I have a tight budget to throw a surprise birthday party. Would it be inappropriate to ask a few close friends to bring some appetizers or drinks to the party?
2006-12-19 09:30:30 · 22 answers · asked by Katie 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Nope, it's perfectly acceptable to hold a potluck, or just ask a few people to bring something, and give suggestions for what is most needed. Of course, if you do ask, you should allow them to bring whatever they want (even if you prefer pepsi to coke, or lemonade to punch), you should accept it graciously, and give them credit for their help in hosting the event. Be sure the guest of honor knows who contributed, so he/she can thank them as well.
2006-12-19 09:37:26 · answer #1 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with asking a few friends to bring food/drinks for a surprise party. Just make sure you let the guest of honor know that other friends participated in the refreshments and don't take all the credit.
2006-12-19 10:13:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless the party is supposed to be a potluck and everyone knows that, then no, it is not appropriate to ask friends to bring food or drink to the party.
With the exception of a potluck, when a host throws a party, the expectation is that the host is supplying the guests all of the food and drink. If your have a tight budget, then you need to downsize your plans, not try to stick invited guests with part of the bill for the party. Especially if only some of the guests are getting dunned for contributions-- yeah, they're good friends and want you to be happy, but how do you think they're going to feel when they find out that other people got invited to the party and weren't put on the spot about providing part of your food and drink?
If your guests want to contribute to the party, it is okay for them to volunteer, but you should never, ever ask for a contribution. Etiquette is very firm about that. (It is also improper to throw a party at a restaurant and stick guests with part of the tab.)
Please consider downsizing your expectations and stay within your budget so that everyone can enjoy the party equally.
2006-12-19 09:48:05 · answer #3 · answered by Karin C 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Ha! I am way ahead of the game here. I already have my essay detailing and extolling your supreme greatness all made out and ready to go. The only thing is, it was so long I had to put it onto a CD because of its extreme length. But since the guests will be anxious to read theirs too, I will give you the CD to listen to at your leisure. I have taken every 5th word from the CD and written that down on paper to read, much shorter. Here are the first 2 sentences of the condensed version: Ode to Kenny by TAP Kenny guy yahoo great laugh nice Kenny water Kenny diabolical pears laugh Kenny answers Kenny There ya go, enjoy!
2016-05-22 22:01:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A "Party" would imply that YOU are providing food and refreshments. But since you said you were on a tight budget, you could suggest a "Pot Luck" where everyone brings something. This way there is no awkward embarassing moment.
2006-12-19 10:55:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's okay, but then it's a potluck get together and not a party. Would people mind? Probably not. But let them know the nature of the get together.
But when you THROW a PARTY, then YOU throw the party. And provide food and drink for all.
I think for a birthday, I would go the party route. And provide what I could afford for all.
2006-12-19 10:03:02 · answer #6 · answered by mrssamikeyp 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If it is a gathering, family reunion or holiday celebration...you can ask. If it is a birthday, wedding, graduation...I think it is rude! Mostly because the guests will probably feel obligated to bring a gift. I never ask anyone to bring anything to MY parties!!
2014-07-08 04:08:44 · answer #7 · answered by Kelster 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it is a great idea. Potlucks are always interesting because people get to share their different tastes. Plus, they are friends, if they are anything like mine, they would be happy to assist you.
Most people bring some type of gift for the hostess anyway. This would just take the place of that gift.
2006-12-19 09:44:28 · answer #8 · answered by Sensible_5 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No way! I have done this a few times too. Just call it a potluck surprise party and tell everyone to bring a dish, then it's fair for everyone. =) Have fun!
2006-12-19 10:09:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not at all. You can print up some invitations and on it tell your guests to bring a dish. Your friends shouldn't mind bringing a little something to a party. I hope the party goes well!!!!
2006-12-19 09:33:24 · answer #10 · answered by Manny P 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋