> Should you charge guests to attend your party?

Should you charge guests to attend your party?

Posted at: 2015-04-20 
Marion, why would you even consider throwing a party if your going to charge your guests. That's not a party, that is a fund raising. You would catch me there.

No, you are throwing a party and inviting people so you do not ever charge them.

You can do something like a potluck or wine tasting where you ask them to bring their favorite wine, or a dessert party, or even a picnic/grill where they bring a side or a meat, but it is rude to ask for people coming to your home for a standard party and ask for money.

No.

Its one thing to prearrange for everyoine to chip in for food, etc, if they are friends, but straight up charging is likely to drive people away from the party.

I wouldn't throw a party that I couldn't afford in the first place but...

If the party were being thrown by an individual, I would advise against actually charging guests for a party, In some jurisdictions this might be considered a business transaction, and you could be held in violation of laws ranging from liquor licenses, insurance requirements, sales tax, fire codes and so on. If you give the opportunity for guests to make a VOLUNTARY donation to help defray costs that would not be a business transaction.

Not for a normal party no, if it was at say a bowling alley or a bar then you may want to get them to contribute their own money.

no

It would probably be better to put a bowl or glass out to collect donations.

It's up to the person who wants to do the charging. If your answer is "No" then simply don't attend a party that you have to pay to get into.

No, because if you did there is a pretty good chance that nobody would show up unless you're famous or something.

Bring your own bottle is acceptable, anything else, no.