Originally Posted By melekalikimaka (I spent $20 in parking in Seattle last weekend.) I like to throw extravagant parties, but my idea of extravagant is different than most. I think I spent $150 on my daughter's bday party in Sept. I bought a lot of luau type decorations and they can always be re-used. (She also got less presents.) I just like to spend money on the littlest details. One of the little girls at the party said "Linnie always has the best parties!" and Linnie later told me that it was the best day of her life. So that made it TOTALLY worth it. LOL! I would be sad if I was invited to a party that I couldn't afford.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 That's different Mele. Yes, I'm not even gonna say what I spent of the kids New Year's Eve party last year. However, none of the guests were required to shell out any dough - and it wasn't spent on goodie bags - it's was spent on creating an atmosphere and the entertainment.
Originally Posted By peeaanuut a few posts later, I want to add on to what I said. If this was already said, than i 2nd it. If you are having a party and say its $50 to get in for whatever it is, I think all attempts should be made so that invitees can attend. If you need to fork out money out of your pocket than do so. I went to a party where we had to pay to get in. A few people couldnt make it for financial reasons, so a few of us got together enough money to pay for them. Basically, if you invite someone to something they need to pay, make sure they can pay it or offer to pay or a mixture of both. I think its more rude to invite people to something you know they cant attend than to not invite them at all. Like I said, its your party, do what you want, but dont belittle people that cant make it.
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS We had about 15 people to my Daughter's 16th birthday at Disneyland. We paid for everyone's ticket and breakfast, but made them only pay the $10.00 for the birthday party/cake decoration thingy at Plaza Inn. I didn't think that was too much of a price for people to pay for a whole weekend at Disneyland. (Yes, we put them up at Hojo's as well..) We are not rich, this is just what my daughter wanted for a sweet 16. I did not expect for anyone to have to pay to enjoy her day. So we saved for about 6 months, and used Ursula's cast member discounts liberally. This helped alot. (Thanks, sis!!) Also, Willie at Hojo's hooked us up with a pretty decent discount for the 5 rooms we booked. I would never have expected everyone to pay their own way. This might have not allowed some of our family / friends to attend, and that would have broke my kid's heart.
Originally Posted By StillThePassHolder My wife's 40th was December 15. I planned a surprise party. I got a suite at the Disneyland Hotel, ordered 8 bottles of champagne from room service, got a cake for 20 people from Knotts, coffee for 20 people and balloons and flowers. A dozen people were there, and they didn't have to pay for a thing, except in some cases a hangover the next day. Even parking was free for them. The cost? Doesn't matter, surprising my wife was worth it.
Originally Posted By trailsend I think it is extremely rude to ask guests to pay when they are invited to a party anywhere and any kind. If one is throwing a party, then one should pay for the party. Guests are guests.
Originally Posted By Kylesmom <<The cost? Doesn't matter, surprising my wife was worth it.>> STPH, do you have a clone?
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter My admittedly old-fashioned take on the subject: if you are hosting a party and inviting guests to it, you pay. No ifs, ands, or buts. If you want guests to help cover the costs, then don't pretend that you are hosting it. Simply offer to be an organizer of a group activity.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<If you want guests to help cover the costs, then don't pretend that you are hosting it. Simply offer to be an organizer of a group activity.>> BINGO!!! Exactly.
Originally Posted By FaMulan For my sister's first bridal shower, her three attendents, me included, co-hosted the shower. We split all costs amongst the three of us and threw a wonderful party for her. I hosted her first baby shower at the home of a cousin. I supplied everything and was offered assistance in things from other relatives, which I gratefully accepted.
Originally Posted By peeaanuut We are kind of doing a mix of the 2 things for our wedding. Jayna has always wanted to get married in Hawaii. So thats what we are planning. We will inform everyone of the date and if they can make it than great. My parents are going to cover the cost of airfair for themselves us, Jaynas mom and my grandmother. Anyone else would have to come on their dime. Of course the trip to Hawaii is also our honeymoon. The hitch is, that if they are unable to make the wedding in Hawaii, we are going to have a party back here in California after we get back. Basically a reception but no gifts. For anyone that couldnt make it for financial or other reasons. I know alot of my friends wont be able to make it to Hawaii and that is fine which is why we are having the party here.
Originally Posted By StillThePassHolder "STPH, do you have a clone?" LOL. Based upon the persona I likely project to some around here, they would probably tell you there better not be. Truth be told, I'm really not the ogre some think I am. I do have one full brother (who's married) and five half brothers (three are married, one lives with a former Playboy playmate, and another is single, but he lost most of his vision two years ago). I'm the oldest at 47, the youngest is 35, and he just got married this past July. We all waited a long time to get married, so I think maybe that's the secret. Once you finally find the right one, you've learned what it takes to keep everyone happy. At least that's what we tell ourselves.
Originally Posted By beamerdog Pnut has the right approach if you have a destination wedding. On the other hand, my DH's cousin had a small on-the-beach wedding at an expensive resort in FL. There was no local reception or even a small family gathering to introduce us. At that point we just couldn't afford the trip. His cousin and husband have since excluded us from most of their lives (except for sending us birth announcements - wonder why, ugh).
Originally Posted By peeaanuut <<His cousin and husband have since excluded us from most of their lives (except for sending us birth announcements - wonder why, ugh).>> See, now thats just wrong. (at least you get birth announcements though, my sister and Mop-Boy, anyone remember him?, had a kid and its still hear-say to me)
Originally Posted By LuLu Thanks everyone, I've really enjoyed reading your comments! (and a bucket of water for Mop-Boy!! >:-( )
Originally Posted By cstephens peeaanuut wrote: > (at least you get birth announcements though, my sister and Mop-Boy, anyone remember him?, had a kid and its still hear-say to me) But I think I would almost prefer that. If you don't want to speak to me, then don't speak to me. I had a friend who distanced himself from a number of our mutual friends after he got married. Word was that his new wife (who we liked just fine) didn't want to "share" him with anyone. After no response and no contact for some time, I get a baby shower invitation in the mail. There was nothing overt, but it just seemed to me like they only wanted to talk to me at that time so I could bring a baby gift. It really ticked me off. No, I didn't go. /cs
Originally Posted By peeaanuut thats true. At this point I much prefer to hear nothing about or from them. And if I did get some kind of invitation to a party or something it would just be a signal to me that they are broke.
Originally Posted By trailsend >>"STPH, do you have a clone?" LOL. Based upon the persona I likely project to some around here, they would probably tell you there better not be.<< HAAAAA! Too funny, I had to respond!! Merry Christmas, STPH!!!!
