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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To cancel DDs party this Sunday?

338 replies

Partydilemma48293 · 03/09/2024 14:49

DD is 3 and we’re having a party for her in 2 weeks time. Have spent about £1000 on venue hire, entertainment etc.

Originally had 25 kids confirmed as coming and this has now dropped down to 9.

Should we cancel?

IABU - no don’t canxel
YANBU - cancel

OP posts:
AliceMcK · 04/09/2024 09:37

I’m guessing it’s possibly a private hire situation with adult food covered. But even then, that’s ridiculous. It’s £299 for a private hire at the place my dd is having her party, not Cheshire affluent but still an affluent area. The private hire actually works out cheaper if you have enough kids, £299 for up to 35 kids of £10.95/head.

AliceMcK · 04/09/2024 09:33

Delatron · 04/09/2024 08:32

It’s all relative though isn’t is? £1k may be a drop in the ocean to the OP. It’s up to her what she spends her money on. She’s probably in London and an expensive part where this is all normal.

I don’t live in London anymore but I’m sure soft play parties round here (Bucks) are more than £15 per head depending on the package.

Did you read the thread?

Eenameenadeeka · 04/09/2024 09:03

I think it's enough guests and welcome siblings, she will still have a good day

Delatron · 04/09/2024 08:32

It’s all relative though isn’t is? £1k may be a drop in the ocean to the OP. It’s up to her what she spends her money on. She’s probably in London and an expensive part where this is all normal.

I don’t live in London anymore but I’m sure soft play parties round here (Bucks) are more than £15 per head depending on the package.

samarrange · 03/09/2024 23:08

I'm not sure which I find stranger here: Spending £1000 on having a 3-year-old's party, or spending £1000 on not having a 3-year-old's party.

Smartish · 03/09/2024 22:58

Sounds like a lovely party, what a lucky little one you have. With 2 weeks to go you have time to ask some more people without it looking like a last minute invitation.I’d suggest starting with siblings of those attending. Don’t cancel!

Babyworriesreal · 03/09/2024 22:49

Sounds fab - invite siblings and crack on. If you only have a small number, use chairs to half the hall.

TheBottomsOfMyTrousersAreRolled · 03/09/2024 22:42

IlooklikeNigella · 03/09/2024 22:01

Definitely don't cancel. Invite siblings and anyone else.

this

Waffle78 · 03/09/2024 22:37

Arrivapercy · 03/09/2024 22:31

Im desperate for a poster to appear who knows Cheshire and can link us to the Naice softplay that's £60 a head for a party because ive googled a while and found nothing over £15

They usually do a few different party packages. Plus you pay more for exclusive use.

Mynewnameis · 03/09/2024 22:33

I'd try and invite a few more

Arrivapercy · 03/09/2024 22:31

Im imagining champagne fountains and gold plated ball pit balls

Arrivapercy · 03/09/2024 22:31

Im desperate for a poster to appear who knows Cheshire and can link us to the Naice softplay that's £60 a head for a party because ive googled a while and found nothing over £15

reallyworriedjobhunter · 03/09/2024 22:30

Are you Kim Kardashian?

Andthereitis · 03/09/2024 22:25

ginasevern · 03/09/2024 15:21

Why on earth have you spent £1,000 on a party for a 3 year old.

How ... That's my question.

Gold plated chocolate cake?

LynetteScavo · 03/09/2024 22:25

No don't cancel. You'll be able to have a chat with the parents, rather than just give a brief hello.
It sounds ace.

PrettyFox · 03/09/2024 22:25

That number of children is perfect to a 3 years old party and she will enjoy much more as it will be less chaotic.

People are giving you a hard time here because of the money spent but if you can afford it and gives you joy, why not? Hope you have a lovely party.

Therightcoffee · 03/09/2024 22:23

@Partydilemma48293 no don't cancel, 9 is fine, do invite siblings etc.

You can sometimes be really unlucky with a particular date of a party for no good reason, we had this in my dc's class last year - fingers crossed it goes well.

LucyAutumn · 03/09/2024 22:18

We had this recently, don't cancel, open up the invitations to include siblings.

Arrivapercy · 03/09/2024 22:15

I live in super pricey commuter belt south east (one of the UKs "most expensive towns"). You must have been mugged alive with these costs and the soft play quote.

No, this is not even a remotely typical amount to spend on a 3 year olds party.

Noseybookworm · 03/09/2024 22:12

Sorry but £1,000 for a 3 year olds birthday party is insane 😳 I wouldn't cancel if you're not going to get the money back - tell invitees to bring siblings and call any friends/acquaintances with kids and ask them to come!

Thepeopleversuswork · 03/09/2024 22:06

Jesus people piling on to judge the OP for what she’s spending give it a rest…

She clearly has the money. Spending a grand on a kids’ party isn’t the most egregious thing to do. Just because you can’t afford to do it or think it’s the best use of money doesn’t mean it’s evil.

The bigger question is what to do and I think a nice party for 9 kids is fine. Your kid will have a lovely day, you haven’t broken the bank and no one died.

This competitive penny pinching is really tedious.

JFDIYOLO · 03/09/2024 22:04

A grand for a three year old?! Of course you mustn't cancel, not only because of losing the money - she'll be so upset. And those who are coming may have presents, new clothes etc. I'd agree, ask them to bring siblings, invite neighbours' children.

IlooklikeNigella · 03/09/2024 22:01

Definitely don't cancel. Invite siblings and anyone else.

ReadingSoManyThreads · 03/09/2024 22:01

Personally, I really dislike when people cancel parties based on low numbers attending. I think it's like sticking your finger up at those who did actually RSVP and make the effort to buy a gift and intend to attend, that their presence isn't enough for you! So no, don't cancel it. And make the effort to thank the 9 or however many do come, for coming and that you really appreciate it.

BusyMum47 · 03/09/2024 22:00

sweeneytoddsrazor · 03/09/2024 14:55

£1000 on a party for a 3 year old ?

That's what I can't get past, either!!