MemberOur venue wouldn’t allow hard liquer so we could only have beer and wine, which in the end was cheaper for us, and I don’t think the guests minded. We had my husbands 2 favorite beers and my 2 favorite wines. It was still an “open bar” in that it was unlimited amount for the guests. I think we had the best of both worlds!
MemberWe’re doing beer/wine only for our reception. If someone thinks we’re cheap because we aren’t offering liquor, it really doesn’t bother me. It’s not about the money, since I think we have budgeted enough for our open bar that we could possibly offer liquor, but it’s just that I didn’t want liquor served.
I’ve been contemplating one signature drink so it’d be beer/wine/sigdrink but I don’t know yet.
Memberone thing to keep in mind is that you can include sparking wine with a wine bar too, so that would be a nice option also!
Memberand it might be a good idea not to have full bar anyways since you don’t want wedding party getting sloshed before the big day =)
Memberi think beer and wine is fine for the rehearsal but like the OP, I usually expect a full bar at a wedding, (although I understand the myriad of reasons why this is not always feasible).
MemberDrinking hard liquor with dinner has never really appealed to me, as wine and beer are much more compatible with food. I wouldn’t worry about it!
MemberIt’s just the rehearsal dinner. And honestly, I wouldn’t mind it, even for the wedding. It’s not the guests place to complain about what is on offer, they should just be thankful that they are invited to enjoy the day with the couple and their families, IMO.
Memberwe are having just beer and wine as well, i think its just fine for a couple reasons:
1) i dont want people taking shots and getting wasted the day before my wedding… hungover does not make for good photos.
2) my father is very conservative (we never even keep alcohol in the house) and this will be the first time EVER i am drinking in front of my father, he refused to pay for alcohol for the wedding (FH and I are doing it instead) so i can understand your Future Mother-In-Law if shes conservative not wanting too much alcohol at the Rehearsal Dinner….
3) it doesnt last that long – theres no dancing or anything so i would think folks could get thru a meal without having to have hard liquor. I would also assume that if you REALLY need a liquor drink instead, you could order one and pay for it yourself (if its a restaurant)
but bottom line, if they are paying for it, its their choice. it will be fine, and no one will think it is cheap. trust me – my Future Father-In-Law sent out invites to the Rehearsal Dinner via email… not even evite… but an EMAIL. like “hey yall want beef or chicken?” the alcohol offered at the wedding wont make anyone freak out 🙂
MemberWe’re doing beer/wine only at our reception in part because of cost and in part because were lazy, and in part because it’s probably a regional thing. 95% of the weddings I’ve been to have been Beer/Wine only.
We are spreading the word among our friends (and may put it on the website) that guests are welcome to byob. But then again, we’re throwing a glorified/upscale field party. . because it’s us.
I think the alcohol selection at your Rehearsal Dinner is totally fine and I doubt anyone will bat an eye at it.
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MemberWe’re doing beer, wine and signature drink for our reception and beer and wine only for rehearsal. We don’t want people getting completely trashed at our wedding venue because the roads to and from the area are pretty windy. So we are hosting an after party at a bar in the downtown area for anyone who wants to party late into the night and get totally wasted. haha
MemberWe are doing beer/wine only reception because of an unfortunate incident involving my bridesmaids. No hard liquor for them!
MemberI wouldn’t care because I’m a wine drinker. If any of my bridal party wasn’t a beer/wine drinker, I’d care a little more (just because I’d want them to be well taken care of).
MemberI think beer and wine for the rehearsal dinner is perfectly acceptable and probably a better idea than a full bar anyway. My best friend is a wedding planner and runs a beautiful venue in town. I can’t tell you how many horror stories she’s told me of wedding day disasters due to too much alcohol the day before. Most of the time it’s the groomsmen and bridesmaids that are so ill they can hardly function or they don’t show up at all. The worst was a groom who spent the night in the ER having his stomach pumped after drinking at his rehearsal dinner. He got out 1 hour before the ceremony, looked like he was going to pass out during it, and spent the reception laying down in the bridal get ready suite. So sad for the bride.
MemberWe only did beer, wine, soda, and water for the rehearsal dinner. Turned out great and everyone enjoyed themselves. No one is going to complain… and if they do, who cares. 
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