My son and his girlfriend will attend the prom along with three other couples; they have all been friends for a while. The girlfriend's mother offered to rent a limo for all four couples. I would like to participate in the cost, and I wonder how much I should give: Half? More or less than that? (I asked her if she would like my participation, and she said yes, although she has no idea yet of the cost. The other kids' parents did not offer to participate in the cost).
2007-03-27 07:51:36 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Ooh, this can be a tricky situation.
I would talk with your son first. Since his girlfriend's mother is the one who is volunteering the limo, I would include the girlfriend in this conversation as well. I would let him know that you are very excited for him, and you would like to contribute toward the cost of the limo, but that it seems somehow unfair that two mothers should be responsible for the cost of a limo that will be enjoyed by eight people!
Ask your son (and the girlfriend) to mention to the other kids involved that they may want to pitch in. After all, the more people that are willing to contribute, the more the price goes gown for everyone! This way, the kids can talk to their own parents (which is likely to be a much easier conversation) and you may already have an idea of how much you'll need to pay when you talk with the girlfriend's mother.
If no one else can contribute, it would certainly be nice your you to pay half, but I don't see that it is necessary. Pay what you can afford, and be up front about that when you pay your share. After all, this mother is the one that initiall agreed to "foot the bill", so she can afford the total cost. I'm sure that she will appreciate any help that you can provide.
It's very nice of you to help keep costs down. Hopefully the kids can do the leg work for you and limit the costs for everyone. Good leg! (You're a good mom!)
2007-03-27 08:58:33 · answer #1 · answered by maryeforeman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your generosity is thoughtful :) and especially your asking IF participation was welcome.
You have several things to consider.
In one sense, you are not obliged to cover the non contributing parents. Another consideration - if you contribute 1/4 or 1/8th - Are all the parents taking advantage of the one who volunteered? In another - had no one volunteered to join in the cost, the limo would have been a gift from one - involving the same obligations for reciprocation any gift might.
Bear in mind the non contributing may not be thoughtless, nor are they obliged to contribute to a limo. It might be because money is tight or their expectation/agreement with their child was that they cover their own prom costs, or even that as a parent they planned to drive the kids... Altho arranging transportation is perhaps safer, date transportation for prom or anything else is actually the responsibility of the date-ers not the parents.
You need to decide what you choose to contribute; you are aware of your own financial situation and more aware then I can be of what the limo instigator's situation is :)
2007-03-27 15:12:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally, a limo for the evening can cost an average of 300-500 dollars. simply ask her to let you know what the cost will be, or even look into the rental yourself, so you can offer her suggestions or alternatives.
2007-03-27 14:57:23 · answer #3 · answered by xooxcable 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Consider calling a parent meeting between everyone's parents and talking it over between all of you. If it's going to be $500 for the night, you might not want to foot half of that. But between several families, it wouldn't be so bad. See what people are willing to pay and then match that.
2007-03-27 15:00:47 · answer #4 · answered by Kaiialyne S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How come the parents get stuck with the bill? Tell your son to work for it. Limo is so overated and a waste of money. Spend that money for his college tuition.
2007-03-27 15:01:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
well, this is tricky since she didn't solicit your help - but generally you should go halves. If that's too much for you, just throw in a portion that you're comfortable with. You offered to help, but she offered to pick up the tab entirely, which is ultimately not your responsibility if you're not OK with the final cost. She should be happy you're pitching in at all since she was ready to go it alone!
2007-03-27 15:00:58 · answer #6 · answered by should be working 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd offer to pay 1/4, as that is your son's share. If she wants help from the other parents it's up to her to ask for it.
2007-03-27 14:59:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well -- I would go half unless some of the other parents want in then split evenly between everyone.
2007-03-27 15:00:47 · answer #8 · answered by Okaydokay21 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would ask all the parents to contribute equally. If some can't afford a full share let them contribute whatever they can.
2007-03-27 15:09:29 · answer #9 · answered by teamkimme 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should split it into thirds.
2007-03-27 22:45:07 · answer #10 · answered by Trillium 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋