share information about your wedding registry. Whether you're registered at a traditional store or creating a honeymoon fund, include a link so guests can easily find it.

RSVP Options

Include an online guest list tracker and digital RSVP form on your website. Even if you're collecting RSVPs digitally, it's still a good idea to include a traditional RSVP card with your paper invitation.

Your Love Story

While not mandatory, sharing your love story on your wedding website is a great way to set the tone for your special day and give guests a glimpse into your relationship. You can include photos, a timeline of your relationship, and even fun facts about each other.

Things to Do in the Area

If your wedding is in an area that guests may be unfamiliar with, provide suggestions for nearby restaurants, landmarks, and other attractions. This is especially useful for destination weddings or wedding weekends.

Remember to keep your wedding website simple and easy to navigate. Include clear headings and relevant photographs to make it visually appealing. You can also add personal touches, such as a welcome message or a page dedicated to your favourite things to do in the area.

Consider the tone of your wedding

When it comes to BYOB wedding invitations, it's important to consider the tone of your wedding. Is it going to be a formal or casual affair? This will help determine the wording and presentation of the BYOB information. Here are some suggestions for how to approach this, depending on the tone of your wedding:

Formal Wedding

If you're having a formal wedding, you may want to include a separate details card or enclosure card with your invitation. This way, you can provide information about the BYOB policy without cluttering your main invitation. On this card, you could use wording such as "Limited bar available" or "We will be providing sodas, lemonade, and iced tea. Please feel free to bring your favourite alcoholic beverage." This approach keeps the invitation formal while still conveying the necessary information.

Casual Wedding

For a casual wedding, you have more flexibility in how you communicate the BYOB policy. You could include a lighthearted note at the bottom of the invitation, such as "We'll bring the food and fun, you bring the drinks!" or "An assortment of non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Feel free to bring the alcoholic beverage of your choice." This tone matches the casual nature of your wedding while still providing clear information to your guests.

Wedding Website

Another option, regardless of the tone of your wedding, is to include a wedding website link on your invitation or details card. This website can then provide all the necessary information about the BYOB policy, as well as other important details. This approach allows you to keep the invitation itself concise and elegant while providing a central hub for guests to find more information.

Communication with Guests

It's worth noting that for some guests, a BYOB policy may be unexpected or even seen as impolite. To mitigate this, clear communication is key. Ensure that your guests are aware of what drinks you will be providing and that they are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages. This can be done through the invitation, details card, or wedding website. Additionally, word-of-mouth communication can be effective, especially for casual weddings.

Venue Considerations

Finally, it's crucial to check with your wedding venue about their policies regarding outside alcohol. Some venues may not allow it, or there may be laws and liabilities to consider. Make sure you are compliant with any regulations to avoid any issues on your big day.

Make sure your venue allows BYOB

When it comes to your wedding, you want to make sure that everything is just right, including the drinks. If you've decided to go the BYOB route, it's important to first check that your venue allows it. Many venues have strict policies regarding alcohol, so it's crucial to get their approval before you communicate anything to your guests.

To avoid any last-minute surprises, have a detailed conversation with your venue contact. Ask them about their specific rules and regulations regarding BYOB. Some venues may have restrictions on the type and quantity of alcohol that can be brought in. Others may require that a licensed bartender be present to serve and monitor alcohol consumption. It's also a good idea to inquire about any additional fees or requirements, such as insurance or security, that may be necessary for a BYOB event.

Once you have a clear understanding of the venue's policies, it's essential to communicate them effectively to your guests. Be transparent about any limitations or expectations the venue has expressed. This will help your guests plan accordingly and ensure that your event runs smoothly. You can include this information on your wedding website or, if you prefer a more personal touch, spread the word through your bridal party or family members.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. By taking the time to confirm the venue's BYOB policy and sharing the relevant details with your guests, you can focus on enjoying your special day without worrying about unexpected issues or disruptions. So, make those calls, send those emails, and get all the information you need to make an informed decision about your wedding drinks!

Frequently asked questions