Block party etiquette?

[Anonymous]

Is he asking for a specific amount?

Honestly he hasn’t handled it right but unless you’re strapped I would just pay it to keep the peace

[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?

$30 a person

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Exactly! And is he going to actually block off the road? He needs to coordinate that with emergency services. I personally would not want to be trapped inside my block all night for this

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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?

$30 a person

sounds reasonable

[Anonymous]

Are you in DC? If so, in order to get the permits to shut down the street he needed signatures from 51% of your block. If that's the case, it seems like this is something he did consult with a bunch of people about... just not you. Does your block not have a listserv/email list of some kind? That does make it hard to communicate with everyone.

(Also, under DC rules he can't charge for anything at the event, so the food/bar won't be cash. He also can't take donations at the event. Everything needs to be done upfront/afterwards/offsite.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

$30 a person

sounds reasonable

I agree. We are a family of 4, one being an infant, and I’d give $100 since my baby wouldn’t eat or participate.

[Anonymous]

I would not be happy about putting in $100 for a party I didn’t ask for! That’s crazy.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Really don’t want to pay for this, but also, would feel weird staying shut-in and ignoring other neighbors. If we don’t eat, do you think we still need to throw them cash?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Really don’t want to pay for this, but also, would feel weird staying shut-in and ignoring other neighbors. If we don’t eat, do you think we still need to throw them cash?

I said upthread, it puts everyone in a weird spot.

Don’t attend, you’re the antisocial neighbor. Attend and don’t pay, you’re cheap!

[Anonymous]

This seems pretty straightforward...if the idea of attending an event like this with neighbors sounds fun and worth $30/pp to you, then go. If not, then don't.

[Anonymous]

Wow! I honestly didn’t see that coming, OP! How tacky! I hope nobody shows up, honestly, that’s audacious.

[Anonymous]

I think $30/person is cheap for all that. I would do a minimum of $50/person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think $30/person is cheap for all that. I would do a minimum of $50/person.

That’s cool, then you pay that. OP wasn’t consulted about any of this. This feels icky, like the neighbor wanted to throw a bash and have his neighbors fund it, all without their approval. I second hoping nobody shows up.

[Anonymous]

Yikes. If I really wanted to go, I'd put in like $20. Or if DH and I both go, $30. $50/pp for a party I didn't ask for and was first invited to and then asked for donations? No thanks.

If I didn't want to go, but wanted to be social, I'd show up with a bottle of wine or some beer and say "Hey, Host! Party looks great! Can't stay long but we really wanted to stop by and say hello." And then chat with neighbors and leave when you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

$30 a person

sounds reasonable

Sounds reasonable IF the neighbor had been upfront about asking if people are interested in a party and that he was going to ask people to contribute.