Block party etiquette?

[Anonymous]

You don't "have to" do anything. Of course it would be good to chip in and contribute, at this event or at a different event.

If you like something, put some effort into supporting its existence. Simple life rule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would send a Thank You card and include a check for $250 (?) and send it to him. I was raised to always do this.

That awkward moment when you realize you were were raised to be socially awkward.

+1 dying. So no one ever hosts without being "paid back" ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't "have to" do anything. Of course it would be good to chip in and contribute, at this event or at a different event.

If you like something, put some effort into supporting its existence. Simple life rule.

+1. He seems like a nice neighbor who is expanding his annual large party to include his neighbors along with his family and friends.

[Anonymous]

You didn't come up with the idea for the block party? You weren't asked for approval beforehand? You weren't included in the planning? Your life is being disrupted by a party on your block despite not having any say in it?

You have every right to attend and zero obligation to fund it. Honestly I'm surprised the permit was even approved. (if they bothered to get a permit at all) In DC you need signatures from like 80% of the block to get a permit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You didn't come up with the idea for the block party? You weren't asked for approval beforehand? You weren't included in the planning? Your life is being disrupted by a party on your block despite not having any say in it?

You have every right to attend and zero obligation to fund it. Honestly I'm surprised the permit was even approved. (if they bothered to get a permit at all) In DC you need signatures from like 80% of the block to get a permit.

There seems to be confusion here that 80% = 100%…

[Anonymous]

Oooh sounds fun. I want to go.

[Anonymous]

I can’t imagine I he will ask for money. It’s a party he’s throwing. Say thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Great idea! We have had this in most of the communities in which we lived. There was one Stepford type place, where most of the families were invited, but not all (including my friends, who were next door neighbors of the host), and that was by far the strangest place (people claimed to be so neighborly, but their words did not match their actions).

Block parties are fun! We have them where we live now - live pop band, indoor/outdoor catered set up, and kids activities. Big age range, not just young families (but many), which is also nice. A block party that includes the whole block/neighborhood generally means it is a pleasant, inclusive, but not boundary lacking place to live OP. Bring a bottle of wine for the host. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

OP here with update: Just received official invite. He’s asking for donations, heavily! If we attend, how much do you think he expects us to give?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here with update: Just received official invite. He’s asking for donations, heavily! If we attend, how much do you think he expects us to give?

What a rude plot twist from your neighbor!

[Anonymous]

A catered block party with a cash bar and a DJ? Where on earth do you live?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here with update: Just received official invite. He’s asking for donations, heavily! If we attend, how much do you think he expects us to give?

Wow this really puts everyone in a weird spot. None of you were consulted regarding any aspect of the party, nor to the cost of anything related to the party, yet you are expected to pay an entry fee of sorts if you attend? That’s tacky.

[Anonymous]

I would say $15-20’a family? I think it’s rude though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A catered block party with a cash bar and a DJ? Where on earth do you live?

That's all fine, but to ask others to pay for it is just a bridge too far

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A catered block party with a cash bar and a DJ? Where on earth do you live?

That's all fine, but to ask others to pay for it is just a bridge too far

Agreed on the asking to pay part, but I really wouldn’t want a DJ set up on my block without being consulted first. The whole thing is presumptuous and the guy sounds like he’s trying way too hard.