I'm having a party, an expensive one. Renting out a whole water park. Is it wrong to drop hints in the invitations about the cost in hopes that people chip in? Or even more blatantly, just asking for $? It's a b-day/anniversary party, and we'll probably end up with 200-300 people attending. We've asked for no presents. Thanks.
2006-06-30 13:13:49 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
From an etiquette point of view, it is not allowed to ask for anything other than the presence of the invitee. If you can't afford the party, you should downsize it, maybe just rent a waterslide.
You can, of course, go through the guests' pockets which they will conveniently leave somewhere, but as Nixon once said, that would be wrong.
2006-06-30 13:19:35 · answer #1 · answered by thylawyer 7 · 5⤊ 2⤋
Are you wealthy? If so, folks will know and be surprised if you pass the cost on. However, if you are an average Joe, working hard etc....
Definitely charge a fair price to cover the cost, afterall, this is a water park that they would pay top dollar to go to any other day. If you are concerned that some folks (you will know if you have friends like this) will be priced out and not able to attend, you could put a small footnote at the bottom of the invitation to contact you "if you require a special payment arrangement."
2006-06-30 20:20:45 · answer #2 · answered by NSA File Clerk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can't afford to rent the water park out, have the party in your yard. When you invite someone as your guest, you are supposed to pay for the entertainment. Have a croquet party in a local park. Have a scavenger hunt. There are plenty of great party ideas that cost very little to stylishly execute. My friends used to take turns having cereal brunches on Sunday mornings. The hosts were out less than $20, and everyone had a great time.
2006-06-30 21:40:48 · answer #3 · answered by TXChristDem 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the height of poor manners to ask someone to pay for something you invited them too. However if the event has become to costly change the event. Or band together with other friends or family and ask the to perhaps split the cost, or help you arrange something else. Sounds like an awesome event, but if you have to take out a loan or this is really stressing you finacially you shouldn't do it.
It shouldn't matter where the party is, it should only matter that you can all get together and enjoy everyone's company.
2006-06-30 20:37:50 · answer #4 · answered by all_ knowing_ being 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be OK to mention a cost and then have someone that they can give the money when they arrive.
Example: Fee for Water park $10.00 per person. Stacy is collecting funds on day of party.
Make the invitations fun, not formal. Emphasis the things you are providing. Food, games, prizes, etc.
Have Fun!
2006-06-30 20:23:14 · answer #5 · answered by godsgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To mention the cost is tacky.
If you ask for a small donation of 5-7 dollars to help offset the costs of renting the park and (as you've done) do away with the presents, it may be appropriate. See below.
Note: Instead of presents we are humbly asking for a small donation of 5-7 dollars in order to offset the cost of renting the whole park for the uninterrupted enjoyment of the children as well as the adults. Thanks for your understanding and patience in this matter.
2006-06-30 20:22:52 · answer #6 · answered by The Good Humor Man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have three options: (1) require everyone pay an entry fee and state this clearly in the invitation, (2) hold the party and pay for everything yourself, or (3) don't hold such an expensive party.
Personally, etiquette-wise, I think it's rude to ask people to pay to get in. IMHO, if you can't afford to have an expensive party, then you shouldn't be having it. Asking for donations, IMO, is not acceptable either.
2006-06-30 20:20:53 · answer #7 · answered by Syd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have asked for no presents, then you shouldn't ask for money. Besides that, it is just plain tacky to invite people over for a party and have them chip in. If you couldn't afford this on your own, then why go to such extravagance? I guarantee you will have a lot of people not show and a lot more gossiping behind your back about what a cheapo you are.
2006-06-30 20:17:23 · answer #8 · answered by unsersmyboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your inviting me to a party I shouldn't have to pay for anything. I'll bring a gift, or chip in on supplies, but its your party and I was asked. I didn't ask to go. If you drop hints in the invitation about money then, people aren't going to come.
2006-06-30 20:17:50 · answer #9 · answered by Tarabeara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I heartily endorse the idea of coordinating a party bus for the big game or gathering a group large enough to qualify for discount theater tickets. But in those cases it abundantly clear to all that they participate at their own expense.
You are trying to do something fundamentally different -- to give a party that is beyond your means, and then shake down your guests to meet the budget shortfall. Sorry, but that's not my idea of being a host or of being a guest.
2006-06-30 22:07:14 · answer #10 · answered by kill_yr_television 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋