What is the term/phrase you use on an invitation when the guests are to pay their on way?

Question

My friend is having her parents 25th wedding anniversary party at a local restaurant. She cannot afford everyone's meal so people will be paying for their own food. I know there is some phrase or term that is used on invitations to make people aware of this.

Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

i dont agree with the other people that say that it is tacky to invite other people and not pay...if your friend was forced to pay, she wouldnt have the party, and then her parents might not even have a 25th anniversary wedding party...apparently people forgot that the point of the party is to spend time with the happy couple and share stories about their lives together, not to get a free meal. the party is a gift from everyone to the couple, not a gift from the friend to everyone else..

i have been to several parties like this...all she needs to put on the invitation is the location, date and time and that light refreshments will be provided, or cake, or whatever...she doesnt need to put that people need to bring money for dinner...they should be able to gather that from the *light refreshments provided*...however, to be on the safe side...she should put *any questions, please feel free to contact so and so at such and such number*.

if anyone calls her and complains about her not paying, she should then ask them how much they would like to contribute to the *party fund* :)

Answer 2

I've never seen it where the person inviting the guests pay when it is at a restaurant. I've been invited to a double baby shower and a few birthday parties and each and every time they pay for their own meal, and I always paid for my own meal, nothing needed to be said.

Now if its catered, then say "dinner on the house" (or whatever restaurant it is) or something.

Since it is paying your own way, just state that you are getting a bunch of people together to celebrate a wedding anniversary at a restaurant. Or something to the effect of it being a "dutch meal" (though I dunno if they will realize 'going dutch' means paying your own way).

Answer 3

It's never appropriate to have a party and expect guests to pay -- make sure your friend doesn't make this mistake! Cake/coffee would be lovely -- have photos around of her parents' wedding day, when they were young, etc. Have a book for everyone to sign w/ their good wishes. Don't make them pay!

Answer 4

Yep, sorry, you can't invite people out for a celebration like that and ask them to pay for themselves. She can have a cake and coffee celebration during the middle of the day (ie. after lunch and before dinner.) In that invitation she'd phrase that it's cake and beverages, so as not to lead to any grander expectations. Maybe the phrase you were thinking of is, "Your presence is gift enough, no presents please."

Answer 5

I have seen "Light refreshments provided - dinner on your own available from Hooter's (or whatever the name of the restaurant is) menu."

I do agree with the others, though, that it's not really a good idea. I've seen it before, but that doesn't make it right!

Answer 6

Oh for pete s sake, you guys, it s called a NO-HOST GATHERING. Geez, are you kidding me? YES, it s "a thing"!

Answer 7

Nope, sorry, if they are guests they are NOT supposed to pay, that is why they bring a gift!!!
I would advice to have a buffet, it is cheaper, or for your friend to take her parents out to dinner by herself (you could go too ;) )

IT IS SUPER-MEGA TACKY to throw a party and expect the guest to pay!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

BYW!

(Bring Yo Wallet!)

Answer 9

If they can't afford it, don't even try to throw a party.

Answer 10

BYOB=Bring your own booz
PYOW=Pay your own way