How do you invite a few friends to join a bday celeb for a mutual friend without being expected to pay for all

It is a surprise get together for the friend turning 50. We can pay for her and our family, but don't want to stuck with the whole tab for everyone. What is the proper way to invite others without offending by saying "by the way, your bill is your responsibility". Just not sure how to state it when inviting. I feel most would not expect theirs to be paid, but you never know. Thanks for any advice.
How do you invite a few friends to join a bday celeb for a mutual friend without being expected to pay for all
Instead of saying 'we are having a birthday party' ask if they would be interested in all going out to celebrate. Asking their interest will hopeful imply that their would be some inconvenience (such as cost) to them. Also you can make it more clear by saying "does anyone have any suggestions of where we should go or what price range they want to stay within". Or simply say 'If you are interesting in going out, I am willing to pay for *mutual friend*". I think that without formally saying that you are the 'host of the party' most people would not be expecting you to pay.
Reply:I would never expect someone to pay for me if I was invited to a restaurant for a big celebration. If they did it's a bonus but I'm always prepared. I think it would be rude of them to expect you to pay for so many people. I mean it's not a banquet.
Reply:That's B - - - - - - - !


You invite, YOU PAY
Reply:Let's take X out for her birthday. I know her favorite restaurant is BBBB so let's take her there.
Reply:I had a similar experience recently where we were invited to a rather nice restaurant for a surprise party for a mutual friend.


I certainly would not have stuck the person who invited us for our part of the bill, but with other people you never know. Anyway, at the end of the night the host asked for contributions for the dinner and passed the hat. Later I asked the host if he had enough for the bill and he nodded yes.


When you extend the invitation you could also mention that the dinner is "no host," which implies that everyone is responsible for their own bill.
Reply:I have these kind of "parties" all the time.


I never ask them to come to a party I always ask them to join us a "such and such" restuarant to celebrate .........."


I have never had a problem with anyone expecting to have their meal paid for.


Good luck
Reply:Hmm... are you close to the people? If so, I would call them and say something like " I was hoping we could all get together for ___'s birthday " What do you think of everyone meeting up at -------? Of course, you might loose a little control in the planning process (example, someone might say "oh let's go here instead of there") But it would be more clear than saying "we are having a party for ____ at ----- and you are invited" which does seem to imply that you might be paying.
Reply:If you ask people to "meet at restraunt X at 6:00 on Friday" that sounds more mutual than "party for so-and-so".
Reply:On the invitation write that is a "no-host" dinner or lunch and to have them rsvpso you can make a proper reservation.