[deenwtx]

My husband and I (not my son's father) will be hosting the rehearsal dinner.

We do not want to have alcoholic beverages at the dinner, which is being held at a very nice local restaurant. My future daughter-in-law and son agree with this because there will be one young man there who drinks too much and we feel he will drink less if it is not "free". We would like to know the best way to let guests know this w/o making an announcement that there is a "cash bar". Would it be acceptable to just have the staff quietly and politely let them know if and when a guest orders a drink, that it will be their responsibility?

Thank you.

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Deenwtx,

Cash bars are not polite. A guest shouldn't have to open his or her wallet. So, if you don't want alcohol, it is best to host this where there is none. Or, you could have a limited amount of alcohol on the table, so your guests will know that that is the limit.

Best wishes,