Golden Wedding Party - would it be reasonable ------

I think that problems tend to arise when people are using a free bar because they order spirits or expensive drinks. We had a party for our 40th and arranged lunch in a local restaurant with drinks provided. There was champagne to start before the meal and wine at the tables but no ordering their own drinks. This kept the cost to a reasonable level, as did the fact that the meal had a set finishing time rather than going on all afternoon.
Of course you also need to know that the restaurant is trustworthy and won't charge you for bottles that have not been used.

Yes I agree with others, pay for the first and let people buy their own from therein. I would be pleased to be invited and really chuffed to be bought the first drink.I do agree though that you put on the invitation, 'First celebratory drink on us, thereafter a bar for you to purchase whatever you like'

Ask Boris - he knows all about parties!

Congratulations and enjoy your special event. x

perfectly reasonable to ask guests to pay for their own drinks after the toast and any wines that accompany food. It means that anyone who does not drink feels ok and anyone who may see the party as an opportunity to do a bit of freeloading isn't getting that chance.

Absolutely! It's your celebration. So why would you treat everyone else? I never understood why the birthday girl had to buy the whole office cakes!? Luckily my birthday end of MAY so always was either bank holiday or a weekend! Real friends and fam will expect to pay their way on the booze front.

It’s your party - you pay.
Not sure how safe I’d feel tho’ with all those on a train. It’s not safe.

What a fantastic idea, it sounds great.
We would have no problems paying for our drinks.

What a lovely idea and yes, you paying for the first drink is fine. Any guests should not expect you to pay for any more.

There was a free bar at my DD's wedding. One of the young male guests drastically over-consumed. He projectile vomited all over the gents. $250A was added to their bill for the cleaning!

If you are providing a substantial buffet and have coffee & tea flowing, I doubt many would want a drink apart from the two supplied, however, I would not want my guest to pay specially not for that small number of people. I doubt your bar bill would come to more than £ 150, which on top of what you are providing appears to be peanuts. Personally I would have a re-think. Just my opinion and see others think otherwise.

cossybabe

We are planning our Golden Wedding anniversary party - we are hiring a Pullman coach on our local steam railway with a buffet. About 35 people will be coming.
There will be a private bar - we would pay for the first drinks and for the champagne to toast with.
Would it be reasonable to ask people to pay for any other drinks?

As long as everyone knows that there will be a cash bar that's fine! We had one for our DD's wedding and it was fine