To go to a party if I can't afford a donation

[brizzlemint]

Would you go if you can't afford the charity donation that the hosts have asked for in lieu of gifts or cards?

If it were my party I would rather you just come and not worry about donating. You being there would be more important.

They invited you I assume because you are a friend and they want to see you.

Either it’s a party or a fundraising event - it can’t be both. It is bad manners to demand gifts or donations if this is a party.

Go - but be aware there might be fundraising raffles etc. Hey seem to be confused about what a party is.

This thread is so sad. I have a milestone birthday coming up. I've hired a venue, put money behind the bar and sorted a lovely buffet. I want all the people I've invited to come. Some are very close friends, others are newer in my life, but I've invited them all because I really enjoy their company. It is my choice to put on food, drink, etc. I do not expect anyone to give me anything or somehow feel indebted to me because of some food and a few drinks. As a PP said, it's a party, not a transaction.
OP, please go. You've been invited because the couple wants you there. There is no obligation to give anyone a wedding anniversary present or make a donation. It's not in any way mandatory.

they have already raised nearly £1500 by 30 people so around £50 is expected.

No no no OP, if they are decent people, nothing is expected. Please go and celebrate and don't worry about a gift or donation.

It's really sad to see how many people see social events as monetary transactions! If I decide to throw a party, I'm making the decision to provide people with food and drink - it is in no way cheeky or rude for people to come and enjoy that hospitality without giving anything in return. As for presents or donations - unless you're a grabby cf who is only having a party in order to get gifts - whether people give or not is irrelevant

I'd say it's bad form to choose not to give without good reason, and then attend an event like this. Being genuinely unable to afford a donation is entirely different - I'd want the OP to attend regardless.

It’s an anniversary party and they don’t want gifts so they suggested a charity. That is not a fundraising event. Go and celebrate with your friends.

I say go, it's not the giving but your presence they want. As an alternative, if you feel guilty about it (which you clearly do) & if it's a popular charity with shops, eg BHF or Oxfam for example, can you donate a pile of stuff you no longer need?