To cancel DDs party this Sunday?

Opening up to siblings is a good idea.

Are there any other children's you could invite too?

Well you obviously can’t cancel. What message would that send to your child: sorry sweetie, you’re just not popular enough so I’d rather throw a grand away than have a meagre 9 kids come to your party.

At 3 they can handle probably 4-5 kids to play with, 9 is more than enough. You need to stop putting so much pressure on something that’s supposed to he fun. It ruins it.

@Partydilemma48293
Definitely don't cancel the party. Maybe invite other attendees siblings.
At least it won't be too crowded and they will be plenty of space on the bouncy castle and slides.

We were definitely the type of parents to have a small party at home with games like pass the parcel and statues and musical chairs. And maybe a piñata. And blow up the balloons ourselves the night before. And that worked well for any number between 5 and 30.

But everyone's different and OP has the money to spend, so why not?

Parties are stress tho OP. And I think a lot of people these days are very rude and don't stick to their RSVP replies if something better comes along or they suddenly can't be bothered. That said, you'll be fine with your numbers. Enjoy it! x

I think the smaller number will work well with the bouncy castle, slides and ball pool.

Hope you have a lovely party. X

It's more than I'd spend but I get that you're just trying to organise something nice, and you're happy with those activities and can afford them. Yep, message the friends' parents and say you've got a space if the siblings want to come. And no matter either way, because your DD will enjoy the party and so will her 9 little friends.

It is ridiculous at 3, sorry. I wonder if people are pulling out as they feel they can’t ‘compete’ in the future?

However, you can afford it, it’s your dd, so you do you. I would still go ahead with the party in your circumstances.

Please tell what you have booked

🤣 fools and their money, as the saying goes…..

Are there any siblings who could come? I suppose it’s less likely they would be interested if she’s only 3. 4 was the earliest we were ever invited to a party at a venue aside from first birthday parties which are essentially for the parents and family. I do recall the 5th birthday was a bit expensive as it was a playbarn. The next year was a costume picnic, the one after a Kung Fu one that we self catered.

I think everyone is being really harsh by piling on about the cost of the party - ok it might be more than others would spend but OP can afford it so what’s the problem !

I definitely wouldn’t cancel, go ahead with the party & see if there is anyone else you can invite. I hope you have a lovely time.

How much are you spending on presents?

Op you have clearly done this to impress. I can guarantee that no one is going to be impressed, in fact any one attending is going to think you went overboard. You say you will remember, but that's only going to be memorable if you are going to do this only once. Anyway, go ahead but invite siblings, cousins, neighbours.

I wonder if people have cancelled because they feel that they just couldn't compete when it 's their child's turn for a party?

They've left it a bit late to let you know. Don't cancel, she would be disappointed, do as other suggest and invite siblings to come as long as they're not much older or babies.

It's all for the parents looking good on social media. The child's enjoyment doesn't matter, that's why 9 kids isn't enough! There needs to be loads of kids for the gram!

@Delatron said what I was wondering. Can you rethink the guest list? Invite children you hadn't thought of the first time around?
It sounds like a lovely party and I hope you have a memorable time.

I was going to add, I’m going to be booking my 7yos party in the next few weeks, it’s at a soft play, separate party room, food, drink, disco room, a few extra treats for birthday child, this will be £10.95/child, minimum of 10 maximum of 30. She wants to bake her cake although will be happy with shop bought. I tend to do the cake baking for birthday parties but at times my DDs have enjoyed a trip to Asda to pick a cake, they prefer asda as the cake selection is bigger than our local tescos. Colin’s appeared a few times too. If we do a balloon, it will be a single helium one, but so far she’s not asked for one.

You’ve been fully mugged off then.. we had a 1st birthday party and it cost us about £200 all in, that was with a bouncy castle, soft play, food, venue hire.. wow

No don't cancel, your DD will still have a fab time. I would try and bump up the numbers a bit I think - any older siblings or kids or friends you can invite? They love bossing three year olds about. Invite a few more kids if you can but if not it'll be fine.

I spent a fortune on DD's fifth birthday party as she'd always refused to have one so I'd been saving up. I also got totally carried away with invites and 42 kids came. I think I'd prefer less than too many after that experience!

The OP clearly has the money for this if she’s spending £250 on balloons. Maybe she’s an influencer.

Anyway, don’t cancel. Extend the invite out to siblings. Any family kids you can invite? Cousins? Neighbours kids?

I’d invite both parents of each child and have a bit of a knees up. Get some champagne. Might as well make it worth it and fun.

Some people have more money than sense! £1000 on a 3 year olds party which she probably won't remember! Any wonder the world's gone to pot!