Mumsnet Talk

Yes

Its bloody rude not to RSVP and it seems to be the done thing these days

Give them a poke

If you're likely to see the parents, I would ask them face to face. If not and you've got phone numbers or e-mail adresses then I wouldn't hesitate to get in touch and ask.

Very, very rude not to RSVP imo.

definitely nudge them.

I'm not sure that your approach will get results!

I think you might need to be more direct!

e.g. Dear Mr/Mrs Ignorant,

Please can you let me know whether or not your dc is able to attend (Insert name of your dc)'s birthday party on (date) at (time) in (location).

Many Thanks

Smallwhitecat

Please nudge them, there was a very thread on here earlier when only 1 boy (the OPs) had turned up to an 8yos party. Broke my heart

I would just ask the outright, by phone, text, in person. No beating about the bush.

Maybe the invites didn't make it home?

Just remind them, its no big deal. "Hi I need to confirm numbers for party so you could you let me know if you can make it asap. Hope to see you there."

Chances are a lot are like me with more than 2 kids and have party invites coming out of their ears at the moment. I think I have replied to all but may have missed someone. Everytime I pick up my phone I get interrupted and my head is swimming by the evening and I don't always remember everything. Its not rude, its being overwhelmed by life sometimes.

Not the end of the world, but a pita catering for an unknown number a making up unnecessary party bags (if you're doing them).

Common at our school to prompt slow responders and no-one minds ( they are generally very apologetic). I agree it won't work if you do a blanket email to everyone though. Particularly if there have been a spate of parties, people often forget which they have replied to.