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?

People who actually enjoy OP's company might. Y'know, people who are good friends.

at a party would I rather have a really good band to listen to, or a load of crappy sausage rolls and egg sandwiches to eat? Bit of a no brainer…

And this is the other thing. Most 'party food' is shit. Endless stodgy pastry and pork-based crap - sausage rolls, pork pies etc. Egg sandwiches and Iceland trifles. I always groan inwardly when I see that kind of a 'spread' at a party. I'd rather eat before I come out.

People always ask what they can bring so just say a plate of your favourite food to share!

Could you pre cook stuff and take it along?
£1 freezer pizzas - 20 of those
A few bags of bake at home mini sausage rolls at £1.80 a bag for 50
£1 bags of sharing crisps - 6/7 of those
Cheese and onion bake at home mini rolls £2 for 50 - couple bags of those
Then veg sticks and hummus?
Just enough to see people over :)

Can't see £1 pizzas tasting very nice, personally, although I'm open to being told I'm wrong...

@tattiescone10

“mini sausage rolls at £1.80 a bag for 50“

that’s gross. Meat should not be that cheap.

Hi op, I agree with you. It’s not a problem as long as you let people know on the invites.

I went to a friends party and she had put something on the invite along the lines of - please note no party buffet will be served. So that was fine, we didn’t expect anything. She actually had this lovely cake, which I thought was a real cake, but turned out to be one of those cheese cake towers, so later in the evening on every table they put lovely platters with a selection of the cut cheeses along with crackers, grapes & figs. Then a bottle of port was put on every table. I thought it was lovely.
Worth a thought anyway as they are not overly expensive.

I seldom eat at parties, and for a late event I'd have eaten before I went out, especially if planning to drink alcohol, otherwise I'd be under the table by the third drink. I think It's fine as long as people know.

Thanks everyone, I've now looked at another venue which was the same price but they have offered a massive discount on the room hire which means I have cash for canapes! It's a place where they do it all for you as well so hassle free.

I'm going to say it's live music, dancing and canapes on the invitations, so it's clear. Plus obviously I'll be talking to people so can explain.

Excellent news. Less stress for you.

Perfect!

That sounds perfect! That will be so nice.

WTF, what a miserable attitude! Talk about pissing on the OP's parade.

I'm sorry you have such a narrow view of the world you can't imagine how others have fun in a venue with live music friends, in the evening!

If I go out at 8:30pm I've already eaten, I'm not after food.

My DC would be thrilled to be allowed to stay up late and go to a grown up party. If I thought being hungry was an issue I'd bring snacks.

I'd be delighted if you never came to any of my parties.

I hope the joyless people on this thread haven't bullied you into getting food, but it sounds wonderful nonetheless.

The games sound like good fun.

I hope you have a fabulous time 😘

Get a grip.

How many threads have there been from people complaining about being invited to a wedding evening party to find the host hasn't organised food and having to pay for expensive drinks?

Why not start the party at 11.00pm and just send them home when they arrive?

Get everyone involved and invested! Ask each guest to bring one simple finger food dish to go on a big shared buffet table.

I was invited to a rsther posh evening wedding do. No food. It was quite a surprise as all other evening events have included a buffet.
I honestly wouldn't have minded at all, if I'd known in advance. As it was, I was very hungry! Nibbles would've been very welcome!
An evening 60th birthday party recently had no food at all & buy your own drinks. All good, as we knew the situation beforehand.
It's not one-size-fits-all, do what is within your budget, and don't feel pressured into spending more than you want to, or feeling guilty.
Just let people know in advance.

Constructive.

People who “throw a party” and then don’t provide food / drink for their guests are simply tight fisted attention seekers - to be avoided.

Well you sound like a barrel of laughs 🤣

I go to friends parties to spend time with them, celebrate and have fun, not to get a free meal.

Or why not just schedule the party after most people will have eaten and let them know there won't be food. Much easier for everyone! Unless you're a foodie bunch, in which case I can see people could enjoy it.

The OP is doing canapes anyway, which sounds lovely.

“Come to my party” and buy your own food and drink. Gee, thanks.

Ask everyone to bring a plate of food 🎂