To be annoyed by the late response from these parents?

[Thewhingingdefective]

I sent out party invitations before Christmas (about nine days before the end of term) for my son's birthday. I am taking him for a ten pin bowling party and it's all booked, not just a turn up and play type arrangement. He only wanted to invite four friends, which is fine.

We quickly heard from two that they would be coming along, but we heard nothing over Christmas from the others even though my phone number was on the invitation. I didn't worry too much as Christmas can be a busy time for people, but I did stupidly assume that the two boys would also be coming along.

Children back to school this week of course and both parents approached me to say their boys couldn't make the party because of prior engagements.

I felt so annoyed because if that is the case why could they let me know sooner? As it is, it is now too late for my son to invite someone else (as they will know they were second choice) and too late for me to get a refund on the places I booked.

AIBU to feel annoyed - and more importantly- upset for my son?

[Gigondas]

Yanbu to be annoyed at slow/late response but yabu to assume they would come.

[Thewhingingdefective]

To clarify, my son's birthday was on Monday and the event is at the weekend so invitations went out between 3-4 weeks in advance. Enough notice?

[Thewhingingdefective]

Yes I agree I should not have assumed.

[ihearsounds]

Put it down to experience and next year either do something just before Christmas, or a week or so after the new term. People honestly do get caught up in Christmas, all the running around and everything. I have been on both sides, and honestly completely forgot about the invite until we went back to school and saw mum.

[justmyview]

Do the children who are coming have siblings? Siblings wouldn't take umbrage at a last minute invitation

[hellsbellsmelons]

It is really annoying - My DD birthday is middle of Jan.
When she was younger we used to have a 1/2 birthday so she would have her party in June so more people could come and the weather would be better.
May be an option for later in the year?

[MrsMangoBiscuit]

I'm sorry this has happened to you and your DS, but I must thank you for reminding me that DD was given an invite just before Christmas for a party in a couple of weeks time. I too had completely forgotten about it, so I have just replied and accepted.

[adeucalione]

I don't think it's too late for a last minute invitation to a couple of replacements - just phone the parents tonight rather than sending invitations, apologise for late notice due to Christmas.

[WorraLiberty]

Lordy, kids don't care about second place...they just love parties!

Invite another couple of kids, it's not that short notice and all they can say is "Sorry, we're busy this weekend".

[Thewhingingdefective]

I am narked at myself for not chasing up the parents over the holidays. Lesson learned.

No siblings that would want to come, unfortunately. Not sure about asking others now actually, partly because son was adamant he only wanted the four he chose - it wasn't that there were people he wanted to invite but couldn't. Hopefully he won't mind having just two friends there.

I like the 'official' Queen's birthday type idea. Having a winter birthday is crap as it always costs more money to do an indoor thing. We could do a barbecue on the beach in the summer!

[EllieArroway]

I also think it's fine to invite another couple of kids. Being "second place" probably won't even cross their minds.

[EllieArroway]

Oh, sorry, OP, X-posted.