Party Replies

[LisaM86x]

I've recently invited 6 children from my daughters class to her 6th birthday party at our house for this coming weekend. Invites went out a couple weeks ago so they've had about 3weeks notice. So far only one parent has replied - AIBU to expect to have had an answer from everyone by now? Even if it's just to acknowledge that that they've had the invite but maybe can't attend? I'm surely not the first person to query what the etiquette is here (sorry if there's a million posts like this already!) but I'm of the opinion that it's polite to respond in one form or another as soon as possible. I'm not particularly friendly with the parents of the children in question but I don't think that should make a difference. I also feel bad for my daughter because she wants these children to come and I don't know what to tell her (I know from parents evenings that she's a popular child so I don't think it's the case that the kids don't like her or anything). I'm just really irritated that parents can't get their act together and send a single text to say yay or nay :0(
I suppose until Saturday I'll just have to wait in limbo and cater anyway for potential no-shows. Ultimately it's not the end of the world as she still has a couple of non-school friends attending and it was always going to be quite a relaxed affair just with a few party games (pin the carrot on the Olaf, musical statues, pass the parcel, a bit of cake) but it's the principle!

[Mammylamb]

Agree! It's very rude not to reply!

[Fruitcorner123]

Does your child's class have a facebook group or are you at the school gates for pick up or drop off ever? I would try and find the relevant parents and ask them directly.

My experience is that people are planning to come but forget to reply.

Other things to consider... are you sure your DD gave out the invitations? Maybe the other DCs didnt pass them to a parent. My DS this year just put his in people's trays at school and I know at least one person who didn't find hers as i ended up speaking to her mum.

If you cant find their parents you could ask your Dd to ask them of they are coming if they say yes to your DD they probably are coming.

[DailyMailReadersAreThick]

It's really rude not to reply.

But rather than waiting in limbo, I would ask the parents directly if their children are coming or not.

[melj1213]

Some very good ideas of how to chase up with PPs already but one question I have is - did you put an RSVP date on the invites?

I always tend to find I get more RSVPs if I put a specific contact date rather than just assuming that people will RSVP in a timely manner. Also if there's a specific RSVP date it gives me a good opening to contact the parents, either when I see them at the school gates or via text if I have their number from the class directory, of non-RSVPed invites once that "deadline" had passed as you are just following up on the missed deadline and not nagging them.

"Hey X, I don't seem to have received your RSVP so please can you let me know if

[Mulberry72]

DS(11) had his party yesterday, 16 invited, 13 responded.

16 turned up. As it happened they were very easily accommodated (I’d taken 16 sweet bags etc), but that’s not the point. It’s extremely poor form not to RSVP one way or the other, it drives me mad!

[Montsti]

I follow up when I see the parents at the schoolgate and then chase any others that I don't see. I even send a reminder a few days before but most of my kids parties are per head so it's annoying not knowing...