do you think this is too much money

creased-leach

Try farmfoods or Netto for J20- packs of 12 for under £6. Boxes of wine will work out more economical- or I think you can get a deal at Tesco with 3 for £10 and a discount for bulk. Hope you have the weather!

Bettyboop

Geez that is a lot. You could go out and have no mess to clean up. Then again if you are cooking sir loins and rump steaks then maybe with the best of best drinks and punches but £300 for a BBQ is crazy on the other hand you could invite more people and it may end up cheaper for each of you.

Generali

TBH unless a guest only drinks vodka I'd forget about it - you're only going to get about 7 measures out of half a bottle.

Apart from that it sounds great - you have 96 small glasses of wine (3 or so each), about 3 beers and an alcopop per head. Presumably at least a few people will bring a bottle along too so you'll probably have some left over to take home (depending on how thirsty your guests are of course!).

Happy birthday to your MiL!

FreebieRocker

I think that £270 is a little too much in a way. I mean, people are likely to bring drinkwith them I would have thought. You could always hint at that. And then you only need to buy some drink, nothing too much. The kids wont notice if you buy 20p lemonade, cola, etc so maybe you could do that to save money? And you should try iceland for more for your money. Also, for the alcoholic drinks, go to the reduced stands in several supermarkets and you'll get awesome deals.

sunrise27_2

they way we're looking at is that if we were having a party in a hall it would cost a lot more but mother in law is already saying she doesn't want a big fuss so we've just invited a few friends and family.
when my father in law was 70 last year they were absolutely adamant that no one was to pay for their own drinks its very important to them.
she is a very special lady and is worth making a fuss of.
and the vodka is for my daughter lol

69chick

It doesn't sound a bad deal if you are paying that and that is everyone sorted for food and drink....maybe you could put the money together and then if you get some good deals there might be some left over...I did a surprise aniversary party for my parents last year and between the 4 of us we spend around £40 each on an online shop for all the food and a bit of drink (crate of beer/cider 2 boxes of wine and soft drinks and also included banners/serviettes etc). so that was £160 but for that amount we weren't covering everyones drink as we knew they would all bring their own, we just wanted to have a bit in for those who say didn't drive so only wanted a couple or for those who ran out....so I think the amount you are saying sounds fine

Anyway I think how nice that your mil has 3 lovely sons to spoil her on her birthday only hope my 3 little ones think as much of me when they are all growned up lol ...hope it goes well and you get a lovely day for it :cool:....

sunrise27_2

thanks 69chick I'm in charge of the shopping etc so am getting as many bargains possible to try and keep the cost down as much as possible
any drink left will be split between the 3 couples so we're not over worried about over spending on that
I don't want to do too much food as I hate wastage but obviously want there to be more than enough for everyone
she is a lovely lady who is always there if we need her , my children adore her and have no problem showing it even though they're 17 and 20 - she doesn't want a fuss but fingers crossed she will love the barbeque and we've had a photo of all the grandchildren taken and one of her 3 sons which I'm sure she will treasure

poet123

You are only 70 once and who knows what happens next. I say go for it and spend what you have to enjoy the day. have a wonderful time!

SUESMITH_2

she sounds fab, my mil is lovely too

spend the money and have a great time, my mil would much prefer a do at home than going out, more friendly and relaxed and more chance to mix and chat than being sat at a table in a restaurant

minimacka

Your family sounds very much like mine, 3 years ago we had a bbq for my fil (it was actually on my birthday) it was to get all his family together there was about 50 people and we had a fantasic day. Brothers and sisters chipped in (4) we had steak, and burgers sausages we bought all the beer wine etc. We had such a lovely day that the cost didnt even come into it, as it was a final farewell really to him as a couple of months later he died of cancer, we all look back to that day (and it was a miserable one weather wise) as one of the best family days that we have ever had, all his brothers and sisters came for the bbq and even some of his nephews and nieces. What im trying to say is that sometimes money doesnt even come into it its the memories that will stay with you forever. If you all can afford it and all agree then go for it and have a lovely day take as many pictures as you can and you will have many happy memories for years and years to come of the day.