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Should you pay to attend a baby shower?

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Times are tough, we all know that, and with a struggling economy, special occasions often require everyone's financial contribution. 

Read more: Is throwing your own baby shower tacky?

When hosting a friend's birthday party, or perhaps a bridal shower, some people will ask all those attending to put a certain amount of money towards décor, food and drinks. For many of us, this has become the norm. 

A radio show this morning discussed the issues around having to pay to attend a friend's baby shower and whether or not it was considered appropriate.

Callers' opinions ranged from "absolutely, if you eat it, you pay for it" to "no ways, what the hell?"  

While it is already expected to buy a gift for the mom-to-be, it might seem a bit off-sides to be asked to pay to attend a baby shower.

Considering the amount of baby showers in a year (particularly if you're in your 30's) is it not a bit much to be expected to pay to attend the event as well as to buy a gift?

In some cases where the host is having to organise a baby shower for someone who lives in another town, travelling expenses are also taken in to consideration. 

Hosting a baby shower on your own can be costly, and a little bit of help can go a long way. But it's a good idea to try and keep the costs down by cutting out unnecessary expenses if you're going to be asking friends to contribute financially.    

If you're a good friend of the mom-to-be, perhaps asking to help out with decorating and organising the event in ways that you might think will cut costs could help take some of the financial strain off. 

We asked moms and moms-to-be what they thought about the matter: 

"I think it's ridiculous. The godparents and family should cover expenses and gifts are for your account. I've never been to a baby shower I had to pay towards" -Gina (mother of two).
"No ways! Ask guests to bring a plate of snacks and a gift. The money should go towards the baby, not the guest's entertainment. The joy of waiting for the baby is a gift from God and it's not about paying to be a part of it. People are out of sync." -Philippa (godparent and aunt).

"No, I don't think you should have to pay. I think if the close friends / family can't pay for it then they should have it at a restaurant like mine was where people could choose if they wanted to have something or not. You cannot just assume that people are in a financial position to be able to pay to attend a baby shower, especially because most people feel obliged to bring a gift."-Nikki (mom-to-be). 

"Paying for a baby shower AND a present? I have no words. Shocking!" -Taryn (mom-to-be).

What are your feelings when it comes to being asked to pay to attend a baby shower?

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