Mariano’s has La Hacienda and The Ranch (several locations) with party rooms. We had the St Mark’s cross county end of season parties there. Wasn’t really expensive.
Or, could you do a “party bus” to the restaurant you picked and have a keg or wine on the bus on the way over?
As an alcoholic )former “real drinker”), I think having booze does provide for the possibility of “live entertainment,” if you know what I mean.
Thanks, everyone! I was raised Southern Baptist, so for me, a wedding reception was punch and cake in the church fellowship hall. Yes, the reception was over quickly, but it was the middle of the afternoon and no one expected anything different.
I’m not a big drinker (certainly not a “real drinker”), but I do think that alcohol tends to make the “two extended families with little in common meeting each other” a little less awkward.
We wanted this particular restaurant because it’s a hidden treasure…owned by post-Katrina transplants.
The wedding isn’t until May, so yes, there’s plenty of time to change plans.
Here’s my 2cents. If you are asking us, the thought of an alcohol-free event concerns you.
In some cultures, hospitality includes alcoholic beverages at gatherings, be that beer and pretzels to watch a game, or full open bar at a more formal celebration.
If this is what you are used to, that venue puts you at odds with your own expectation.
I agree with those who say ask the bride and groom.
FWIW, when I hosted DS rehearsal dinner, I went with the restaurant venue but pre selected which wine and beer would be offered to the guests, no hard liquor at that meal.
I agree with @twoinanddone, don’t do the mocktails. If you and the couple like the venue and don’t care about serving liquor go ahead have the party there but just serve soft drinks, iced tea, etc.
If I attended an alcohol-free rehearsal dinner, I would scarcely notice and certainly wouldn’t complain. But I am also aware that most people aren’t like me. (Note, however, that I may personally want to down a few by that time.)
What Hunt said about discussing this with your soon-to-be-family.
I love good wine, but I would not be fazed by absence of alcohol at a rehearsal dinner (or even at a reception!). However, I think mocktails is not a good idea. It is like serving tofurkey to meat eaters. Just have a variety of nice, upscale looking sparkling beverages in hand. Including mineral water for those guests who are not into sodas and sugary drinks.
If you are going to be alcohol-free, I agree with @BunsenBurner re having an array of upscale sparking beverages on hand, plus iced tea and something for those of us who can’t consume sugar. Is there any possibility that you can have it on the early side, say 4 or 5 PM? That would make it yet more casual, and facilitate those who want to go out for a drink afterwards.
Personally, I would look for another venue. Would the restaurant provide take out that you could serve elsewhere?
@missypie Are there any churches, nonprofits, parks, or VFW type facilities near you that might have some decent space for parties? They are usually much cheaper than the quote your mention above.
I would not choose this venue unless specifically looking to host an alcohol free event. Of course, everyone can have a great time without alcohol but I think most adults would expect to have the option of an alcoholic beverage at a celebratory dinner. YMMV depending on location and culture. Congrats!
Would you consider outside in May? I looked and the average low is upper 60s to low 70s. Is at your place but outside possible? Ducky Bob’s?
I suggest that you and your husband give the party you want to give. Think of how many ways it can go awry if you start trying to plan someone else’s idea of the party you “should” give?
I’d be a little surprised at no alcohol and I’d miss it, but you have a perfect right to choose what you can afford and what you want. I like the idea of mocktails, but I’d want some good sparkling water because I don’t drink soft drinks.
I wouldnt host a rehearsal dinner without any alcohol being available because I enjoy having a glass of wine with my dinner and I know my family and friends enjoy it, too. Tbh, I would find not having alcohol available weird because it’s just not done in my social circles.
07DAD, are you recalling last May and figuring that a 500 year flood (or was it 1000?) really only happens that often? Given the month of the year (that I had no part in choosing), I am preparing for the entire weekend to be rainy. (Then I’ll be pleasantly surprised if it’s dry.)
Our city has some charming facilities…but no alcohol in any run by Parks & Recs and LOTS of rules in the City run places (including that the caterer has to provide the alcohol, lol).
The strip mall venue sounds unpleasant, not to mention overpriced.
How may people are you expecting? Would they fit in a suite at a hotel? Sometimes they have oversized suites at the end of a hall that are designed for hospitality. You could have a buffet, perhaps. A tent on your lawn?
Yes, discuss this with “the other side.” I know a case —a long time ago–when a Southern Protestant female married an Irish Catholic New Yorker. The groom’s family was less than thrilled he was getting married outside the Church but agreed that was his business and everyone accepted the invitation. However, when the reception had no liquor, that was the last straw. Sounds silly, but his extended family kind of felt as if he were rejecting his roots. This was probably helped by the fact that the bride’s family was much wealthier and the bride’s parents insisted on hosting the wedding in the small Southern city where they lived. (The bride and groom had met in law school in New England.) So, the bride’s extended family didn’t have far to travel far, but the groom’s did. .
It’s hard to explain, but it was as if the groom had said “I’ll cave into any and all demands of her family” and her family had said “We have no interest at all in meeting his family half way.” I don’t know what the groom was thinking, but he hadn’t forewarned his family. HIS parents were mortified.
Congratulations! I hope everything turns out great, and look forward to future related threads.
I’m in the no alcohol necessary for shower,Mobutu I tend to think of showers as middle of the day kinds of things.
I would be surprised if I showed up at a restaurant and couldn’t order alcohol at a rehearsal dinner.
My guess is it will change the dynamic of the event if no alcohol is served, and it may be over quicker than otherwise.
