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.

Suzi, bebe, don't thank me until we have conclusively proven that I don't screw up this bar thing.

Seriously, I'll heave a nice long sigh of relief once we get it set. Which is silly, because Lilibeth is a doll and she's loving the event; this is not an obstructive events manager, at all.

OK. Going to post what I think are the final menu selections, and people can poke me and tell me what they think.

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

I believe this was how it was set up in New Orleans. Also other events I have attended. Doesn't much matter to me personally.

I think what's throwing me is the "set amount of time". I tend to think of the party as beginning out at the pool with a limited bar, then moving indoors for the remainder. So, sort of open-ended at the start, but finite at the closing end of it. I'll ask about doing a flat rate open bar from, what, sevenish? Half past sixish? until midnight.

And here is what I've got from the food poll results. I'm going with the straight voting, except for one tweak in the carnivore section, which I'll explain below:

Menu for Prom Buffet

Two vegetarian dishes, one each hot and cold:

Spanakopita $140.00 (hot)
Domestic Cheese Board with Sliced Fresh Fruit $100.00 (cold)

One fish dish:

Coconut Shrimp $220.00 (hot)

Two for the carnivores (this is where I opted for the second alternative choice, because I think a hot/cold balance works better. Please to yell at me if you disagree...)

Pot Stickers $180.00 (hot)
Antipasto Tray with Artichokes, Olives, Salami, Pepperoncini, Roasted Peppers, Bread Sticks and Mozzarella Cheese $125.00 (cold)

That gives us to pre-tax total of $765. That's right in the wheelhouse, should cover everyone's munchies, and gives us the nice ceiling for thhe bar tab.

Thoughts, please?

(edited because I suck at HTML)