How should I word this email?

[Zach'smom]

I am the team manager for my ds's hockey team this season.  The team is  playing in a tournament and I am setting up a team dinner at a nearby restaurant after the game.  I need to send an email to the parents, so I can get a headcount .   I know nobody expects the coaches to pay for the meals, but just too be sure I want to put something in the email about each family paying for their own meal.  Is there a polite way  to do this?

Thanks!!!

[A&A]

Hey parents and players!  Please remember that after the tournament, we will be meeting at XYZ restaurant at Q time to celebrate a successful season.  Come hungry, and come with money, because although the coaches love you, they expect you to pay for your own meals.  Please send me back an email so I can get a headcount.  Thanks so much!

[Just1More]

What about mentioning the name of the restaurant and linking their online menu?  You could say something like, "you can go here to check out the menu and pricing."  Or say, meals range from $x to $z.

[Imakcerka]

I would actually let them know what average prices for the meals are as well so they can plan accordingly.  I had this issue with a soccer team.  I literally stated that the organization would be paying for players meals but that they were responsible for the rest of their family.  Bolded mind you.  It was a pizza place and I can't tell you the amount of "other" people that were eating off the table for the players.  It was ridiculous.  I did corner a family of 8 that included grandparents and asked them to purchase two more Pizza's as they had literally taken two off the table and brought them to their own table.  They refused.  It was very uncomfortable.

[artekah]

Or say, "Bring $/person for dinner. See you there!"

[CherryBombMama]

I like Just1More's idea. 

[ollyoxenfree]

Originally Posted by Just1More 

What about mentioning the name of the restaurant and linking their online menu?  You could say something like, "you can go here to check out the menu and pricing."  Or say, meals range from $x to $z.

Yes, I had the same thought of making a statement about the range of prices for entrees.

Good luck to the team in their game!  

[mtiger]

When my daughter's FH team had their end-of-season dinner, we covered the cost for players, but requested $X amount per guest attending (paid in advance). We worked a deal with the restaurant for a choice between three entrees, salad, soft drinks and dessert. Period.

[chenchen]

You could say something along the lines of, "To avoid the confusion and hassle of collecting money in advance, let's plan for each family to check out independently at the restaurant."