Need input-Maybe MY opinion is wrong....

[warthog]

Last Saturday night,a dinner was arranged at a local steak house for my wife's brother and his wife,whom were celebrating their 20thanniversary...This dinner was arranged by his wife's daughters,whom WE WAS TOLD had made all the arrangements-Reservations,etc....We were also told they would be taking care of the entire bill(This is where things started to go down hill)....I believe there was about 10 of us...Before this,my wife and I discussed them paying the bill,and my wife told me"you might as well count on buying our own dinners"-Which was OK;I had planned on buying my own anyway.My father in law,on the other hand said"When I get invited to a dinner,I should not be expected to pay for my dinner-and if I have to this time,somebody's gonna hear about it"...Guess where THIS is going!!!-I kinda agree with him,ya know??-ANYWAY:When we got there,we were informed by the restarurant they DO NOT TAKE REVERVATIONS;and it will be AT LEAST AN HOUR till we are seated.....They were PACKED.SO:We are standing there,and NOT ONE WORD was said to everybody by the 2 sisters about payment-I KNEW what was gonna happen,then.....We got in there,and the one sister told the waitress"We are paying for mine and my husbands,and my parents-'EVERYBODY ELSE PAYS FOR THEIR OWN".....I made the comment later that the sister probably couldnt pay for all our dinners 'cause she had to save her money for her mortgage payment($2,400 a MONTH!!!-no,NOT a misprint!!);In any event,my father in law and mother in law paid for theirs,as well as my wife and I did ours,too...SO:HERES THE QUESTION:Should the planners of a party make it clear right up front about payment,if its at a restaurant??I think its a mistake to just assume somebody knows they are responsible for their own bill-ESPECIALLY if they have been invited to join in the celebration.Opinions,please!!!!!PS:I had a Porterhouse steak,baked potato,and salad-and a glass of Guinness-TASTY!!!

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

Yes they probably should, but I guess I would always plan on paying my own way and if the offer came then that would be ok!

 

[Greg from Mi.]

inviting me to a free meal. The 2nd was expecting a free meal
Greg

 

[steve in so la]

Don't talk politics at work and don't do any kind of business with relatives !! steve in so az

 

[Pete in MI]

that at the time of invite it is to be made clear about who is making the arrangements and who is going to accept responsibility for payment of the bill involved.

That being said, it is obvious, not everyone follows etiquette and not everyone keeps their word. Not everyone can swallow their pride and say they offered more than they can pay for. And some people are just plain rude and their father is of the devil. (not pointing fingers).

Best thing is to be prepared for the worst and if it turns out you had a great time and didn't have to pay a thank you note is much appreciated.

 

[Hillbilly Bob]

I would never invite anyone anywhere and expect them to pay! If I did the inviting I would most certainly pay.

 

[Anonymous]

No comment on the invitation to eat, but I do have one gripe for those who receive gifts or free dinners should at least take the time to send a thank you note or write a letter explaining they had a good time....providing they did, if not....say nothing!!! Young people today receive wedding gifts and then take a year or more to send thank yous or not at all! To me this is terribly rude to not acknowledge someone sending or giving the Bride and Groom gifts and money and not by e-mail either! A personal note mailed is the best to show appreciation and gratitude for shopping for the gift or giving a good size amount of money through a check or cash! Well, Ma has got that off her chest!

God Bless!
Betty

 

[Mike Chgo area]

n/t