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AIBU?

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Original poster

Is it cheap not to cater?

464 replies

Itrtttyy · 23/03/2025 20:12

it’s a significant birthday and a function room is being hired out 4-6pm for around 40 guests then afterwards carrying on in nearby (nice) pubs. The function room place serves food as do a few nearby pubs.

Does the event need catered (a buffet)?

Yes - YABU
No - YANBU

OP posts:
Original poster
Itrtttyy · 23/03/2025 20:23

BleachedJumper · 23/03/2025 20:16

Yes, what is the purpose of the function room? I would just say we’re doing a relaxed pub crawl, pop in if you’re free.

I think it’s just so enough tables etc are reserved to start the night plus decorations can be put up.

OP posts:
Smartiepants79 · 23/03/2025 20:22

You need to provide something! It’s not a party otherwise is it?
Some drinks and snacks at the very least.
Very cheap and very odd to not provide anything for an event you’ve invited people to.

steff13 · 23/03/2025 20:21

I wouldn't consider it a party without food.

DenholmElliot11 · 23/03/2025 20:20

You need to cater for people at parties yes otherwise it isn't a party is it? Alcohol should never be served without food.

Adult parties usually start at 7 not 4. 4pm party is, well odd too.

Sosoftandfluffycat · 23/03/2025 20:18

Of course you need to provide food. What's the point in hiring a room otherwise? What are guests supposed to do? I'd find it very strange if there was no food at a birthday celebration

Carseathelp · 23/03/2025 20:18

When are you expecting people to eat, if you’re not feeding them or making bookings for people they will have to go off and get food.

4 to 6 seem like an odd time for an adult party.

Whatsitreallylike · 23/03/2025 20:18

What are you hiring the room for? I would find it very odd not to be offered food. Probably wouldn’t come, I’d eat before hand and then meet you at the pub.

NicolaCasanova · 23/03/2025 20:17

4pm to 6pm I would just expect a couple of drinks and a (massive) piece of birthday cake.

What happens after 6pm? Does everyone ‘carry on’ to the pub? For how long, is it a night out?

GreenPinkYellowOrange · 23/03/2025 20:16

If you’re not catering you need to specifically state that on invitations as the event will be over a normal meal time, so guests need to decide what they want to do to eat.
I say do a buffet.

BleachedJumper · 23/03/2025 20:16

Yes, what is the purpose of the function room? I would just say we’re doing a relaxed pub crawl, pop in if you’re free.

Imsodepressediactlikeitsmybirthday · 23/03/2025 20:15

Inviting guests and not feeding them is beyond odd in my book.

Createausername1970 · 23/03/2025 20:14

As long as you make it very clear on the invites that it is uncatered then no-one can complain.

But it does beg the question - Why are you hiring a function room prior to going on a pub crawl if it's not have food together?

Anonym00se · 23/03/2025 20:14

It’s either a party or it isn’t. If it is, there should be food offered. If not, why go to the bother of hiring a room? Just meet everyone in a pub and go on a pub crawl.

2025willbemytime · 23/03/2025 20:13

No, I have nothing.

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