My in laws are celebrating there 70th wedding anniversary in a few weeks. we (DH & I) have been planning a surprise party for them. His 2 brothers live out of state and of course will be here for the celebration. Now here is my question. Neither of the brothers have offered to help with the expenses. I even asked the sister's in-law for help with ideas for food, (its an open house) not a lot of help there either. Should something be said, or do we just suck it up and enjoy the occasion?

Since nothing has been offered yet, you're probably going to have to suck it up and enjoy the occasion.

Congrats to them!

Maybe because of the cost of coming out of state they have little funds to help? I know travel and lodging cost can be prohibitive.

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Unless they are going to be staying with you, then maybe you can send them shopping and ask what they were planning on getting for the celebration.

Probably all you'll get is a blank look, but worth a try. Just think how pleased your folks will be for this, and consider it well worth the while. At their age, there probably won't be many more celebrations, so just suck it up and enjoy the party.

I have found that if people don't offer that means they plan on you paying for it. Just in my experience anyway. :)

Your party, your expenses. Sorry. It would be nice if they offered to help with food or cost but don't count on it.

Or depending on the relationship, you could try, "This is costing me more than I expected.... could I ask you to look after bringing (the buns and butter and pickles or whatever)?

thanks everybody I knew what the right answer was I just need a little push to convince me!!

I would come right out and ask if they are planing on contributing but that just the way I am if a strong hint doesn't work then send them a bill

Just hope someone volunteers to help with the expense.