Would like to indicate this info on invitation. Shower will be held in dining room at place of employment. Have pending contract with employee who caters functions held frequently at our place of employment.
2007-05-12 19:23:30 · 21 answers · asked by kirkman782002 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
stop being so cheap and just pay for it. just give appetizers to them. After all you are expecting a gift.
2007-05-12 19:26:23 · answer #1 · answered by beyondthelimit 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
You can't inform co-workers that they have to pay for a meal they were gracious enough to attend especially if they are paid hourly and expected to "clock out." However you have some options. One is to encourage the idea that the co-workers are having a part in "hosting" the event and you take up a collection for the cost, which should be done privately much like you'd pass around a birthday card. Or... to be devious about it, you could take a collection for the mother to be at the shower, take out the money it cost for the caterer and give the rest to the mother to be, which obviously should be done discreetly.
Ideally though neither of these is appetizing and the money for the expense should come from the BOSS, who should be smart enough to budget for entertainment expenses such as these from the company's budget. I believe it is a tax write-off.
2007-05-12 20:08:03 · answer #2 · answered by SnakEve 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no way to tactfully inform an invited guest that they are not only expected to bring a gift but also must help pay for the party.
The cost of a catered meal (and any other associated costs) at a baby shower traditionally falls to a group of hostesses.
2007-05-12 19:37:47 · answer #3 · answered by Clint 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm afraid you can't do it tactfully, because it is rude to ask your guests to pay for their meal. By definition that makes them something besides a guest; it makes them a paying customer at your friend's party. I suggest you arrange the shower to fit within your budget; a simple menu of cake and finger food is customary, and quite affordable.
If this is a "just for co-workers" shower, and will take place during everyone's lunch, then you might say that the shower will take place during the lunch break, and cake & punch will be provided. People should understand then that it's not a full meal. However, an after-work, catered affair should be paid for by the people hosting the shower.
Hope this helps!
2007-05-12 20:11:03 · answer #4 · answered by Kat 3 · 7⤊ 0⤋
If you are not able to provide for the cost of the meal in another way for the shower, then I wouldn't expect each person attending to pay their own way. I would simply offer light refreshments, and make it clear on the invitation that light refreshments were all that were being included. That way those who wish to attend could bring their own lunches that day, enjoy some cake, punch or veggie trays, something light like that, to accompany whatever they brought, and you won't have anyone with hurt feelings because they had to pay their own way to attend the shower. Otherwise, provide a few light refreshments and include a small note at the bottom that says "So and so" is willing to make lunches for those who don't wish to bring their own for "X" amount, please notify us if you'd like to take part in the meal - that way it's not like you're asking people to pay their own way, only giving them an option of something convenient for lunch for the day.
2007-05-14 10:01:54 · answer #5 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been to many baby showers and have never heard of someone charging for the food offered. If it's too expensive to pay for the catering, have the party at someones home and avoid the cost of catering.
2007-05-13 02:26:32 · answer #6 · answered by Pandora 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no way to tactfully expain this. A baby shower where people are expected to GIVE GIFTS AND PAY THEIR OWN WAY?? I think that is a bit on the tacky side (I am sorry....I hate saying mean things but in this case it does have to be said!!)
Someone needs to HOST this luncheon and pay the way. Approach the boss....see if he can work something out. It's just not right to expect people to pay their own way and then buy nice gifts for the baby, too!!
2007-05-13 09:57:05 · answer #7 · answered by diapercakesbybecca 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You have to have tact in order to do that and charging your friends for food at a baby shower is tactless. If you couldn't afford to throw the baby shower you shouldn't have offered. That is the price of hosting. Why don't you have it somewhere else and just get a cake if it is such a big deal.
2007-05-17 08:20:53 · answer #8 · answered by Penny K 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
WHAT? are you serious? You're inviting people to a party with a meal and expect them to pay for it? Why provide a meal if you can't afford it?
There is no tactful way to do it, because you're not being tactful.
Would you expect to pay a cover charge for a wedding?
2007-05-12 20:17:35 · answer #9 · answered by Noota Oolah 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Well its standard etiquette to pay for the food. If you charge that is very tacky and rude. The host pays. Not the guest.
2007-05-20 13:35:27 · answer #10 · answered by Pepper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are the host/hostess the protocol is that you are responsible for the cost of the event...or make it a pot-luck, where one brings a covered dish, were as you furnish the main entree, meat, etc.
2007-05-20 01:14:55 · answer #11 · answered by Sandy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋