As you plan your party or event it is always wise to think about and have a contingency plan for the “oops” or “what if’s”. It is wonderful to have a party that goes exactly as planned. That actually is a beautiful thing! There are many different types of contingency plans you can have – more people show up than planned for or too few show up, weather, catering mishaps, no show’s on hired vendors, etc. I will address these another time.
The one I want to focus on today is, how to plan for the overly imbibed guest. First thing that comes to mind is – call Uber, Lyft, car service, taxi, or have someone at your party drive them home. Not always an easy answer if you have a guest who can’t seem to remember where they live – I have had this a couple of times!! Another option, if you have room, is to put them to bed in your home and hope they sleep it off fairly quickly.
How can you proactively address this potential situation? As the host, it is almost impossible to keep an eye on every guest. 
If you have a bartender or bartenders, ask them ahead of time, to keep an eye on your guests and alert you as soon as possible to anyone they think might have had “enough”. It may not be your guest who has had 4, 5, 6 drinks etc., it could be the non-drinker who has had a couple of drinks. Once you know the situation you can diplomatically and gently handle your guest before they are out of control. Offer your guest food to absorb the alcohol, water to hydrate themselves, or a ride home, etc.
Ask your spouse, a close friend, or someone you trust to help keep an eye out as well. You as the host/hostess are responsible for the welfare and safety of your guests. We all know that, but we sometimes rationalize that “they are adults, I shouldn’t have to babysit my guests”. Better to be extra safe than sorry later!!
In today’s world of e-invitations it is not always so easy to know all your guests addresses. We are inviting guests to our party or event electronically, either thru e-invitations, email, social media or text. I would suggest asking each guest to provide their address as they respond to your invitation. It doesn’t have to be out there for all to see, but what a great thing to have in your back pocket (not literally!) if the unforeseen happens.
So as you are planning for your perfect party and plan for the “what ifs”, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
When serving alcohol always have food available
Have plenty of water around
Provide non-alcoholic beverages
Get others to help you keep an eye on your guests
Proactively have all your guest’s physical addresses
Plan ahead of time – what you will do with a guest that has had too much to drink?
Call Uber, Lyft, car service, taxi for a ride home – have those numbers and account information handy
Know who or identify someone that will drive your guest home
Have all your guest’s addresses readily available
Take their keys away from them
Decide if you will put them up for the night in your home, (or if you are at a venue – put them up at a nearby hotel)
All your contingency planning will allow you to relax and enjoy your party and guests, because you know that you are prepared, should someone enjoy your party a little too much!
