So, my Fi & I sat down with my FMIL tonight and she suggested hosting an engagement party for us at her new home. She had said she would like to have an outdoor, casual type of party, but would be unable to foot the entire bill, which is COMPLETELY understandable. (Many of us are not in great financial situations at the moment and so I had not even thought of having an eparty due to funds.)
She mentioned how she thought people could chip in by doing little things during the party to raise money to cover the costs of the eparty and then whatever was leftover would go towards wedding costs.
I know she has the absolute best intentions, but this situation makes me really uncomfortable. I know people have done Jack & Jills to raise money for weddings, but I don't think that is something you do at an engagement party. Is there anyway to do something along the lines of what she is suggesting that is acceptable? Or is this just a well-intentioned but bad idea?
Please help!