Party - do I have to feed people?

[Dawevi]

I'm having a big party for an upcoming big birthday, hiring a venue and getting a band or DJ but that is quite expensive. I was looking at catering prices and realise that it will push the party into a price bracket that I'm really uncomfortable with. I was wondering if a party starts at 8:00 or 8: 30 do I really need to feed people?

If I was really clear on the invitations to eat before you come (I'm not sure how I would word this, suggestions are welcome please) then do you think people would be okay with that?

For previous big birthdays I have catered but things are different financially now.

Alternatively, I wondered about just providing bowls of nibbles on the tables.

What do you think? If you went to a party would you be cross if you had to you eat before you went?

Are you providing any drinks? I think no food is a rubbish personally, I wouldn't get outside catering but a good amount of nibbles would be good. It doesn't really matter about the start time, people get snackish when at parties

Definitely provide food, it'll help soak up the alcohol.

Honestly yes I'd expect something to eat at a party even one starting at 8.30.

Presumably you're not providing drinks so also not providing food would seem quite tight in my opinion.

You need to have something to offer them definitely.

If you can't afford to serve food then you can't afford to host this party.

Maybe look to host a smaller event with food instead.

can you make the food yourself?
jacket potatoes,
is there a kitchen

I've just received a party invitation to a birthday bash which says 'no food' on it. Fine by me as I'd have eaten dinner before I went regardless of whether there was a buffet or not.

Yes I think you do. How about big cheese (and pate) boards plus crusty bread? I’d love that!

Yes, you need to provide food and a few bowls of crisps isn’t enough. The supermarkets used to do platters of sandwiches and party food. That sort of thing would be fine.

It won't really be a party without some food.

I’d always expect food at a party. It’s a basic of hosting one about as essential and obvious as not punching your guests in the face. You feed people at parties in pretty much every culture in the world. It’s not really optional to not provide food in some form imo.

Sorry but I have to agree.

Can't you do the music yourself without the expense of a DJ? I've been to a few parties where the music has been put through the venues speakers.

If it’s a 30-40-60-60 event then people are too old to just dance and drink and get a kebab on the way home. Yes you should provide something. Even just a table of Costco stuff.

I think most people would rather be fed and listen to recorded music than go without and have a live band.

I’d be fine with no food as long as I knew beforehand. For me it’s about knowing the expectations and not being surprised by no food. It’s about celebrating with you rather than eating food for me

Absolutely.

Can you self cater? If you are having a bar and a disco people will expect some kind of food. A few sandwiches, cheese board, sausage rolls, quiche ect would be fine. All can be bought from supermarkets and just whip up some basic sandwiches.

Me too. I would get hungry at a party. That means you expect you guests to buy their own food. Are you providing any drinks instead?

there are cheaper options. Have you looked at hot sandwiches to serve? Then have bowls of crisps, and other nibbles for tables

Of course you need to feed people, order some basic stuff from M&S food orders, trays of sandwiches ect and just get some, packets of sausage rolls, scotch eggs, crisps, dips, breadsticks, slices or cold meats and stick it on some silver trays and get some plastic cutlery job done, a lot cheaper that paying for catering.
To me it would be bad manors not to provide some food.

I think you do need something but doesn’t have to be a full meal. Cheese, crackers, crisps and cake would be fine.

I don't think you need to put on a full spread at all.

Just put on the invite that light snacks will be provided. Then maybe put out some pizzas or a couple of platters.

Times are changing and I don't agree with pp that if you don't serve food then don't have the party.

A few snacks would be fine.

I wouldn't expect much food at 8.30 at night. But then I am used to US eating habits where we eat much dinner much earlier than in the UK. Light snacks would be fine - but make sure people know this in advance. What are the arrangements with the venue? A previous poster's suggestion of bringing in food is good but a lot of places won't let people do this due to food safety rules, they prefer to know where the food came from and how it was handled it to ensure people aren't likely to come down with food poisoning for which they would be held responsible.

You can't really call it a party if you're not offering food, it's just a get together.
Also, people won't say it, but will be miffed that there's usually an 'expectation' to bring a card and gift, but will get nothing in return.

I don't think it needs to be a full on dinner but yes some food would be expected.

Does the venue have a kitchen.

I would just wack the oven on and do a heap of veggie samosas/bahjis/pakora/sausages/yakitori sticks/chicken gujons. Hummus/dips and carrot /cucumber sticks, baguettes with a cheese board and fruit. Paper plates but no cutlery required.

Is anyone else helping you host? Could you ask them to help do some simple catering.

Sheetcake for pudding with napkins.