At a resturant?

km014a

So lately Ive been really stressing and at one point even called off the shower bc of the stress. I want soemthing casual and not so stuffy. I didnt really feel comfortable to have it at anyones house and I didnt want my mom (hostess) to have the shell out for rentinga place. I was at olive garden today and there was a baby shower there and i loved that idea... only thing is pretty much all of the normal etiquette kinda changes... Will we bring a cake, do I still open gifts at the table?... Does this sound tacky? Maybe even another resturant would work.. I just thought OG bc of everyones budgets... HELP!! tia

km014a

Would it be tacky for the guests to pay for themselves?

leslieanne03

IMO, it would be tacky to ask for guests to pay for themselves. 

 My shower this weekend is at a resturant (Buca di Beppo).  It includes salad, bread, 2 entrees, and cheesecake.  That also includes a private room, so opening presents there would not be a problem.

dbos99

km014a:

Would it be tacky for the guests to pay for themselves?

 

Yes, it would be very tacky to have them pay for themselves.  Maybe you can find a place with a private room somewhere?  Either at a restaurant where they provide the food or some sort of hall where you can bring food in.  Try not to be too stressed, I felt like that too.  Who is hosting your shower?  Can they help you brainstorm some ideas?  If you are worried about money then you would definitely be saving money by doing it at someone's house.  Good luck! 

krissyh21

Depending on how many guests, I would look for a restaurant that has a separate area for private parties. I would not do it out in the open.

Also, it may be less money to look into renting a hall like an Elks, Moose or Knights of columbus that allow you to bring your own food in. They rent for relatively short money and you can cook your own food. You can NOT ask your guests to pay their own way, horribly tacky!

RoxyLynn

km014a:

Would it be tacky for the guests to pay for themselves?

You really, really, REALLY can not do that.

km014a

Thats what I thought but my mom said they it like ofcourse dummy to me and I felt like it would be very trashy,,, but then again i've never been to a shower like that so I wasnt sure.. thanks ladies, now im kinda embarrased but I had to ask lol Also  I think it was her trying to make me think that bc shes hosting it... i want to scream

RoxyLynn

km014a:

thanks ladies, now im kinda embarrased but I had to ask lol Also  I think it was her trying to make me think that bc shes hosting it... i want to scream

Please don't be embarassed!  It's tough to contradict Mom on these kinds of things, and that's what we're all here for.

EastCoastBride

Honestly- this is soemthing you need to let the hostess decide.  A restaurant shower is going to cost more $$.  There is no two ways about it.  if your mom is the hostess and can't afford it, then she needs to have it at her (or someones) home.  The hostesses budget dictates this.

km014a

Definetly, the only reason i didnt want it at a someones house was bc there was drama  between our families and I wanted to make it neutral... I just wanted to avoid renting out a place bc i think it would make it seem to stuffy and not as casual...argh it continues lol

hopefulmom

If there is drama to use someone's home, then I would spend the money and rent a "hall".  I know the Senior Center in my little town rents for very little ($50) and is very, very nice.  There is plenty of parking and there is someone there (associated with it) in case you have questions.  The VFW, Moose, Elks, etc. is the same...but you would have to know someone who is a veteran or member to get into those places.  I don't think having it at a restaurant would be that casual or less stuffy...since you'll have other people watching your "party".  Many restaurants have rooms off to the side but they charge you.  Might as well pay for another place and then you can bring in your own food.  I've never gone to a restaurant for anything (shower, reception, birthday party, etc) that did not allow you to bring your own cake.  Another inexpensive idea is if you know someone that lives in a complex that has a "clubhouse"...although there might be a nominal fee ($50) but sometimes you get that back if you clean up afterwards.