I am having my 35th Birthday Dinner at a frequent dining location. Should I explain on the invite that dinner is Dutch or should I assume they know it is?

by Chelle
(Flagler Beach Fl)

I want to share my 35th Birthday with 20 of my closest friends at a frequent dining location. This will give all of my friends who don't know each other an opportunity to meet each other, celebrate my special day and have a fun girls night out.



Birthday Dinner Invite
by: Wendy (Modern Manners and Etiquette)

Thank you for your question!

Happy Birthday to you!! I hope that it is a fun evening for you and your friends. Sharing an evening together is one of the best ways to celebrate and enjoy.

As for your question about paying for the dinner...it is best that you let them know it will be Dutch. Assuming has gotten me into trouble 90% of the time. This would be the same for you. There would be those who figured it out, and then there would be ones who thought you would be paying because you invited them.

There is nothing wrong with letting them know that they are responsible for their own meals. If you are sending out an email or formal invitation simply include this. If you are calling them, the same thing. Make it a light conversation and don't apologize that they need to cover their meal.

I hope that you have a wonderful evening!!