Caribbean Fantasy theme planned for Youth Services for Oklahoma County event
Randi Green and Sally Bentley talk about Youth Services “Reach For The Stars.”
How do you feel about “cash bars?” 20-40-60 answers
YOU ASK…WE ANSWER…YOU DECIDE
Question: How do you feel about “cash bars” at a party? Recently, I went to a wedding where they served wine and beer to the wedding guests, but if I wanted something else, there was a “cash bar.” Also, at a recent fund-raising event where I had to buy a ticket, there was a “cash bar.” It seems like at a wedding the hosts should provide all of the drinks and at the fund-raising event the ticket should cover the cost of drinks?
Callie’s answer: Seriously! You’re complaining about having a cash bar at a fund raiser? Liquor is expensive!
As far as the wedding goes, you are there to celebrate the wedding, not get drunk.
Lillie-Beth’s answer: I think hosts can serve what they want to, but guests should know what to expect from the beginning. Alcohol is expensive, and if you don’t want to provide it to all the guests, then you don’t have to.
Plan your event accordingly: For a wedding reception on a weekend night in a reception hall with a band, people will probably expect alcohol, but they wouldn’t at a church.
However, there’s a difference between fundraisers and a wedding. Fundraisers should specify whether there’s going to be a cash bar, so people will understand what their admission ticket price includes, even if it’s only a single drink ticket.
A wedding is a party that the bride and groom (or parents) are throwing for guests. It doesn’t seem like a cash bar fits as well in that host type of situation; it’s almost better to leave the alcohol out of the equation entirely than surprise guests with a cash bar.
The combination approach of offering wine or beer to guests while having a cash bar to pay for liquor and mixed drinks seems like a reasonable compromise to keep costs down. Or, as one etiquette discussion that I read noted, if you serve a cash bar at your wedding, which may be OK in some etiquette circles, make sure your skin is thick enough to handle the complaints.
Helen’s answer: Sorry. For a wedding, a cash bar is never an acceptable money-saving solution. You would never ask guests to pay for cocktails or wine or beer in your own home and your wedding should reflect that courtesy.
For a fundraiser event, the party planners can make those decisions, but the information involving a cash bar should be spelled out on the invitation. Guests should know before they come what expenses there might be at the party, besides a tip for car parkers and coat checkers.
Beaux Arts Ball Chairman Bebe MacKellar’s answer: I think the main reason for cash bars is cost. Entertaining is expensive. If you want to have a wedding and have a budget it might be the simplest way to offset a cost. You are not asking people to make a donation to the party you are asking them to enjoy what you provide and if they want a drink they need to pay for it themselves. I think serving wine and beer is a nice gesture and people should not expect a full bar, if it is there- great- but not expected.
As wine has grown in popularity I find more and more events I attend pass wine and beer and do not offer hard liquor.
As far as parties that you have purchased a ticket for having a cash bar I think it is fine if it is stated on the invite. It is a great way to keep the price to attend the event down. I recently attended an event that had a cash bar because the organization wanted to keep the price down in order to increase participation. People bought drink tickets and seemed to have a great time.
I also think some people do not drink for religious reasons or are in recovery from addiction and do not want to serve alcohol or pay for it. Also, some might think liquor is stronger than beer and wine and people might get drunk. I do not think that is a good excuse as 12 ozs. beer, four ounces of wine or one ounce of liquor have roughly the same alcohol content.
In closing, don’t forget to put a little extra cash in your wallet if you are attending a party which might have a cash bar as credit cards may not always be accepted especially at a private club.
(Callie Gordon, a college sophomore, was a 2009 debutante and has been in many new social situations recently. Lillie-Beth Brinkman is a former debutante and currently the assistant features editor for The Oklahoman. Helen Wallace has written a social column for The Oklahoman for many years and has been on various local Ball committees.
This group does not always agree (via age differences), but they ALL see the need for proper behavior.
Ask a specific etiquette question and you will get three answers…Then you decide for yourself how you would handle the situation. The answers have information for every age range….Callie is 20-ish; Lillie-Beth is 40-something, and Helen is 60-plus.
Please email us with your questions and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and daily blogs. We will try to answer your etiquette questions weekly on the Parties Extra! blog. Sometimes we will ask other people for their opinions.
Look for us!
helen.wallace@cox.net…lbrinkman@opubco.com… calliezok3@aol.com
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
“Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles: a fresh pot of coffee you didn’t make yourself … an unexpected phone call from an old friend … green stoplights on your way to work …the fastest line at the grocery store … a good sing-along song on the radio …your keys found right where you left them.” (Not original, but heartfelt….passed along from an e-mail).
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Delta Gammas celebrate 137 years!
To see Parties Extra! photo gallery, Click Here
Party decorations included vintage silver from the Delta Gamma collection holding pink and white flowers and early day sorority pictures. (Photos by Kate Stanton).
Delta Gammas were in Norman to celebrate the 137th year of Delta Gamma.
Members of the Norman Alumnae chapter were hostesses at the Oklahoma Memorial Union on the University of Oklahoma campus. Guests enjoyed a musical selection from the DG choir, a video and an awards presentation ranging from the “Most Congenial New Member” to the 50-year members.
Centerpieces were vintage silver vases and bowls from the Delta Gamma house which held pink and white tulips and roses and there were framed photos of past events. Each guest received a set of Delta Gamma postcards.
Kim Rieger and Kate Stanton were in charge of decorations.
Committee members included Julianne Hill, Karlie McLaughlin, Aleesha Ogden, Stanton, Rieger, Shannon Winters, Michelle Carbone, Amanda Holloway, Heather Puckett and Shawn Singer.
Flowers in a silver cup.
Also on the table were programs and roses.
Donita Phillips, Julianne Hill and Jane Ratliff were at the brunch.
Aija Burris honored at bridal shower and luncheon
Cyndy and Aija Burris, Denise Eggert, Sandy Springer, Kari Brown, Joan Burris were at the party honoring Aija Burris. (Photos by David Faytinger.)
Barby James, Deanne Brooks, Kim Doty, Rhonda Grose were hostesses for a bridal shower and martini luncheon for Aija Burris who will marry Mike Springer in May.
The event was at the Deep Fork Grill.
Black, white and floral Mackenzie Childs charger plates and pink, purple and green flowers decorated the tables. Lunch and martinis were served along with a chocolate fudge and French vanilla cake decorated to match the chargers. Cookies in the same colors were given as party favors.
A photo collage of the bride and groom, their parents and grandparents was on display and guests were asked to write good luck wishes which were placed in the back of the collage.
Among the guests were Cyndy Burris, Joan Burris, Shauna Rouse, Kacie Springer, Kelly Hacker.
Deanne Brooks, Barby James, Kim Doty, Rhonda Grose enjoy the party.
Weather theme set for Arts! Arts! Arts!
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Kirk Hammons and Linda Tiller talk about upcoming event and the theme “Blown Away by Arts! Arts! Arts!
What does “black tie optional” really mean? 20-40-60 answers
YOU ASK…WE ANSWER…YOU DECIDE
Question: The party invitation said “black tie optional.” What does that mean? Wear a business suit? A tux, if you want to? What if I wear a suit and everyone else has on a tuxedo? Does that mean women wear dressy cocktail dresses no matter what I wear? Do I call the host and ask what he/she is wearing?
Callie’s Answer: If it says “black tie optional” most people will be wearing black tie, although when in doubt, call the host or hostess and ask what he or she is wearing.
Women will, yes, be wearing a cocktail dress regardless. We finally have something that we do not have to think about. The cocktail dress is a staple.
Lillie-Beth’s Answer: I’ve been to “black tie optional” events recently and have seen a mixture of dress. It seems as if the men who own tuxedos wear them and the men who don’t wear their dressiest suits. The same goes with the women, although it can depend on what their dates are wearing and on what types of dresses they have. “Black tie optional” does not usually mean all the women are decked out in long, formal ball gowns. It means you can wear one if you have one, or a dressy cocktail dress is fine.
Still, the dress for a “black tie optional” party is still pretty formal, but stating those words on the invitation leaves it up to the individual as to how much to dress up.
Helen’s Answer: To me, “black tie optional” means “wear a cocktail dress” for women and either a “formal tux or dark suit for men.”
If you don’t have a tux or don’t have time to rent one, a dark suit is acceptable for the evening. At most parties/events that I have attended, men still wear tuxes when it says “black tie optional,” but the choice is theirs.
The Oklahoman’s Fashion Editor Linda Miller’s Answer: “Black tie optional” trips up many party-goers. First, you need to know that black tie means formal. That translates to a tuxedo for men and a gown for women.
“Black tie optional” gives men and women the option of taking that formal dress down a tad. Men can opt for a dark suit and tie instead of a tux. Women can choose between cocktail dresses, dressy evening separates or a formal gown.
If you’re going to an event as a couple, make sure you’re in sync. Both of you should dress in either black tie or black tie optional. Don’t mix it up. If you’re planning a grand entrance in a red carpet-worthy gown, he needs to forget the suit and slip into a tux.
(Callie Gordon, a college sophomore, was a 2009 debutante and has been in many new social situations recently. Lillie-Beth Brinkman is a former debutante and currently the assistant features editor for The Oklahoman. Helen Wallace has written a social column for The Oklahoman for many years and has been on various local Ball committees.
This group does not always agree (via age differences), but they ALL see the need for proper behavior.
Ask a specific etiquette question and you will get three answers…Then you decide for yourself how you would handle the situation. The answers have information for every age range….Callie is 20-ish; Lillie-Beth is 40-something, and Helen is 60-plus.
Please email us with your questions and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and daily blogs. We will try to answer your etiquette questions weekly on the Parties Extra! blog. Sometimes we will ask other people for their opinions.
Look for us!
helen.wallace@cox.net…lbrinkman@opubco.com… calliezok3@aol.com
Children’s decorating party held for the annual Fairy Tale Ball
Michael FitzSimons displays one of the castles. It will be part of the decorations for the annual Fairy Tale Ball. (Photos provided).
Children have been assisting adults in getting ready for the 15th annual Fairy Tale Ball presented by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre and were at a recent decorating party to help to create the decorations and table centerpieces for the Ball.
The Fairy Tale Ball is set for April 10th at The Petroleum Club. Lauren and Andy Sullivan are chairmen and Tyfanna and Brent Johnson are co-chairmen. Theme is the “Enchanted Kingdom.”
At the Ball, Fairy Tale characters will be on hand and children will have their own dining event and a performance by the OCT. Games will be set up. Adults will bid on live and silent auction packages and there will be dinner games.
Dancing will be to the “Souled Out” Band and the party begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.
Tickets are $125. for adults and $50. for children. Call the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre office for information, 606-7003.
Hayes Sullivan and Mackenzie Cohn work on their project.
Burke and Kirby Johnson show the castles.
Jackson Murphy works on his project for the event.
Linda Faulkner is guest speaker at Pi Beta Phi’s Gathering of Angels
To see more photos from Parties Extra! gallery….click here
Flower bouquets on the tables at the Pi Beta Phi luncheon were of varying heights . (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).
Members of the Pi Beta Phi Oklahoma City Alumnae Club met at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel for a luncheon. Called the “Gathering of Angel’s, the event featured a silent auction and a raffle with 27 large baskets filled with prizes.
Prizes ranged from a basket given by Nancy Ellis and Aulena Gibson of four nights in Branson, Mo. to a basket from Sarah Ooley with a gift certificate from Mr. Ooley’s Ladies Department.
The luncheon benefitted Celebrations Pre-School and City Care’s Whiz Kids.
Committee members were Cristi Bullard and Leslie Lynn, co-chairmen; Joan Hess Anderson, Erika Braver, Mary Kay Bullard, Britanny Byrd, Beth Hammack, Betty Huckabay, Andrea Hampton, Vikki Kembel, Susie Moock, Katie Puckett, Mary Reneau, Raegan Rogers, Jamie Taylor, Britton Thomason, Margo Ward, Rosemary Wilson and Chris Verity.
Underwriters were Huckabary, Kay Wint, Ann Brown, Katie Davis, Kris Frankfurt and Carolyn Zachritz.
Committee member Margo Ward sells raffle tickets.
Lynn White was at the luncheon and won one of the door prizes.
Nancy Ellis and Janie Comstock wore matching scarves.
Linda Rodgers and Kirk Hammons were at the luncheon. They are chairmen of the upcoming March 24th “Arts Arts Arts” event in Norman.
Joan Gilmore and Hilarie Blaney attended the event.
Speaker Linda Faulkner was Nancy Reagan’s social secretary.
Helen Sullivan and Janie Axton are seated and ready for lunch.
Penny McCaleb and Charlotte Richels were at the Pi Beta Phi luncheon.
Anne Gray and Ann Johnstone enjoy the day.
Patty Cohenour and Susan Sigmon study the prizes before the luncheon begins.
Ten hostesses honor Angie Sanger at a baby shower in Oklahoma City
To see more photos from Parties Extra! gallery….click here
Antique toys hung from the chandelier in the home of Jeary and Mike Seikel. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).
Jeary Seikel and Susan Sigmon were among the hostesses for the baby shower. The party was in the Seikel home.
A baby shower and party honored Angie Sanger in the home of Jeary Seikel. Angie and Ford Sanger are expecting a baby boy.
Co-hostesses were Bette MacKellar, Marty McCharen, Linda James, Janie Axton, Barbara Beeler, Pam Smith, Susan Sigmon, Nancy Ellis and Kirk Hammons.
Antique bears, trains, fire trucks and cars were hung with ribbons from the chandelier. A huge bouquet of Gerber daisies and blue hydrangeas was the centerpiece.
Dad-to-be Ford Sanger arrived in time to help unwrap some of the gifts.
Janie Axton and Barbara Beeler were hostesses.
Marilyn Torbett, Pam Smith and Jackie Jones talk at the baby shower.
Chris Verity, Angie Sanger, Patty Cohenour, Linda James and Ann Jacobson enjoy the event.
Holly Healey, Jeary Seikel and Jenny Kallenberger have fun at the party.
Debby Dudman, Marilyn Law and Barbara Thompson were at the party.
Chris Purcell and Dana Gordon watch as the gifts are opened.
Cindy Johnson, Judi Freyer, Lynn White and Joy Tucker talk at the party.
Sherry Sullivan Clark, Ann Jacobson, Jessie Ann Wallentine and Helen Woodward enjoy the event.
