A couple weeks ago, my fiancée and I had an informal engagement party at our favorite beach. When we visit this particular beach in Gloucester, MA, our tradition is to stop on the way home at one of the local clam shacks. We wondered how we might word the invitation so that our guests would feel welcome to join us at the clam shack but not infer that we were paying for their seafood.
Today, I found Talley Sue Hohlfeld’s article at The Bride’s Guide entitled, “How to Invite People to Go Dutch to an After Party.” Talley wrote about her cousin Kelsea’s experience with a similar scenario. Because the state fair was happening during the time of Kelsea’s wedding, she and her husband decided to extend their celebration with their guests and invite them to the fair. They just needed to come up with invitation wording to tactfully state their intent. I think they did well.
Following the ceremony, the wedding party will be heading to the State Fair. Everyone is welcome to come!
Adults (12-59): $9
Seniors (60 & over): $6
Disabled Persons: $6
Youth (ages 7-11): $4
Age 6 & under: FREE
Getting back to my clam shack invitation… I wish I had thought of including some sample pricing, but maybe my wording was fine as I sent it. This was sent inside of a very informally worded e-mail:
After the beach, we like to go to one of the clam shacks in Essex. We’re thinking of Woodman’s. If you can join us, great! If not, no problem.
When my fiancée and I arrived at Woodman’s, two of our friends had already ordered their food and secured tables. From there on, everything fell into place, including some late night ice cream from the stand out back.
Have you hosted a gathering but needed to convey that guests should pay their own way? How did you handle it?
Joshua Birch
