[Sam914]

We're having a BBQ for some of dh's friends on July 2nd, including us there will be 10 or 11 people. As of right now i think we're providing all of the food which is

- bbq chicken, maybe hamburgers, some kind of potatoes, corn on the cob, salad, rolls and two deserts (i havent picked these yet). We'll also have soda and lemonade... but i dont really know what to do about alcohol.. how much am i supposed to provide?

I think the guys plan to drink pretty heavily and thats expensive if i buy all that! Plus, everyone likes different things.... so its complicated to get everyones favs! Is byob tacky? We're thinking of having a couple of cases of beer and then if anyone would like anything else they can bring it but i dont know if thats rude... people are offering to bring things so they're willing to contribute should we just say, no need to bring any food just bring your own drink?

What do you guys think? We dont entertain much so i dont know these things

[jensma]

I don't think BYOB is tacky, esp when you're providing everything else. It IS expensive to provide EVERYTHING and surely other people realize this. Sounds like a great spread!!

[MommaLee]

^^I agree. If you are providing all of the food, then they can bring their own alcohol. I don't think that is tacky at all. You could buy a little extra of what you and your dh drink but I don't think anyone should assume you will be providing them alcohol.

I know when we go to outings where someone else is picking up the tab on everything, we tend to give them some $$ to help cover the cost....unless it is something political or a fundraiser type thing because then we make a nice cash donation to the cause.

[Oreobaby]

I agree with BYOB...that is how we do it when we are entertaining...we will provide the food, and pop if that's all you want to drink, but if you want alcohol, then you have to bring it yourself. I don't think it's tacky at all. I definitely think things get way to costly if you are providing all the food and all the alcohol.

[DeepSouthMommy]

Popping in to say that I don't think BYOB is tacky either. I think if you say that you'll provide X amount of beer or whatever and that if you want something different or plan to drink a lot you'll need to help out by bringing stuff to the party that you'll be covered. I think most people understand the cost of all of this and if they have a problem with it...well you probably don't want them at your party anyway.

I hope yall have fun!

[mlyster]

I agree with everyone else. BYOB is just fine. We usually take beer with us when we go to parties like this and would expect others to do the same at our place. In fact the only time we don't take beer with us is if we are going to the neighbors and that is only because we alternate places and it all evens out (and there is only 4 of us).

[KDD]

We host a pre-game BBQ each summer and provide all the food. We also buy some beer & coolers but everyone always brings their own as well. I think most people bring it automatically or they ask what they can bring. This year I think that I will do the burgers and the rest can be potluck.

[~Caroline~]

BYOB is pretty much the norm for big parties/BBQ where I live. I don't think it's tacky at all.