Child’s party, how many to invite?

[Wannabecitygirl]

DD turns 5 next month meaning I get to arrange her first school party 😩 We’ve booked a community centre which holds around 35 children. There are 28 in her class and I fully expect some (cheeky) parents to bring along siblings, which will mean we go over the amount we’re allowed to have. I now have the dilemma of whether I should invite everyone in the class or not. If you’re now a child party planner pro, can you tell me typically do most of the class come, or should I expect very few/half/everyone to decline?!

Yes I think you should invite everyone. In my experience most will come (20+)

I never had a problem with cheeky people bringing siblings but if you are worried about this, you could put on the invite that you cannot accommodate siblings due to restrictions with numbers.

But if it’s a community centre, are you expecting someone to be there counting heads? I’m sure if you’re one or two over it’ll be fine anyway.

I've never had anyone bring siblings to a party like this either. Had some ask in advance and others leave a crying child to take a younger one away (tears gone about 5seconds after mum) but no one has ever just arrived on the day.
Invite everyone and anyone you suspect is likely to try a fast one catch in advance and mention the number restrictions/ inability to have siblings.

Agree with the invite stating 'due to limited numbers invitee only' plus one parent.

Saves having to say no

if you invite 28 I would expect 20 to turn up and I have never had any siblings stay so wouldn't worry.

If you don't invite whole class I would invite max 10 from class so people don't feel left out.

I would invite the whole class, not all of them will come and you still have 7 spaces for siblings if anyone turns up. I have had people bring siblings to most parties.

Thank you for your replies.
If the venue was bigger I wouldn’t have a problem with siblings (just to clarify). Will invite everyone :)

What are you going to do with them all entertainment wise? That is a lot of kids to entertain either yourself or for 1 entertainer to control so all have a nice time. We have done the huge parties but by far the nicer ones have been smaller (max 15). Also I have pretty much always have everyone turn up so don’t believe the invite 28 and only 20 will come - they may all come so be prepared for that. Personally I would get her to pick 15 friends - if the class is 28 no one will care.

I think you'd be safe enough with numbers. There will be some that don't come and you'd not get that many turn up with siblings.

At 5 lots of parents will drop and run so have you got enough adults to supervise?