surprise birthday party

im planning a party for my mothers birthday, it was going to be just a few people out for a meal, but the list is getting bigger, so

i was wondering if we went out for a meal, who normaly pays the bill?

if you were invited out, would you be expecting not to pay?

the other option is to hire a room, do a buffet and hire a singer

Depends really, I've been to a meal when we have been asked to pay for our own bit, and also where is has been paid for by the person doing the surprise (so you).

As long as whatever you wish to do is clearly said from the start, and people are aware they will be asked to pay their share don't see the problem, its when you go somewhere thinking someone else is paying then get told you have to pay that its gets you know!

I can help with the buffet if i'm free, I'll want paying tho, and will meet you half way for deliverly!

[fizzwheel]

I'd be expecting to pay my share of the bill, and I'd feel bad if I didnt.

Make sure you tell people when you invite them what the deal is with paying, that way they'll know what you're expecting them to do and you wont have any greif when it comes to settle the bill.

TBH when we do this kind of thing with work parties, we ask for money up front now as I'm fedup with people leaving the retaurant and not paying before they do so.

What a nice surprise for your mum. As the list of people attending is getting bigger I`d suggest that you pay for yourself and your mum and ask the other guests to pay for themselves. I wouldn`t have a problem with that if I was attending a relatives birthday meal.