Block party etiquette?

[Anonymous]

Neighbor we don’t really know is throwing a block party. He stopped us last night to give us preliminary info. He’s having a fully catered event including bar (assuming both food and bar will be cash, though not sure yet), plus bounce-type inflatables for kids (we have teens) a DJ, and some adult-type outdoor games.

What is the protocol for this? Are we expected to throw him some cash if we attend, and if so, how much?

[Anonymous]

Did he ask for a donation?
Will you be attending?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did he ask for a donation?
Will you be attending?

He did not ask for donations. I’m sure we will stop by as it’s on our block.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did he ask for a donation?
Will you be attending?

He did not ask for donations. I’m sure we will stop by as it’s on our block.

Youre fine. Being some extra money in case he passes a hat around. Hope not though because it would be tacky

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did he ask for a donation?
Will you be attending?

He did not ask for donations. I’m sure we will stop by as it’s on our block.

Youre fine. Being some extra money in case he passes a hat around. Hope not though because it would be tacky

Thanks. Never attended a block party before and wasn’t sure what the expectations were from uninvolved yet invited neighbors.

[Anonymous]

Usually this is coordinated by more than one family and the money is discussed with the block.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Usually this is coordinated by more than one family and the money is discussed with the block.

Not this one! He just came over and said he had already met with the city and that he’d be printing flyers this weekend, but wanted to give a heads up since he saw us outside. Said he throws a big party every year (which we’ve seen) and thought he’d just throw a block party this year.

[Anonymous]

On our block people would contribute food and contribute cash for the other expenses. This sounds more like a private party for the neighbors.

[Anonymous]

I’d just ask another neighbor what everyone does in this situation.

[Anonymous]

Just go. It will become clear. No one in my neighborhood would ask for money. He hosts, he pays. He probably wants someone else to hist next time. I'd bring him a bottle of wine as a thank you for setting it all up. If he doesn't drink, bring flowers or chocolate. I guess I'm old fashioned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On our block people would contribute food and contribute cash for the other expenses. This sounds more like a private party for the neighbors.

That’s essentially what he said, he’s throwing a huge party and inviting the block. He mentioned it’s an annual gathering and that his family and friends will be in attendance. This is what leads me to believe he’s anticipating donations?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just go. It will become clear. No one in my neighborhood would ask for money. He hosts, he pays. He probably wants someone else to hist next time. I'd bring him a bottle of wine as a thank you for setting it all up. If he doesn't drink, bring flowers or chocolate. I guess I'm old fashioned.

I was going to bring a gift for the family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On our block people would contribute food and contribute cash for the other expenses. This sounds more like a private party for the neighbors.

That’s essentially what he said, he’s throwing a huge party and inviting the block. He mentioned it’s an annual gathering and that his family and friends will be in attendance. This is what leads me to believe he’s anticipating donations?

Nothing you wrote suggest that he is anticipating donations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did he ask for a donation?
Will you be attending?

He did not ask for donations. I’m sure we will stop by as it’s on our block.

Youre fine. Being some extra money in case he passes a hat around. Hope not though because it would be tacky

Thanks. Never attended a block party before and wasn’t sure what the expectations were from uninvolved yet invited neighbors.

I'd bring a 4 pack or a bottle of wine and make sure I had cash even though I would not expect to be asked to pay

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On our block people would contribute food and contribute cash for the other expenses. This sounds more like a private party for the neighbors.

That’s essentially what he said, he’s throwing a huge party and inviting the block. He mentioned it’s an annual gathering and that his family and friends will be in attendance. This is what leads me to believe he’s anticipating donations?

Perfect. I’ll assume then that he isn’t, and just attend in neighborly fashion.

Thanks everyone!

Nothing you wrote suggest that he is anticipating donations.