by: Anonymous

I have never heard of anyone having a a shower/party of any kind at a restaurant or any other place that serves food, and expect the guests to pay for their food. Usually if you are thorwing a function at a restaurant/hall, it is assumed that the hostess(es) have covered all costs. I would be shocked and pretty angry if I attended a shower and was then expected to pay for my food on top of the cost of my gift.

by: Anonymous

I guess it depends where you live, but I have been to over a dozen showers, both bridal and baby, that have been in restaurants and the hostess has always paid for all the food. I was very surprised to read your suggestion that the guests pay.

by: Sonya

When hostesses decide to have a shower at a restaurant, it is usually because they are trying to defray some of the costs of the party. And I think most people would understand that, and assume that they would be paying for their own meal. But it’s always a good idea to let them know on the invitation, just to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Since you did not tell them on the invite, do you feel comfortable getting in touch with everyone to explain that they would have to pay for their own meal? You do not want to have people show up at the restaurant thinking that their meal is covered.

Even though I think they already know they have to pay themselves, I would make sure of this before the shower.