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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DH's costly birthday party plans

231 replies

Loopytiles · 23/05/2017 13:07

DH has a "milestone" birthday next spring. He wishes to host a (child free) camping weekend for family and friends (perhaps 40 or 50 people) at a location 3 hours away. The place has a (basic) barn for dancing and a couple of toilets, with plenty of space for camping, but minimal other facilities.

I estimate that venue/site hire (£700), some form of heating (outdoor heaters and/or fire pit stuff), lighting and music (DJ), and providing food and booze for the Saturday could cost between £1500 and £2000. We would also need to clean and clear rubbish on the Sunday.

DH is being given £1000 as a birthday present by a kind and wealthy family member. I received the same on my milestone birthday, spent £300 on myself and put the rest towards a new kitchen (which had cost more than we'd budgeted). Problems with house renovation, my work and our relationship around the time of my birthday meant I didn't do much to celebrate.

I feel that his plans are much too costly and a lot of hassle, and am (stupidly) a bit concerned about what guests might think. (I have an anxiety disorder). AIBU?

Some more information, so as not to drip feed. Childcare for the weekend shouldn't be a problem as a relative would help. DH has a couple of expensive long weekends away with his friends each year, and often socialises (me much less so, but that's my choice). We are well off, but have a lot of expenses (mortgage, childcare, home improvements, car very old so needs replacing) so money is a factor. We often spend around this budget on a family holiday each year, and would need to do something cheaper than usual if he spends money on this.

We have relationship problems, including that I feel that (after DC) DH prioritises work and socialising over time with me. We have not been away or done much together since we had DC, which is down to both of us, and the pressures of young DC, both WoH, money, health etc.

OP posts:
Willow2017 · 24/05/2017 15:20

Its a birthday party, he hasnt won the lottery!

What a waste of money.
Tell him to put the same amount you did into the 'kitty' and he can spend the rest on himself!

Kids and I are going abroad for 2 weeks for that amount this year, no way would I spend it on a flaming weekend in a tent, with 2 loos between 50 people (and in the mud!)

What the heck happened? When did it become the done thing to spend so much money on an adults birthday 'bash'? Especially when you havent actually got your finances in order in the first place. So eveyone else in the family goes without as long as you get your shindig? Plus he goes away with mates regularly, when do you get to go away OP?

bruffian · 24/05/2017 15:33

I agree it's a stupid waste of money. Can't believe that grown up people even consider this!

QueenOfRubovia · 25/05/2017 04:26

Two and and a half fucking thousand pounds.
close tWho, in their right minds, would piss it all away on a couple of nights camping with no personal bog or shower.
If I was going to piss two and a half grand up the wall in two days it would be at a plush hotel with all mod cons and dinner and breakfast to boot,

But even then, I wouldn't. I could afford to do that if I wanted
But I fucking wouldn't. What the fucking fuck would be the point? It's just a massive and excessive waste of money.

Do something that money can't buy. Get all your friends together and .hire a hall and have a barbecue or summat, Just a one night thing. Close to home so you can all spend a small fortune on getting a taxi home.

Your DHs idea is just not doable for most responsible adults.He needs a wake up call

Willow2017 · 25/05/2017 10:09

queen
That's a great idea. We can hire our community hall for £3 p/h. It has sound system, cinema system & outdoor area with barbeque. Cheap as chips and same result.

WomblingThree · 25/05/2017 11:07

He must have an overinflated idea of his importance in his friends' lives. Judging from lots of posts on MN, most people (once they have small children) barely have the energy to make the effort for a wedding. If he thinks 50 people are going to reorganise their life for a bloody party, I think he will be sorely disappointed.

Queen he's not going to do it in the village hall; that's not nearly wanky enough 🙄.

witsender · 25/05/2017 11:15

I would feel the same as you OP.

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