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?

I think we need more info about the venue to decide really!

Do a few cheap ish snacks like loads of crisps in bowls, maybe bread or breadsticks, crackers, cheap sweets etc.

I’m also going against the grain. I’ve been to a few parties that start later at a venue with a dj and would never expect food. I’d find it a bit odd to be honest to find food at a party that starts at 8/8.30, and people tend to arrive late so it means eating at around 9pm. I also hosted my own for my birthday once and again, no food. Everyone eats before they go.

Hugely rude not to provide food. You can go to cosco and get platters of sandwiches/wraps and a few picky type foods which you can cook yourself, sausage rolls. Can get all that for under £100

I also find having food served breaks up the evening. People arent going to just dance until midnight. So food and breaking up the evening stops people leaving early. You don't want an empty venue at 11.

Hahaha too funny. You are going to the wrong parties 🥳

I would expect food. It wouldn’t ruin my night not to have any, but I’d be surprised and would probably leave early to get something to eat on the way home (personally I get peckish when drinking and I’d be concerned about accidentally drinking too much without food to soak it up)

I’d rather you spent less on venue and more on food/drink.

The worst parties I’ve been to are the under-catered ones. The vibe just wasn’t right, nice venue but if you’re hungry or thirsty you’re never going to have a great time.

We went to a wedding evening do a couple of years ago where the budget had gone on a (god awful) live band with no food. Everyone was starving, day guests included who had been fed but ages ago. People started drifting off well before the end to find food (venue didn't serve anything other than crisps).

I think some sausage rolls ,sandwiches would go down well .Sausage on sticks quiches, and so on,Just do it yourself and it should be reasonable .Guests will bring presents surely .This is a way of welcoming /thanking them/I would be peckish and expect some food to be provided.

Just say "join me for drinks and nibbles and live music" (or whatever) on the invitation

I don't think a party needs to involve food, provided it's not over a meal time.

Have fun!!

Yes, you do. No music and no food sounds like a shit party, sorry. You need to scale back so you can afford to host.

If you don't provide food the whole thing will be a massively damp squib as people will bugger off early in search of something to eat.

Can you provide your own food? Imo at that time nibbles are fine. Just make it clear on the invitation that it's just nibbles, not a meal

Reduce the drinks budget and do some canapés or nibbles, just something for people to eat

What do you mean no music?

Depends on venue as well. Can you self cater and that can be done very cheaply

Yes you do need to provide something even if it's just a buffet. Sounds like you can't really afford this partying the expensive venue so perhaps you. need to rethink it

I had a big birthday and ordered in pizzas, was cheaper than getting catering

Most people WILL eat before they cone OP (as parties that start at 8.30 tend not to put out food until around 9.30) so people will eat 'something' at home first..however, you do need to have food at your party, otherwise it's not a party is it? It's just inviting people for drinks!

You can have a playlist set up on a system for music and cut down on that expense, but if you invite a load of people to a party where there's alcohol and no food, it will be at best, rubbish, but at worst, a nightmare!

I wouldn't want to turn out that late especially in the winter, I would say meet for drinks and nibbles at 7pm. Live band from 9pm, bacon sandwiches at midnight. That's what seems to happen around here.

This

I would 100% expect food and more than nibbles too in all truth if it’s gojng from 8.20- midnight or whatever

I think without any food at all you will look mean and people will leave to start finding chips after a few drinks!

Some kind of food is what makes it a party. Otherwise you just look stingy. Look at cheaper options for food, venue, music. Or have a meal out where people pay for themselves. But hosting a party = feeding people.

Surely it doesn’t have to cost loads?

I think you do need to feed people sorry! If that means it's too expensive you need to scale down something else like a cheaper venue or fewer guests

You definitely need food, if you're hiring a space with music then food should be provided, most parties start at 8pm and the majority still have food, sure people will be drinking and dancing and will need feeding. A few sandwiches wouldn't cost a fortune. If you can't afford it then just arrange to meet up at a regular bar and celebrate that way. Please don't do bowls of crisps and nuts, all those manky hands 🤮