is this a perfectly acceptable party invite?

[irregularegular]

50th birthday party (not mine). At a sailing club, from 7.30 - hopefully to make the most of the sunset.

Had invite/save the date ages ago but it was slightly vague. Got an update a few days ago, saying it is a drinks party so don't come hungry as only providing nibbles, plenty of beer and prosecco, but contributions to bar welcome.

AIBU to think this is a perfectly nice, normal, party which I am looking forward to attending? It wouldn't have crossed my mind to think otherwise, if it wasn't for the horror and uproar caused a little while ago by the party in a pub which only provided nibbles and started at 7.30 or 8.00 and everyone was clearly going to leave to eat somewhere else.

Sounds lovely to me, as long as it's clear up front then I can't see the problem

It’s hard to say. To me, if I was putting on a party st 7.30, I’d expect to provide food. On the other hand, the invitation is completely clear they won’t be, so no dishonesty.

I think great they have explained exactly what is happening

Yes, seems clear to me. Enjoy!!

It's fine, and it's FROM 7.30 which doesn't mean you need to be there at that time. Eat and go an hour or so later. Bet no-one much will be there that early

Aren't parties always "from" and you get there a bit later? Unless a dinner party.

In the other thread I don't think honesty was considered enough!

My only problem now is working out what to wear that is a bit party-ish but not too dressed up and comfortable walking along the river and probably spending time outside.

Not worth getting offended by. As long as hosts make it clear. No doubt some guests will arrive late after a dinner out somewhere but that's fine too.

If it’s explained I think it’s fair enough as people can eat first; unless it’s a meal out I tend to eat before these things anyway as it’s ofteb buffet food and I wouldn’t expect to be full as if I’d eaten an evening meal

Not sure why anyone would need to 'leave to eat somewhere else' .
Surely you'd eat your meal before you go. they are saying 'come for drinks' rather than 'come to eat'.
I like an invitation that just makes it clear, so you know where you stand.

How could anyone possibly 'mind' or 'be offended' etc. It's an invitation. Go or don't go.

a nice tea party dress.with some ballet type flats.

Make sure you have something warm to throw over whatever you decide to wear; sunset can be a bit nippy, and it does sound as though you’ll be spending time outside.

Fine. I went to one a while ago and it said ‘only nibbles and drinks’ - as long as you know!

Sounds fine to me, they’ve told you what to expect.

I think the problem with the other party at 7:30 with only nibbles was that the host had never mentioned that there would be no food, so everyone was caught out (and starving!)

DO NOT SUGGEST ORDERING PIZZA TO ANYONE.

I think is fine.

The exception would be something that started earlier which didn’t provide food - like a wedding. I think there was a wedding reception thread recently where no food was served and guests had to go to the pub next door? That’s a different story!