I’m on the fence. I’m not sure that you should be serving alcohol and snacks. What is happening next door? Will they be having food at this point?

Or, is it just for getting ready, then leaving for the venue?

I think it will be fun for you to offer to take photos.

They are lucky to have you as a neighbor!

How special! You must be a wonderful neighbor for them to have asked you.

Light refreshments would be nice. I would only provide enough alcohol for a toast... there's always *that one* in the crowd who would over-indulge, and I wouldn't want to promote that.

Definitely have ample hangers and closet space or a free standing clothing rack for their suit coats. Mints, hand-towels, cool wipes if it's a hot day... your DH should have suggestions, too, of what men appreciate while getting ready.

So much fun, Annie! Lots of excitement after a quiet year! I think a few bite-sized nibbles would be nice, as would a toast.

For fellas I'd go more lowball than champagne flute, at least for the pics. In keeping with the low/no alcohol before the wedding, I'd probably do a nice glass pitcher of Arnold Palmer with or without a drop of vodka, lowball glasses on a tray, perhaps an ice bucket, all ready for a happy toast and possible photo opp.

You're a good neighbor, and a good friend :) Enjoy!

Fun! how many groomsmen? don’t be surprised if one of them brings the liquid refreshment. I would have some bottles of water, ice, maybe 1 tray of hors d'oeuvres, and a couple bottles of champ or prosecco chilling (unopened) in an ice bucket.

you might be called upon to help pin on a boutonniere or 5.

What a lovely thing you are doing for the groom! He is lucky to be in your circle. My bridal party certainly enjoyed a few pre wedding drinks back in the day, so I see no harm in the groom’s men having a few snacks, drinks options and a celebratory mood. Enjoy the celebrations!

I‘d have a table of light refreshments but you won’t want any spills or drips of things that can stain. I’d have a table with sparkling water and non-messy finger foods such as cheese squares and crackers (no dips), grapes, assorted nuts. If you want to toast—a small bottle enough for just a few sips each.

I’d also have some sort of bags on hand so they can stash and carry their regular clothes/shoes after changing —-large gift bags from the dollar store could work.

There will be the groom and 3 ushers so 4 in total.

Feathers, great suggestions...I will also have one of those hotel shoe polish thingies so they can shine their shoes...a clothes brush in case any of them tangle with my cats....though the cats are not allowed in the guest room.

And we absolutely don't want a drunk groom at the altar!!!

Have socks for them! I went to a summer wedding where the guys arrived in shorts and flip flops to put on their rented tuxes, shirts, and shoes. The groom’s mother had to run to JCPenney’s to get dress socks!

I think it would be nice to provide a few non-messy snack items to the guys. Cheese, crackers, nuts, etc. Perhaps a light toast after they are all ready would be nice. Perhaps you can check with your neighbor to see if this is ok. I can see why you are beyond excited for this opportunity.

As to other provisions, maybe a few things in the bathroom, such as a bottle of mouthwash disposable cups, wet wipes, and maybe anything else your DH might think about. And I would have a needle and thread handy too in case someone has a last minute need.

OP, the guest room is near my craft room so lots of sewing supplies for sure! Great suggestions. I have *lots* of brand new toothbrushes too....

I feel your excitement! I haven't read the replies yet but I suggest no alcohol. You just never know. Cold bottled water, soft drinks, coffee, and lots of finger foods/snacks.

Glancing at Outside's suggestions, I wouldn't get nuts. They get caught between the teeth. lol

So fun!

Ginger ale, 7-up

Basket with (so they don't have to ask): acetaminophen, ibuprofen, famotidine/Pepcid, loperamide/Imodium, fexofenadine/Allegra (is nonsedating).

How nice! Bottled water, La Croix, a basket of dry snax.

The world needs more neighbors like you. What a wonderful thing for you to do.

One thing I know....no cheetos!!

:)

A nice memory for you Annie. Will a photographer show up? They may dress quickly and move back over next door or on to the wedding venue. Agree with bottled water and some simple snack that can grab and take.

Yeah, in our family we call that "toxic orange dust." So gross.

How is your friend doing on the MOG dress search. It's so funny, because I was looking on her behalf, I keep getting MOG dress suggestions. I found myself thinking about it at the mall yesterday!

Hahah....well she found one she liked but didn't want to spend that money on a dress she's only going to wear once. The one she ordered on line she said didn't fit. She found one that she's fine with at David's but she's not in love with it. So the search continues...

Arapaho, I don't know about the photog showing up...I'd have to ask, but s/he is welcome, of course....unless they stick with the bride, which is likely.

Just my .02, my conservative (as in narrow taste) husband hates champagne. He once told me, "Only girls like champagne." He's always going "ugh" when I suggest we get champagne. Which is kind of absurd, but he is that way about a lot of things, saying that they are for "girls." Not saying these guys will be like that, just warning that the attitude does exist. Hubs feels that way about all bubbly drinks, btw . . . he won't drink flavored soda water either. Make sure if you do get champagne that it is "brut." Sounds more manly! (I'm joking!)

I don't happen to like champagne so I'll stick with prosecco....

Oh man, if there is a heaven to go to, in my mind you can drink prosecco all day long and not gain weight . . . or fall over . . .

Prosecco is a little sweeter; i prefer it too. Also comes in cute little bottles so less waste.

This is my fave:

So....if bride, groom and attendants are drinkers, it's quite the thing now for them to drink hard liquor beforehand. I don't get it, and my own kids aren't huge drinkers, but I do think a flask or two will come out. But then again, maybe this is a CA thing.

Such a fun day for you to look forward to--I'm envious!

How exciting! Before making too many plans, I would ask the MOG what they would like from you. That said, I agree with Mtn's suggestion of bottled water, La Croix and dry snacks.

The photographer might show up to take wedding prep photos, but others could be taken outside before the wedding... assuming they are getting married next door. If otherwise, I doubt s/he will make an appearance.

You should definetly offer to take a few shots of them after tgey are finished dressing.

These random puctures are the most fun in my opinion.

I am sure they will do a few fun/silly poses as well.

I doubt the photog will be here as the groom is on one side of the wedding venue and the bride's family is on the opposite side, each at quite a distance. The location was chosen for its central location for both families.

The guys will undoubtedly have their phones and will be taking pictures themselves. Ensure there are plenty of places for them to charge their devices.

I wouldn't go overboard providing food and drink. Bottled water and perhaps a few soft drinks on ice would be appropriate, IMO, but I would not provide alcohol. Snacks? Hmmm ... I don't think I'd bother. Presumably they'll eat after the ceremony, and will likely be focused on preparing for the event more than anything.

It's a very kind thing you're doing by letting them use your space. Don't overthink it. :-)

Annie - I'd keep the beverages and snacks simple but it would be wonderful if you offered to take some photos - and you're a great photographer. Plus you have such a beautiful home that it would be a lovely background - especialy the deck and patio with the pond and flowers in bloom.

My son's wedding was on the other side of Philadelphia in Chester County and to make it more maneagable we all stayed in a nice hotel in the area, along with the out of town guests. The bride had the bridal suite and my son had another suite and the attendants did their wedding prep there. Both my DD and my other son were in the wedding so I popped back and forth to see if anyone needed anything.

The photograher sent most of his time with the bride and her attendants but he did take photos of the boys and I'm so thankful that he did. I've known them since middle school and it was wonderful to see them all together again, joking around and telling stories. The candid shots were a nice complement to the photorgrapher's more formal poses.

Maire

Annie, you’re a wonderful person and neighbor. With young men in a celebratory mood, it’s possible they may have alread had a few drinks. I too would keep it to hydrating bottled drinks - water, Hint/lacroix. This is an off beat suggestion, but coconut water is an excellent for hydration and replenishing electrolytes. Cheese cubes and/or other dry snacks.

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I'm afraid of someone spilling something on themselves before the big event. I know I would do that if I had the opportunity!

I just don't get the "don't give them alcohol" thing. Are they not adults? 34 years ago my attendants and I enjoyed a glass or two of bubbly (along with some finger sandwiches) while we were getting hair and makeup and no one fell down!

Alcohol is a very personal thing, and I can think of a number of reasons why I wouldn't want strangers imbibing in my home. Annie can certainly make up her own mind, but she asked what others would do in the same circumstance. YMMV.

Of course, I was just surprised at so many people saying dont' give them alcohol. I was just thinking of my own family but of course there there are many extenuating circumstances. Mea culpa.

No mea culpas needed. I asked for a variety of perspectives and that's exactly what I'm getting. We all don't have to agree on everything, and I appreciate everyone's input.

I can tell that you are a gracious woman Annie. D. I'm sure that whatever you do it will be appreciated and remembered with happiness..

@Annie Deighnaugh - I'm late to this but just love that you are extending your hospitality to your friend and neighbor in this way. It will be very exciting to be part of the festivities. I like the ideas presented earlier: LaCroix, water, light snacks, mints along with the practical items such as lint rollers, stain sticks, etc. I probably would have some individual Proseccos on hand as well but would likely confer with the groom's mom to see what she thought. Hope she finds a MOG dress that she loves and makes her feel beautiful.

Annie, you are such a sweetie! Whatever you do is bound to be fun and perfect, too!

Annie, it is so wonderful to be included in the wedding festivities and evidence of how good a friend you are. You asked about picture taking. My experience has been that the photographer pops over to where the groom is and takes pictures of the groom, the groomsmen, and the groom's parents. These photos are always precious. Your home and grounds are beautiful and will be a wonderful backdrop. I hope the MOG finds a dress she loves.

I dont see its changed much. Seems to me there were far more cantankerous threads in the years past.…..leaving covid out . Ida/ Jen, come back! *You've been here forever, and a core part this forum, and would be sorely missed. Is your skin a bit thIn? Guess thats why I always think pf you as a redhead 😀 Yep, and pretty sure you know it. WE all have our foibles ..our tribe ACCEPTS them and goes on….bunched panties and all. 😁

And wouldnt your sweet mama mention ’ clipping noses while spiting faces?

* is a little dust up worth it? Nah, sure;y not. You are far too intelligent to allow one ro carry you off.