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Scrapbook party etiquette

J. Chasens Design

18 years ago

I am only an occasional scrapbook gal, so I was wondering if those of you with more experience could help me out here. I was invited to a birthday party by a friend. It was her birthday and the party was at her house. She is very much into scrapbooking (sp?) and said that would be the theme of the party and to bring some photos.

Upon arrival we found out we were expected to pay for the priviledge to participate in her party to cover the costs of the 'professional' in attendance. Of course, items were then for sale at the end of the presentation. I have been to those parties before, but am I out of line to have expected the hostess to pick up the tab? Everyone had brough her a present and no one was informed there would be a fee ahead of time. It is certainly not a question of finances, trust me. Am I being too critical?

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Comments (3)

mariend
18 years ago
No you are not being too critical, after all, you were invited to wish here Happy Birthday, not a scrap booking party, which is entirely different. I probably would have said, I just droped in to wish you HB--then left. I cannot imagine paying for the person ( and I assume) she wanted you to buy "her" items. This person was very rude, after all gifts/cards and now money!!
User
18 years ago
Oooooh, I'd be so annoyed when I realized what was going on. But I've never been one to respond to insults quickly or with wit, so probably would have done just what you did--endure it and seethe inside.

She was way out of line. I'm sure you've thought of ways you SHOULD HAVE handled it by now, but it's too late (like taking your gift back with you when you left).

Lesson learned, I guess.
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Can a card be considered a gift? After all, it costs money too. Heck, some cards cost as much as a gift! What about a card with money in it? It's not wrapped up in a large box with a bow so no one will know it's actually a gift. They're probably trying to avoid the scenario where the birthday boy has to sit down and open a lot of gifts with everyone standing around watching. Have you noticed that even when they say NO GIFTS someone always breaks the rule? They bring wine, food, flowers, they find ways. And then everyone else is left thinking uh oh maybe I should have brought something afterall, a hostess gift at the least. I like the suggestion of ommitting it's a birthday from the invitation. We're all too condition from childhood to bring gifts to birthday parties. That's why potlucks are good. It makes the guests feel like they're bringing something.
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Shannon01
18 years ago
Sounds like this was a scrapbook class? similar to the type that Creative Memories does. Guests are invited to a class where they pay @10 to attend. They bring their own photos and are provided supplies to assemble a page. The fee covers the cost of the supplies the demonstrator provides. It is all fair. But....... to invite friends to a birthday party that turns out to be a "class" without informing the guest ahead of time is way out of line in my opinion. I am surprised the guests were not informed about the real thing.

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