Invitation to Girls Night Out- Who Pays?

Because the dinner is not for me I would be expecting to cover my own meal but that's just me. I would say something like you are invited to join Angela and me to dinner;because this is Angela's bachelorette dinner I will be covering Angela's dinner. Please let me know if you can't make it. I'm sure that because of everyone's economic situation people will understand.

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A girls' night out, to me, is when we all talk on the phone or email and plan to get together - with everyone paying their own way.

If I send an invitation, even just an evite, it becomes more formal, and I would think of that as a party I'm hosting. So I would probably word it to let everyone know we'll all go "Dutch" and you'll cover the bride. I wouldn't be surprised if your friends ask if they can help with the cost of the bride's meal, drinks, etc. But I do think I'd find a way to let them know each person is financially responsible for themselves, or they may feel misled to receive an invitation (which implies you are hosting the event) and then find they are expected to pay for themselves.

By the way, I think it is perfectly fine to send out the evite and not pay for everyone, so I hope I'm not sounding otherwise. And probably everyone will assume they pay for themselves, but just in case....I think I would specify!!

Have fun with your friends and the bride-to-be!

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I would check with the restaurant and make sure that they will do separate checks with large parties. If it is all on one check it is such a pain for each person to figure out what they owe. If the bill is split evenly 20 ways, those who don't drink cocktails will feel they are paying more than their share. I would want it to be clear if I was paying my own way. (and wouldn't mind at all) Then there are no tensions and all you have to do is have fun!

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I might be a little different but if I ever invite anyone for girls night or whatever, I expect to cover the entire bill.

If I am invited to an outing...I would assume that the hostess would be paying but I would be prepared to cover myself just in case.

Not sure how to put the wording that this is for the bride and you are taking care of her meal. I do believe that if you expect your guests to pay for themselves...it needs to be clear because some of them might not have something like that in a budget.

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I always assume I'm paying for myself when I go out with friends, and I never specify when I organized a night out. I don't think you need to put it on the invite, and you'll probably have others help out with the bride's drinks, and maybe even the meal. Have fun!

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I always expect to pay for myself, and I would also be prepared to possibly chip in for the bride's meal. I think what Tammy recommended would be a great way to word it on the evite, but not directly say "you have to pay for yourself"! T.

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If it is just a GNO then everyone pays there own and EVERYONE just divides the bill with the bride included - If it is something you are hosting - then usually you would pay. Depend on what you are having - a bridal party - the host usually pays - do you have anyone that could help you?? Maybe a couple of other host.

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I agree that this can be sticky, given the situation. I've been to a couple of bridal showers at restaurants, where everything was covered--i.e., the bridesmaids and sometimes the bride's mom covered everyone's meal. I've also been to bachelorette parties where we all knew in advance we were splitting it--sometimes more casually, being told "we'll all meet here and go from there," with the implication being that we each pay for what we do (restaurant, bars, clubs, whatever), and sometimes being told explicitly "everybody pitch in $60 bucks to cover yourself and pitch in for the bride." I understand not wanting to be rude mentioning money, but I do think it's better to be upfront. I didn't at all mind paying in those situations where I did, but it's definitely good to know in advance, both so I had the cash on hand, and so, when necessary, I could budget in advance. I think you're better off being clear at the beginning, than having an awkward situation on the night of. GL and have fun!

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i would always assume i'm going to pay for myself regardless of who does the inviting. you could always say something cute like "the brides dinner is on me but the rest of you are on your own :)" since these women are your friends no one will be offended or probably even care that they are paying for dinner. have fun!

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Maybe by wording it in a way that they will feel as though they are a part of the planning.....? Instead of wording it as a formal invitation, maybe you can say something like: "would you like to help me surprise (***) with a girls night out at ***?" I like the idea of adding the average menu prices. Maybe even add something asking them to please join us for a drink even if you're not hungry because (***) it would really mean a lot to have you there!

As soon as they see the part in there about the prices, they will definitely know.

Sometimes, it's easier to call in person to give the details and then follow-up with the e-vite as a reminder. When you talk to them about it, ask them what they think of the price range of that particular restaurant.

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Just put something like going Dutch, except the bride.

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Call the restaurant and find the price range for dinner. Send an e-mail worded along the lines of: Dinner ranges from $10.00-$20.00 per person, excluding beverages. For your convenience they do accept Visa, MC, Debit cards and cash. ***something along these lines should work. If I were you, I would bring a little extra money just in case.

You can also add - You take care of you and I'll take care of the brides expenses or I will cover the brides expenses. Something light should work.

Good luck and enjoy.

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M.,
I would think I was covering for myself. I have seen the situation handled at the restaurant with the waiter/waitress gracefully but not sure how to handle it with your invitations. I hope others posted a solution. You guys have fun on your night out.
C.

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