First timer arranging a surprise party… what should I expect?

[CruisingDuck]

It’s my husbands 40th birthday towards the end of the year and I want to arrange a surprise party for him. I’ve already drafted up people who I know he would love to see there, so friends, his colleagues (he works in a small team and gets on great with them and socialises outside of work with them) and a mix lf close family and close family friends.

i have mentioned to his mum and i have already made enquiries to the ideal venue and paid the deposit for the cake, so I feel I’m on the right track. I will be arranging things like DJ, balloons etc in due course. Food is buffet at venue.

now this is where I need a sense check - in terms of costs, I expect it will be around £750-£1000 but should I be expecting his parents to contribute or not? I think no as it’s my idea, but one of my friends who I was talking to about it, said his parents should contribute… so I’m not sure!

help please :)

Erm no. Nice if they offer but you should never spend someone else's money and obligate them to be financially committed to your ideas!

Exactly what I thought! It’s my idea, so why should I expect his parents to pay. It just left me doubting myself

How many people op?

but should I be expecting his parents to contribute or not?

sweet Jesus, no!!!!

This “friend” sounds like someone you would be wise to give a wide berth to

although the fact you think it might be reasonable is a bit concerning in itself

I have never said it might be reasonable. I’ve said no as it’s my idea.
please read the full thread

On paper around 60 people

I think it could well be fair to ask everyone who you've invited to chip in for the venue/drinks etc in lieu if requiring them to bring a gift.
If you break it down it is probably quite modest and you wouldn't need for them to covert the full cost. If you organised it so do have your own budget to spend on top of what people chip in.

The fact you’ve started a thread asking Op would indicate that you do think it might be reasonable

if have laughed if someone had suggested this, and then not given it a further thought

what should I expect?

bugger all! 😆

The full thread is that you’re “doubting yourself” and you explicitly ask what should I expec t?

That’s exactly what I said to my friend haha!
im not expecting anything, I have my budget, I know what I can afford. If anyone offers to chip in, I’ll tell them to put it towards a gift for DH

Weird friend