OK. Someone please explain the difference between a prepay and an open?

Because I'm missing something. We have a minimum we need to meet. We have X number of people who are planning on drinking. How can the bar be "open" unless it's prepaid? What's the difference between the two and why is one better?

There's something in the mechanics of this bit that I'm not getting.

I'm okay with that, but it looks like a prepay, not an open bar.

Yeah, I'm confused. And open bar should be a flat rate for a set time, not a prepay deal.

How can the bar be "open" unless it's prepaid?

It can't. I think you're OK with your understanding. The open bar status only affects the end user, the attendee, the party guest.

Deb, an open bar would be, say $1000 for two hours (made up numbers). There's no accounting - what ever you drink or don't drink during that time period is covered.

And open bar should be a flat rate for a set time, not a prepay deal.

Really? I've not come across that definition. Someone has to pay for what's drunk. If it's not the attendee/guest, it's the planner.

How I'm reading it is thusly:

1) Buffistas, Inc. gives Lilibeth $1000 for an open bar which will prsumably cover bartender and usage.

2) attendees of the Buffistas, Inc., party, do their best to damage their livers and the deposit.

3) if we don't use it up, we get it back?

Deb, an open bar would be, say $1000 for two hours (made up numbers). There's no accounting - what ever you drink or don't drink during that time period is covered

Right. An open bar buys unlimited alcohol during a set amount of time for a flat rate.

What she's offering is $1000 of prepaid a la carte drinks, which is a whole different set of rules.

It may work out to costing us the same amount either way, but I'd prefer a standard open bar if she's willing.

Like I said, the current arrangement works for me, assuming the refundy bit is correct.

Right. An open bar buys unlimited alcohol during a set amount of time for a flat rate.

What she's offering is $1000 of prepaid a la carte drinks, which is a whole different set of rules.

(lightbulb goes off over Deb's head)

OK, got it. No prob - let me ring her up and see what's what. Because I definitely want the first definition.

edit: just rang her and got her voicemail - she's on spring hours, so she gets into the office at one, and works until ten at night. I'll call her early afternoon, and get it set up.

Deb - just a random Thank You for all your organizing efforts.

just a random Thank You for all your organizing efforts.

Oh yes, seconding this!

And also saying that if her answer about the open bar is "We don't do that," the $1000 prepay option sounds like a fine alternative.