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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Fancy dress party at 13

53 replies

freezethat · 15/07/2026 16:12

It’s going to be DDs 13th birthday in a few weeks.

We moved at the start of the year and she still hasn’t really made any proper friends. She gets on with and is friendly with lots of people though.

We are going to do a big party and invite all the people she’s friendly with ( probably about 50/60 kids)

She wants it to be a disco / 70s theme fancy dress.

Dsd (15) has said it’s a terrible idea and that she’s too old for fancy dress, either nobody will come or they won’t dress up and she will get laughed at.

AIBU to throw a fancy dress party for 13 year olds? Would your kids not want to go or think that was embarrassing?

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 15/07/2026 16:21

DSD would have been ok with this at 13, as a friend group they're always dressing up for events and gigs!

24Dogcuddler · 15/07/2026 16:20

I’d listen to your DSD if I were you. I’m not sure it’s usual to throw such a huge party for a 13 year old.
Cinema/ bowling and/ or pizza for close friends might be better.

Amy437 · 15/07/2026 16:19

Sounds like a great idea. Do the theme and put fancy dress optional but maybe a prize for best fancy dress to encourage others to join in with her.