I'm afraid to even post this...
Let me preface this by saying that when I booked my reception venue, I had no idea that cash bars were rude. So I didn't properly budget for an open bar. I made a mistake, I know.
I've since been able to convince FI and my parents to go for hosted beer and wine, but I'm not the only person planning this wedding and it took a hell of a lot of convincing to do even this. We're paying for it, my parents are not. Cool.
The venue has a full bar on display, this isn't one of those portable bars you see popped up in the reception room. They won't remove the liquor. So now I'm in the position of offering a partially hosted bar. Liquor will be available for purchase - which I really do think most of my guests would prefer to no liquor, but the etiquette part of me is dying over this. FI is not willing to spend any more money towards an open bar.
Can you help me make the most of a bad situation? Do I make a sign saying what's hosted and what's not? Do I have the bartenders tell guests that liquor isn't available even though it's sitting right there?
Re: Partially Hosted Bar
I'd make a sign and say something like- "PGL and Groom are delighted to celebrate their wedding day with you, and they hope you enjoy one of the following hosted selections: (list hosted selections here)."
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
Related to what you just said though, FI really wanted to taste the filet at our tasting. It would have been an upcharge of $11/person if we had went with it. Too expensive and not good enough to warrant it. The coordinator and my parents were both like "Oh but just FI can get it if he wants." NOOOOO, no he can't!! Fortunately he agrees with me. He's picked up on most of the etiquette.
I really like this wording!
I vote for this really simple sign. I want people to read it.
You'll never be subject to a cash bar, gap, potluck wedding, or b-list if you marry a Muppet Overlord.