I dunno about other States, but there is a new trend (ok, maybe it’s not so new) here in Maryland. People – and I’m not referring to the “party promoters” – throw parties to celebrate their birthday and then they charge you a gate/entrance fee. What nonsense!!!
Where do people come off inviting you for their “birthday party” and then charging you $30 before 11 o’ clock or some nonsense like that??? So how much is it gonna be after 11? It doesn’t even matter. If you wanna throw a birthday party, then do so and let people come and merry with you for free. If you don’t have money to throw a party, then who says you have to? Why throw a party and tell me to pay? You might as well require all the guests to bring gifts. Whatever happened to good ol’ staying home with friends and eating cake (and ice cream, of course)?
My phone and email have been bombarded with invitations to birthday parties where I am required to pay. Sometimes, there is even an enforced dress code. Why now??? I don’t mind if there is a dress code; I just don’t understand why it should be enforced for a birthday party. When you invite people to join you to celebrate your birthday, you’re begging them for a favor – I think. In a large scale public event, of course, people have to pay and dress codes can be enforced. But for a birthday party??? Gimme a flippin’ break! I could have been doing something else @ home – like watching funny commercials or something.
This is how all this nonsense starts ooo. Before I know it, couples getting married will start charging their guests at the door and even enforcing a strict asoebi dress code…with matching Italian shoes & bags sef! That will be the day. Yes, that will be the day that I, the Verastic lover will quit attending weddings and plan my own instead. By the day my wedding date rolls around, I’m sure a man would volunteer to stand in as my husband. And I’ll make sure I renew my vows every month – just in case the man begins to forget he’s married. But don’t lemme get into all the plans I have for my wedding and marriage. That will be for another post.
Of course, there is a slight chance that I might be over reacting…seeing as I am not much of a party person (except when a dancing catharsis is necessary). So my reason for not attending these pay-at-the-door birthday parties isn’t usually because I am required to pay, but rather, first and foremost because I just don’t wanna go. If I did wanna go, having to pay @ the door would then become the reason why I will not be found there. Pay at the door for someone’s birthday party????????? Please!!!
Oh, well. What do I know? I’m just a gal with an overactive imagination who thinks she can make certain things & places disappear. Hehehe. (Yes, I am aware that almost no1 knows what the heck I’m talking about. I said almost no1). But seriously, I think this is simply ridiculous. If you want to become a party promoter, then knock yourself out and stop hiding under the cloak of having a birthday party. *HISS*
Oh! And “Category A” of Naija Blogger Awards has started, so please COME ON DOWN!!! If you don’t have a name for any category, don’t leave it blank, write N/A or something. Better yet, fill every category with Vera Ezimora. Just a thought…! 🙂 Alright, I’m begging, please vote 4 me!!! If you do, I will…. I don’t even know what I will do. What do you want me 2 do? Pray, do tell! Click HERE to vote.
Don’t mind them..they want to be throwing parties but they don’t have lau lau money to burn. Me go for a party i have to pay, what happened to lil coming over gifts like a bottle or something?
it happens here in the south too o…….. as a rule, if its ur birthday, i will only come for dinner which i dont mind payin for cuz at least it’d be good food or a house party…… people have turned birthdays into money making ventures…….
When I heard of the payment thing for the first time, I was shocked. A cousin of mine attended my birthday party and insisted that he pays for his own food. What! He said he will give me the money if I don’t allow him pay.
Afterwards, I learned it was the norm so nothing to worry about. Then I respected our Nigerians (burnt and bred here :-)) for being generous…
I dont particularly like the whole brng me outta my hse to party with u at my expense too and dont indulge it period. However, i c nothing wrong with dress code or themed party. I think they add some favor to the mix… like all white party, Jeans party, touch of pink, etc.
Maybe I just don’t know the “right” people, but I’ve never heard of such a thing. If someone throws a party (myself included) the host is in charge of paying for snacks, drinks, and finding entertainment. Then it’s the host’s responsibility to clean…and if someone wants to stay and help that’s great, but other than that it’s all on the host. Why would I charge you for celebrating MY birthday? I am not famous!
But here’s a thought: If there’s people willing to pay to celebrate my birthday, then I will require everyone to donate to a charity and show proof of said donation at the door. 😀 And if you donate to the ASPCA I’ll give you a party bag full of lil party favors. How’s THAT!?
I thought it was a UK thing…so it is a Naija in diaspora thing?
*brainwave alert*
Thinks to himself..
“..so if i convert to islam.. I’ll be Bill Gates-ish by the time I’m on the fourth..”
No worries Vera.. I’ll remember you *wink*
“When you invite people to join you to celebrate your birthday, you’re begging them for a favor “
I agree with that statement. I don’t know why people insist on making things complicated. I know we’re in a recession but still….
How have you been hun?
Femi: Abi ooo! Really, if you don’t have money then don’t throw a party. Na by force??? The host is not even considering the fact that the party he/she invited me to will make me have to hunt for a new outfit. *HISS* lol. After all that, I’ll still have 2 pay @ the door???
Funms: Yes ke. They have really turned it into money-making ventures. While at the party, you’ll hardly see the host coz he’s busy making sure that his guests are paying @ the door. lol. Forgerrit! I’d rather count the stars.
Rita: Yes oh, my dear. Na so we dey see am for Yankee. The whole thing is so confusing. You don’t know when to offer to pay and when not to. It’s crazy. What happened to the good ol days?? LOL. Hmmm. I should write an article about this. As 4 the party scene, that is the one I refuse to subscribe to. *HISS*
Anonymous: A person must really be mad to drag me outta my house to celebrate THEIR birthday @ MY expense. As 4 the dress codes, I like them, but I just don’t think they should be ENFORCED seeing as you’re inviting people to come. Perhaps, you could strongly suggest that they adhere to the dress codes, and you could beg them to adhere, but to write boldly on the invitation, “DRESSCODE ENFORCED” is pushing it. What happens if a guest forgets the theme or something like that?
Moonie: Word! I don’t understand the whole thing either. The host is always responsible for everything; people can offer to help, but charge me to celebrate your birthday? Yeah, right!
Dabizniz: Apparently. And it’s just ridiculous. It’s just crazy to charge people to celebrate your own birthday. Abegi!
puhlease, even if i wanted to, i dont have time for parties anymore. everybody just thinks they can wake up one day and be party promoters!
then again, the economy nau, lol! errant nonesense!
There was a party this weekend where a Zim chicka decided to make people pay…folks just told her where to stuff it and went to a club where they guaranteed to enjoy themselves and pay for the requested 10quid…helloooo its ur party why u making folks pay…mccccheeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww..or rather Zim style mnxiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Nonsense and ingredients. Dem dey crace ni? Me, a whole me, to pay, to come and honor you with my presence. they are not serious. I am already giving you the best gift EVER, which of course is MY PRESENCE. To ask me to pay is just being plain greedy. mscheeeew. Anyways much love boo.
and OF course I shall be voting for you. who else can I vote for. ehn?
They gas to be kididng! Credit crunch or no credit crunch, that’s just bad taste. Na by force to throw party?
lmao. Vera, u are just venting? Me I don fashi all dem pay as u go parries mahn. dem don crase finish.
eeyah, no vex. i mean u know its like the economy is mushed up and people are begining to loose it.
but how about paying and the party turns out to be wack. hehehe
You’re sooo funny. But you know, I know EXACTLY WHAT YOU MEAN!
I’m gonna go and vote!
Now its your turn to bribe us Vera, Ill send you my address, send me a perfume, and Ill vote for you. Ill even rally multitudes!
about the paying for parties.I can only LAWL!(I miss mr fineboy)..:)
LOOOOL….I totally feel you. It happens here in Canada too. I was shocked to my shoes when I found that people invite people to dinner and then everyone pays!…I guess I understand a little now ’cause we’re students. But on the reals if ever have a dinner one of two things can happen.
A: I will cook at home and have everyone come and eat and be happy
B: Or I will save “birthday money” and pay for everyone at the restaurant we chose (will definitely not be a too-expensive one!)
I’ll vote you funniest blog or whatever category is closest to that!
x!
This is new o!
those yahoo boiz and gurlz have found another means of scamming people eh! Wonderful!
Please, what will you give me if I vote for you? A bottle of amor??? *wink* just wondering…
I feel you.
If you want to have a party, ensure you ahve enough money to host all the guests.
Dont be telling pple to pay at the gate, or pay for their drinks.
I no understand the ‘come to my party but pay’ thing o.
Me I be full, proper Naija….you call people for party ONLY when you have money to spend……and free food,free drinks, free sourveniers and anything else that can be free are what our parties are about.
Me I dont know what to say.
Maybe its Oyinbo’s way of doing things……
And Vera, we all know you will win one of those awards…let me lobby you ahead
Hmmmm…payment for party..my friend and I were just talking about it the other day…nothing beats a naija party in naija…we too much..
but come oh…seems to me we have the same policy in naija.just coded and not everyone is charged…or how else do u explain boyfriend one in charge of meat, bf 2 in charge of foood,bf 3 in charge of drinks???
EHEN??????? wat is wrong wit paying for ur food???? na pesin say make u like owambe???? abegii:)
lollllllllllll@woomie’ yahoo boiz in deed 🙂
you people should leave that ish in the diaspora
cos it aiint happening here in naija
pay to enter a party…uhmp
i like themes though
lol at Afro…thats different-them dey sponsor the parry -thats all…*wink*
hehe..i have totally seen people do that..what was even funnier was that people payed o!!! BUAHAHAHAHA!! anybody that wants me to PAY because i’m attending THIER birthday perty is high jare…ah, they are supposed to be paying me sef..nansens!
I’ve never understood this nonsense too!!! It just beats me sincerely.
@Afro- the way we pay for the party usually is by buying aso ebi which a lot of times is over priced and the excess is either used to buy YOU souvenirs or spread to other expenses of the party!!!!!
This bullshit. They are trying to copy oyinbo people and their “bring your own beer” parties. I mean, if i have to bring my own beer and food to a party, i would rather stay home and drink, watch tv and pass out jejely on my own couch. Shio. This world don spoil sef.
pay to enter a birthday party!!!
puts the phrase having you cake and eating it….they are just taking liberties to another level.
lol..thats hilarious but while we are on the subject of party promoters.
whats with them bombarding your facebook with invitation to ladies free weekend in Maryland, North Carolina and Atlanta when clearly you know i live in FL? seriously?
oh yea i was on TERC on 2/13, i just didnt say much, i was the one with the name that starts with an N. if your memory is that good.
Roc Naija: LOL. As long as you remember me, I’m fine with your decision. Say, how soon will this be?
Simplegal: I’ve been good, darling. I don’t know why people wanna make things complicated either. I mean, it’s really not even that serious! And I don’t think the recession has anything to even do with this; it has been going on long before the recession. Besides, if they really wanna consider the recession, then they wouldn’t be throwing any parties at all abi?
Bumight: LOL. Abi o! Everyone now wants to promote a party – even people that are not even social sef. Nawa o. Maybe I’m in the wrong line of business. Or maybe I should start charging people to hear me read or something. lol.
Shona Vixen: LOL. I totally agree. Try as I might, I cannot understand why someone will do something so silly. Charge people for celebrating your own birthday??? Rubbish!
Temite: LOL @ honoring them with your presence. My dear, na true talk be that ooo! Seriously, your presence should be enough. Abi dem no know who you be? You’ll be voting 4 me ehn??? Awwww! Thanx boo!
Olowo: I no come know o! They really gas to be kidding! LOL. Which kin rubbish parry be that? *HISS*
Nefertiti: Ah, I’m venting ooo! I cannot help it. These people keep sending me text messages and emails to attend one birthday party or the other, and on top of that, I have to pay. They’re lucky I have unlimited texts. If not ehn, I for show them hot pepper. lol.
9ja Kuti: I really don’t think this has anything to do with the economy. This has been going on long before the economy. lol @ the party being whack. Well, that’d be unfortunate for those who paid. Me, I no gree o. Forgerrit.
Darius: LOL. yay, you’re voting 4 me! You’re da best. See, that’s why I like u! LOL
Ms O: Haba! Why you wan be like that now??? I thot we were closer than that? LOL. Okay, just vote ehn, then I’ll send the perfume. Abi?? Hehe. I no go pay you before you do the work na.
Bob-Ij: Thanx 4 the vote, hon! I agree with you on the restaurant thing too. It’s just really weird cause it’s your birthday, so why invite people and then tell them to pay??? It’s like you’re basically forcing them to celebrate your birthday. Cooking @ home always works.
Woomie: LOL. You extortionist! Just because of simple vote you wan collect all my money go abi? lol. Indeed sha, those yahoo boys have found a new way of guying us. The only difference is that now we have fun while @ it.
OluwaDee: Yeap! Make sure you tell that to your customers ooo… just in case any of your customers decide to pull that kinda stunt. But I doubt that’ll happen in Naija anyway. It’s these diaspora people that have lost their good sense.
Olufunke: Abi ooo! You really should only throw a parry when you’re ready to dash people things. lol. I hope I win. If I don’t, I’m quitting blogging. Yeah, I said it! LOL.
Afrobabe: Hahahahaha. I think that one only happens to you, Ibiluv and Shona Vixen. LOL! Me, I no sabi wetin you dey yarn. Biko don’t implicate me here. Hehehe.
LG: You don crase finish. Na which kin food be that sef wey I no get 4 house? I fitn’t ooo! Parry gas to be free! lol
Ibiluv: Of course, you’ll support Afro. Why I no surprise? LOL. Sponsor the party ko! But chei… the thought of it does sound good though. Hmmmm. Maybe I should throw a party. Hehehehe.
Ice Queen: Abi oh my sister! They’re the ones that are supposed to be paying me indeed. Dem need 2 be giving me small cash here and there 4 leaving everything I was doing to attend their nonsense parry. Pay @ the door ko!
FluffyCuteThing: Oh, yeah…that’s another one. LOL. Why overprice the asoebi to buy ME gift?? Na who tell you say I wan gift? LOL. The annoying thing is that the gift is usually useless – something you can’t use and can’t even regift. Just a burden. A burden you paid for. lol!
Rosie: Preach on, Sister! lol. I’d rather do the same @ home too. It’d probably cost me less, and at least, I won’t have to drive.
Word Merchant: Yes, they are. They just use their birthdays as excuses to make money in the name of parties. Abeg. They should stop inviting me coz I ain’t going.
Reverence: lol @ the party flyers on facebook. I don’t even look @ them anymore. And no, my memory is not that good @ alll. I don’t even remember anyone’s name right now. lol. Pathetic, I know.
hahahaha
Vera, you don forget say we dey for recession? The country is experiencing economic crises and what is that they say about creativity and invention….?
I would hate to be on the receiving end but the idea of charging for your parties sure is intriguing. Maybe, i need to move to MD so I can “legally” charge for my parties
Dress code is nice, beefs up the party.
Haba Vera, if you win for all the category, you sure we no go suspect “rigging”
OOooh yes!! Someone else feels my pain. Because of this stupid “rule” I now have my own rule that if i have to pay to go to a party, then i don’t need to be there. lol
i’ve never understood the logic behind that..what people will do for money!
lol @ u begging for votes..hahahaha!
Never heard about this b4.
Not too long ago, I saw a wedding IV with a little note attached – “the couple will prefer that all gifts be monetized. thank you” and I was like, what?!! Are these pple stylishly begging for money?
And now they’re asking us to pay to attend their baiday parry? Abeg o! I’ll so stay home!
LOL…That’s beacuse they are in yankee now… In Naija if you ask people to pay for your party no one will show up. This is Arinze your cousin by the way
i totally hate when people do that, if u wan throw party throw free one jare
Naijagirl: Oya move to MD and start charging for your parties too now. lol. Nonsense. If I win for all the categories, we’ll call that the handwork of the Lord. No be rigging oh. LOL.
Lady D: Fair enough. There really isn’t any need for me to be there either if I have to pay for it. If you wanna celebrate your birthday, then abeg, have small dignity. People just don’t have shame anymore 4 real.
Buttercup: You’re laughing @ me abi? Okay, keep laughing. By the time I hijack the people in charge of the votes and make sure that I win all the categories, we’ll see who will be laughing then! LOL.
Enkay: LOL @ the couple. I guess they were broke and didn’t need anything else other than money, but truth is, you’re not supposed to tell people that though. No matter how you put it, it’ll never come out right.
Aribaba: You blog now???!! YAY! I’m coming over to ur blog soon as I’m done commenting. Don’t mind the yeye people oh. Yankee has spoilt them finish. I’d really like to see the number of people in attendance if they pull this stunt in Naija. *HISS* How body sha??
Pink Satin: Abi oh, my sista! which one be all this pay @ the door nonsense??? Like I don’t have something better to do with my money. I’d rather chew it in fact.
I understand not paying for a house party (because that’s just ridiculous) but why not paying if you go to dinner?
I think for a dinner party, it’s ok (should be ok) for everyone to pay. You ate the food, not me! :)… It’s probably a Nigerian thing, because I went to a Nigerian friend’s dinner party and her boyfriend paid for everybody… I don’t know, I felt uncomfortable. 🙂