Should we pay for dinner?

[TheMockTurtle]

So- I'm about to turn 30. And I'm pregnant. So we've decided to have a fancy Sunday pub lunch with friends. That way everyone else can drink as little or as much as they like. Obviously I can't, I'll be there for the slap up feed! My friends are all around the same age.

It's a nice bar/restaurant. I imagine we'll have starters and a main course and we will provide a nice birthday cake for dessert.

There could potentially be about 15 of us. My question is... Should we pay? I'm a bit concerned about it as it would cost us a lot to cover everyone's meals (and maybe drinks?) We have done the inviting, so my husband thinks we might be responsible for paying. I've been to 30th birthdays, and I go expecting to pay for my own meal and drinks and that's what has happened, but my husband thinks we will have to cover the cost.

What do you think? If you were invited to lunch, would you expect it to be paid for?

In our group (early 40s professionals) assumption is you pay for your own food. Otherwise for a big group that would be hundreds and hundreds of pounds!

Am shocked at paying at wedding though....

I'd expect that you would be paying unless it was made clear beforehand that you weren't.

I have never gone to any celebration or event, except a wedding and had my meal bought for me by the person who invited me, or expected that it should be. In my group of friends you are more likely to have your meal free as it's your birthday.

Id be expecting to pay and get my own drinks but pursuing done bottles of wine on the table or buying a round in would be a nice gesture from you.

I really think this is ages and stages.
In our 30's we'd have expected to split the bill now, nearer 50 we'd expect for the hosts to pay.
feeling anxious that we should have offered at recent friend's very smart birthday dinner last month.
Don't worry Op, I'm sure some fizz on the table & cake will be enough.