AIBU to think that this is too much money for BBQ contribution?

[jomidmum]

Last week some relatives kindly asked us over for a BBQ. We asked what they would like us to take along. They said some chicken kebabs and some burgers. No problem.
BUT then they said that they only consume meat purchased from a certain local butchers shop, and could we please buy it there.
So we did. It cost £25. For 8 burgers and 4 chicken breasts.
AIBU to think that it's not OK to name an expensive shop? Our food budget is £60 a week for 4 of us.
Obviously we'll just move on but I do think it was a bit cheeky.

That's just plain bloody cheeky! What's with this "we're having a party but you're paying for it"? There have been similar threads recently re weddings & birthdays, the host gets to choose & guests are supposed to cough up the dough to pay for it. If the hosts shop there regularly they probably haven't even considered that it's expensive & unaffordable for others , it's downright thoughtless behaviour. Don't offer next time just take a bottle & if no food is offered then eat when you get home.

!However in effect you had a lovely meal out and entertainment, at the cost of £25 for 4. Bargain.!

That would only apply if the OP had been planning on spending 25 pound on a day out in the first place.

You asked if you could bring anything and they responded honestly....

I don't see the problem here?

I guess next time, don't ask?

My goodness, I'm gobsmacked and speechless, which is rare for me!

Like the others say, it is normal for the hosts to provide the meat. We've provided the drinks and puddings before.

IMHO, can they really be 'friends' because if they knew you well enough, then they'd know that your food budget is restricted as a necessity. After all, that's almost half of your food budget: I as a friend wouldn't impose that on anybody knowing that. Not in a million years.

I would be inclined to mention casually sometime rather soon before they forget the BBQ request, that your weekly food budget is £60 because that is all you can afford, even with cutbacks, etc. Hopefully they'll get the hint not to do it again.
My DMIL used to insist inorganic this, that and everything. We couldn't afford it. I couldn't grow it for multiple valid reasons. I
put things in plain bags and produced them like that. Funnily enough,she deemed them 'delicious', much to my own private amusement. It was obviously psychological for her!
I would be inclined to make your own burgers next time or buy cheap and take in plain bags. Bluff it. If they don't like it, then next time they will provide the meat! Or maybe I'd suggest that next time they provide the meat and you provide salad and a pudding of ice cream!

Buying cheap meat, but 'well marinated', also hides it's origin too. A there's loads of reasonably priced marinades, herb mixes, etc, that means you have to remove the original packaging which goes without saying, hahaha... And yes, I've used that tactic too. Works a treat... 😉😂

That's so cheeky. They probably can't afford to buy it either so have taken the Mickey! We've hosted large BBQ's in the past and have never asked guests to bring anything other than what they want to drink. I think I'd say to the host that I can't afford that butcher so can I bring something else instead.

I'm coeliac and struggle at BBQ's so always take my own food. I don't expect people to have to pay extra for my food.

A good host would never make their guests uncomfortable. For that reason, of course they are unreasonable and you are not.

Relatives!

Totally agree. The host should provide the main items, guests bring wines, sides or treats!

Very bloody rude!! It's manners to say 'can I bring something?' but most normal people assume that would involve a side dish, some drinks or dessert maybe?? We have a big family, so we do exactly this and divide it up with grandparents hosting, but i'd laugh in their face if they said I had to buy anything from a specific shop at a specific price.

Yes, that sounds a bit cheeky. When I've been to BBQs they've just said bring anything you fancy barbecuing, which in our case is usually veggie burgers.