Terry Pulliam Burd wrote:
OTOH, I recall my parents talking about having "rent
> parties" when they were growing up during the Depression, when
> neighbors would try to help each other out with rent and mortgage
> payments during bad times. Whole different kettle of fish (thereby
> OB).

I've heard of mortgage burning parties in my grandparents generation.
But just like a wedding, the hosts are the folks who provide the party
in celebration of the event.