Is it proper etiquette to charge a fee to come to a birthday party?

Answer 1

Not really, since an invitation to a party is the same as inviting someone to your home as a guest. Imagine that your neighbor invited you over for dinner, for example, and then asked you to pay $10 for the cost of your meal. Wouldn't you be shocked?

At the same time, I sometimes go to parties that are thrown by younger people who don't necessarily have a lot of money to provide food for many guests, etc. In such a case, you could make the party a potluck, or you could write something on the invitation like "if you are willing to help out with food, please let me know." The most important thing is to let people know beforehand what the arrangements are and be flexible. I know that I would rather cover the cost of a few of my friends than not have their company if they can't afford to bring anything. You might find that some people refuse such an invitation, but hopefully your friends will be understanding.

Another simple option is just to make the celebration more modest so that it fits better with your budget. Your true friends will not be offended if you don't throw them the most expensive party of the year. In fact, it would be quite ungrateful of people to criticize your party because it didn't meet with their expectations. You might not want that kind of guest anyway.

P.S. I think it would be better to ask people to help out with food rather than asking them to give you money to buy food with. There's something about asking for money that's just not classy.

Answer 2

It is never okay to charge a fee to attend a birthday party. If you invited guests than you are hosting the event. The host is expected to pick up any costs associated with whatever event they are planning. Not sure why people would even THINK it would be okay to charge a guest a fee. How many birthday parties would you attend if you were charged to be there?

Answer 3

Yes, I've heard of it. It raises money for the celebrant. This way, you don't take gifts. What they want is the money. Its not a donation because they set the minimum say $50, however, you may give more if you'd like. I'm sure it'll be all right.

I've been invited to one but didn't go because I felt it was too much. But it might have been a smash because it was a black-tie event for a lady's 50th birthday! So sorry I missed it. Although you pay, its for you, and the money only helps defray the costs of pulling together the event.

Answer 4

No I don't think it is. That said, I have heard of some people charging people to go to their wedding (basically the cost of the meal) in lieu of presents. I would feel wrong about that though. I guess it depents on who you are asking- if it's close friends and family and you are short of cash, they might understand.

Answer 5

It usually work for college students who do it on everyone's birthday, so it's fair. Working adults should not do it unless this group of friends follow the same policy with all their birthdays.

Answer 6

No, it's not because people come to your birthday or someone else's party to enjoy themselves. However, it would be proper ettiquette to do so only if the people who are supposed to care about you most come without a gift, then you can charge a little fee.

Answer 7

No. Not at all. If someone invited me to a party, and then informed me there was a cover charge, I'd definitely decline and find it rude.

Answer 8

NO way. If you invite someone to a party, you are the host and the host must always pay for everything.

Answer 9

yes. If the person tells you before hand and give you the choice whether you want to come.

It is by no means the normal way to do things though.

Answer 10

that is improper to charge. think about it, would you want to pay to go to a b-Day party... i know i would not, I can expect to be expected to bring a nice gift but not to pay to gain entrance.