Would you find it acceptable to ask money to attend a party?

[Keytochebakia]

Everyone has a job, including the hosts, all adults in their twenties (25 to 28).
Hosts are requesting a £5 contribution per guest that would cover food, decoration, game (themed game party) etc...

It's only a small party in a flat, no hall, max 20ish people.

Would you accept the invitation and pay or would you find it cheeky?

Thank you

I wouldn't pay for go to a party in someone's own home no.

Thank you

Where you planning on throwing the party OP? Maybe some of the folks in here could give you tips on doing it on a budget.

Yes I did

First time I host a party so not sure what is acceptable and what isnt etc....
Thank you for your reply! Id love some tips

I'm not sure. We used to do this with a very tight friendship group when we were all quite broke for special occasions such as Xmas parties. But I think it was very clear to all to attendees that the money and more from the the hosts was providing a very good night out that everyone wanted. If this isn't that just make a decision on how much the friendships are worth.

I've done similar before, where it was a group who all wanted a party, but my flat happened to be the best place to hold it. So it was a group initiated thing, rather than me hosting/ inviting off my own bat.

I wouldn't say 'come to my birthday, it costs a fiver' or similar.

If a group decide something like this and everyone totally agrees then sure fine if nor no way

No. I would find it exceptionally rude.

Thank you everyone
Ill scratch the 5 pound contribution in that case

I wouldn't ask for money that just sounds CF territory. If you're struggling why not ask everyone to bring a dish with them. Most folk wouldn't mind that

Just NO, no way am I paying to visit a friend/ relative and pay to visit.
You want to provide food, do so. Alternatively get every one to chip in for a delivery.

No. I'd bring a bottle or a dish if asked though.

What is the 'party' for??? If it was a birthday or specific celebration, I'd expect the host to be paying for food/drink and I'd bring a gift and likely flowers/bottle of wine.

If it was a generic party, to get together with friends and catch up, I too would normally expect the host to pay, but would happily bring a plate of something and also a bottle of something.

Asking to pay for a home based party is a odd IMO.

Just plan to entertain within your means. Either get everyone to bring a dish and make a big bowl of punch, or just provide punch and nibbles. Don't charge people to attend a party in your home.

It reminds me of when I got invited to a bonfire party and bbq at a new colleagues house. I was excited because it was a new job in my new career and I'd only been working there a few weeks and I was already making friends!
When I got to their house I was confused to see a price list for food and drinks on the kitchen wall. Then I noticed the kitchen table was covered in political periodicals, again with a price list.
It was a fundraising event organised by members of the socialist worker party - which hadn't been mentioned...

Don't host a party that you can't afford. An exception would be to host a potluck where each guest agrees to bring a dish/beverage. That can be a fun way to have a party if you're low on funds.

Better to ask people to bring food & drink and say you will provide the game.

It's not really the done thing, but I think it depends on the reason for the party. If everyone wants to get together but no-one else wants to host, then I think it's OK to suggest a kitty to cover the food & drink. Or ask everyone to bring a bottle and a nibble.

If it is instigated by you for a celebration then I think the host should cover costs - although most people typically bring a bottle anyway.

No I don't think so

If you can't afford a party go out for a meal
instead and everyone can pay for themselves

Gen Z are so boring and uptight. Just host the party - booze and nibbles. Surely guests bring a bottle still?

Oh good no, that would be embarrassing.

Host, or don’t host. Ask people to bring a bottle or ask them to bring a dish to share. But it’s just not done to ask for cash.

The only exception I can think of is if a group of you are having a bonfire party and people are contributing towards the fireworks. In those situations it’s common to all bung in say £25 towards a decent bunch of fireworks. (Obviously municipal displays are a better and safer idea etc)

But food, games, decor - no.

We sometimes contribute towards BBQs etc in our friendship group. Especially if the same people often host. It costs a lot to host so it's not fair if the financial burden always falls on the same family. But if hosting is shared then it might seem unusual to ask for money.

Have any of the guests hosted you lately? Or be likely to soon?

TBH people will pay more if they bring one bottle of wine and a pack of crisps. I think asking for money is rude. It's normal to ask people to bring what they'd like to drink and some nibbles to share.

Tell them what you will supply so they know what to bring.

First sound them out e.g. "Who's available on the 25th for a gathering at mine?" Then say e.g. "glad you can make it on the 25th, bring whatever you'd like to drink and maybe some nibbles to share if you like, I will get some tonic and I've got loads of gin to drink down from Christmas, also I'll get some cheese and biscuits. Looking forward to catching up. Love..."

My friends who host a lot do this. They dont even have to ask as we all say "what can we bring?". They are doing us all a favour providing a nice place to drink and chat ...and dance! Cleaning up before and after is a chore. We want to chip in.

We also do more substantial meals together where its just a given we all contribute. Someone does chicken legs, someone brings vegan curry and rice, someone makes soup and brings bread rolls. It's easy.

Birthdays and personal celebrations no. Big group parties all the time. I love a good communal throw in. We’ve done loads of great parties when we’ve had some money to throw at decorations and party games.

Some people don’t like hosting so the burden falls on a few. Nobody has ever complained about contributing £5 - £20. Last time I bought a karaoke machine so if it got wrecked everyone using it it wasn’t a problem. If they don’t want to contribute they don’t have to come.