I am throwing a going-away party for my parents next weekend. They are moving from the town I grew up in, and from the house they have lived in for 26 years.

I got roped into being hostess at the last minute, which isn't MUCH of a problem, just a little bit of a headache!

My question is this: The most expensive part of any party (at least with my family) is supplying beer and liquor. I refuse to do this--I don't feel that people should be coming only to drink liquor at my expense. This is causing an uproar in my family, who all feel that if I am hosting, SOME form of alcohol should be supplied (see why I got roped into hosting? No one wants to pay!). Is there any tactful way to word that beer and alcohol are welcome... IF you bring it yourself? If I were sending paper invites, I would include "BYOB" on the invite, but because it got left to the last minute, I will be calling most people.

Any suggestions on how I can word this so that there won't be additional drama about it?

If you are calling everyone just tell them you'll supply cups and mix the rest is BYOB. If you can swing $50 more dollars buy a single keg.

Those that you can email and sms to invite then you can add the BYOB in the message and you can send them all the same message which will save you time otherwise just be honest apologise for the lack of funds at short notice but tell people if they are able to then it would be appreciated if they could make a vountary contribution to the proccedings given the circumstances I shouldn't think they would mind
The other thing is either tell them they can bring liquor or bake something to eat most people are lazy and always like to ensure their own brand of poison is there so will opt for booze every time :-) well hope all goes well and I wish your parents well

I am throwing a going-away party for my parents next weekend. They are moving from the town I grew up in, and from the house they have lived in for 26 years.

I got roped into being hostess at the last minute, which isn't MUCH of a problem, just a little bit of a headache!

My question is this: The most expensive part of any party (at least with my family) is supplying beer and liquor. I refuse to do this--I don't feel that people should be coming only to drink liquor at my expense. This is causing an uproar in my family, who all feel that if I am hosting, SOME form of alcohol should be supplied (see why I got roped into hosting? No one wants to pay!). Is there any tactful way to word that beer and alcohol are welcome...IF you bring it yourself? If I were sending paper invites, I would include "BYOB" on the invite, but because it got left to the last minute, I will be calling most people.

Any suggestions on how I can word this so that there won't be additional drama about it?
Also you can make up a huge bowl of punch using diluted orange cordial (noone will be able to tell ) a few litres of pineapple juice a few of cranberry and a few of the cheapest vodka you can find it taste nice it won't cost much and should last a while