Party organiser has messed up - what would you do?

[Mandora83]

Hi all,

Not posted on here before so apologies if I'm not up with the lingo!

Booked a venue for DD's 3rd birthday party back in April. Party is this weekend - I'm already a bit stressed out that it partly clashes with the World Cup final but that's a whole separate thread!

Around the same time I booked an arty crafty type entertainer. When I first enquired the dinosaur theme looked fun so I went with that initially. However, as the party approached and still a good couple of months ago I realised DD is not that into dinosaurs but does love animals. Asked the entertainer if we could change the theme and she said that was fine.

Fast forward to today and I get an email from the entertainer. She is now conveniently on holiday in Barbados (but a colleague will be doing our party) BUT says she messed up and forgot we changed the theme. According to her it is now too late to carry on with the animal theme as she's out of the country and all of the party materials - dino theme and all - have been pre-prepared. Apologetic, but no offer to discount or put it right.

I was really upset about this - we changed the theme from something dd isn't interested in to something she loves so I feel pretty let down. Fired off a couple of emails saying that we shouldn't have to pay full price (£150!) when it isn't what we requested and the changed theme was agreed a long time ago. Initially she just said we could discuss a partial refund if daughter doesn't like the party, but maintains dinosaurs will be more fun anyway. I said that I still don't feel I will be happy to pay full price, especially as daughter doesn't like dinosaurs and I've already spent more money on getting animal-themed party stuff like napkins and cups. She then says she will offer ten per cent off 'as a goodwill gesture' but I sense she's getting annoyed with me as I'm a nuisance when she's trying to sun herself, despite me not having done anything wrong.

I'm sure DD will still enjoy the dinosaurs, but I feel out of principle I shouldn't be ok with this or accept a measly ten per cent discount. What would you do?

[NewIdeasToday]

It’s a three year olds birthday party. As long as the activities are fun it won’t matter if it’s a combination of dinosaurs and animals. Most kids love dinosaurs so all the other kids will enjoy it too, meaning there is a great atmosphere at the party.

Relax and enjoy it :-)

[user1469360472]

How did the party go?

[Mandora83]

It went well thanks, DD and friends seemed happy, at this age it is all painting, clay and messy play whatever the theme! I took the discount as a point of principle but think things are smoothed over!

[user1469360472]

I'm glad to know that!