To think we are going to be embarrassed but to refuse to give in

[Primadonnagirl]

Change some details to protect the innocent but basically big family party this weekend to celebrate in laws anniversary. We offered to go halves with them mainly as a present but also cos we knew they couldn't afford the whole cost themselves. Since then we've had a financial setback but we ere determined not to tell them and we have managed to be able to afford it..just.
A couple of days ago though his parents announced they have changed some of the arrangements.Normally I'd say their party, fine...but one of the changes is that they will only be serving 5 bottles of wine at dinner..for a party of 35 people!! Now we hadn't planned a free bar but we did want to give everyone a glass of wine with the meal. I also appreciate it will hardly be a riotous drinking affair ( both quite elderly now) but nevertheless I think this is stingy.
Husbands view is tough .. Their decision let them sort it out. I'm inclined to agree but I know I will feel mortified..plus we will end up getting extra and do we pay for that on top of our drinks on the day or do we say " you made the decision so you pay for the shortfall"..
All views appreciated ..but I can't believe that 5 bottles is going to be enough!

Just great some boxed wine. 3 1/2 bottles in a box for a fiver.

I think the red-only policy is more noticeably odd than the measly amount.

JUST red wine being served will look plain weird; people would be forgiven for assuming the white will be an option when the red comes round.

I worked in hospitality catering for years and I guarantee you that when the waiters go round and pour the red, at least half the guests will say "I'll have white please". People will be more when they are told there is no white than they will be at size of the thimble of red their neighbour is being poured.

God OP your ILs are totally misguided.

I'm tempted to say " Ill have the white please " too just to see what happens!! Bet you all wish you were invited eh?

I would be having a word with the catering manager. It seems to me that they have been persuaded to go with an extra course, which otherwise wouldn't be bought. Knowing that people will still pay for drinks themselves or that you will stump up for more wine. This way the hotel ups their 'take'.

Buying extra bottles yourself will work out mega expensive in a hotel... £18 a bottle approx I should think, if not £20. So you are looking at shelling out thick end of £200 for 10 extra bottles.

Can you just ring and cancel the wine or swap it for cava or bucks fizz as a single glass welcome drink?

Everyone buying their own to go with the meal would be far more acceptable than serving tiny amounts for red lovers only and leaving everyone else 'dry'.

I can't just change the wine without telling DH and his parents though ?

Oh go on be a devil.... (I so wouldn't dare but wish I did)