How should I word an invitation for a corporate event that there will only be a hosted bar for until 8?

Question

I'm writing out somewhat of a press release for an event my company is hosting. It's at a trendy bar in LA, there will be appetizers, a DJ, and an open bar until 8 pm. After 8pm, there is still a bar, but people will have to buy their own drinks. How should I describe this in the blurb? I was originally just going to say something along the lines of

"Guests will be invited to nibble on appetizers while mingling, dancing, and enjoying premium drinks from the hosted bar until 8:00 pm."

but that sounds like the party ends at 8, when it goes until 10 at least. So then I changed it to:

"The party be held at "VENUE". Guests will be invited to relax and mingle while enjoying premium drinks from the hosted bar until 8:00 pm. After 8:00 pm the party continues with delicious appetizers, dancing, and socializing in one of the most popular private event venues in downtown Los Angeles."

But I don't really like that either. It kind of makes it seem like there is no bar after 8 pm. Help?

Answer 1

It's safe to say that your clients have a relative level of intelligence and will not assume that the "trendy night club" in LA is going to close up at 8pm. So tell them what they are getting, "open bar" from 6 to 8, appetizers fun excitement, the answers to life persistent questions etc....nothing else need be said.  To much info sounds like an apology...tacky!

Answer 2

Is this an IPO party????  ???  It is, isn't it?  Honestly, you make it sound like it's a retirement party for CPAs.  

"...open bar drinks till 8, then party till the official last call".  

HTH.

Answer 3

Please join us at "VENUE" from ? - *pm for appetizers and premium drinks.  Guests are invited to contiue mingling and dancing into the evening.

Answer 4

The first one sounds fine, but I would say something like:

Guests will be invited to nibble on appetizers while mingling and dancing until 10 pm.  Hosted bar from 6pm to 8pm.

OR

I would just describe the event without any timing, then below I would specify the times:

Hosted Bar from 6 to 8 pm.

Event ends at 10pm

Answer 5

Come & enjoy the music, dancing & appetizers with us.  There will be an open bar until 8:00 pm.

Answer 6

The second one is fine... just add the words "an open bar" after delicious appetizers......

Answer 7

i work for banquet  bars at a resort and the best way of telling them is to be honest ,let them know there is an open bar till 8pm  but still service and party till ten, if they know how to read they will get the point . you hope!, everyone takes money with them and it shouldn't be a problem and they should be grateful for the free booze.

Answer 8

Assume the company you are writing this for would wish to maintain an air of, friendly, reserve(?).

Billings Law Firm is pleased to extend an invitation to ________ (their valued clients, or other)  -  or,

Billings Law Firm is pleased to announce they will be hosting a party for ______  (their valued business associates ... are guests included?).

The evening will begin at 6:00p.m. at Trendy Bar, 200 Wilson Place, and will include music for dancing selected by DJ _____, a light meal of various (items or snacks) and hosted bar until 8:00p.m.  The bar will remain open after this time and our guests are invited to stay until 10:00p.m..

We look forward to a great turn-out, and the pleasure of your company ~ see you there!

Notes:  As appetizers are a first course, or pre the first course, some may think a buffet dinner will follow.  With alcohol being served, it's important that the light meal include a substantial carbohydrate in the form of "tea sandwich-type" foods or platters of various meats and cheeses with small dinner rolls for people to make their own.  If something hot is planned, baguette slices from loaves stuffed with "pizza things" is easy for any kitchen to manage.

To state "premium drinks" sounds as if people are being told "we're going to spend a lot of money on drinks " and this, in my opinion, is rather tacky.

Guest will, of course, mingle so I think this is an "uncomfortable word" to be using in an invitation announcement (some may do more than nibble has been my experience).

Including the name of the DJ, if you can, will cause people to think he's an "important person" and he will be, most, appreciative.