Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Just booked a party.. Help!

11 replies

cjt110 · 14/03/2019 11:42

Just booked a party for DS's 5th birthday.

It's not 'til August (school hols obv). What's the ettiquette re invites or even save the dates with it being outside term time? We've had an invite to a party literally 2 days before...

It's pretty much done and organised by the venue (playgym and party food).

What else do I need to consider? Asking now so I don't forget and also so I can budget accordingly.

OP posts:
Original poster
cjt110 · 14/03/2019 11:48

I've never done a party... not even for myself... Blush

OP posts:
TheHolySmirk · 14/03/2019 11:52

Wow - that's forward planning Grin

If you are inviting school aged kids, I'd give out the invitations at least two or three weeks before term ends.

You might want to sound out potential invitees as to their summer plans - are they going away, sending the children away, or paying for play schemes, sharing childcare with other parents for example.

If the party is on a weekend it might be more straightforward.

Original poster
cjt110 · 14/03/2019 11:56

TheHolySmirk I know...., in some ways a feel a bit daft booking so far ahead but there's really only 2 play venues in our town so they get booked up very quickly.

I feel daft... I'm being daft so in advance arent i?

I asked him (hypothetcially of course) who he'd like to invite if he had a party and the usual friends were mentioned which have been his friends since the start of term in Sept. I might give those a nudge with a save the date kinda thing.

It'll be his 5th birthday and it'll be mid August on a Sat.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General relationships
TheHolySmirk · 14/03/2019 11:59

No, it's not daft, just sensibly organised.

I'd say it being on a Saturday will make it easier.

With the food already sorted, you just need to decide if you are doing party bags I guess.

And decide what you're going to de with parents & siblings who might have holivay fever. Grin

Original poster
cjt110 · 14/03/2019 12:03

And decide what you're going to de with parents & siblings who might have holivay fever What do you mean? Do we have to invite siblings too?! Confused

I've been to 2 or 3 parties there and the parents aren't catered for. Have to go and buy a drink if they want one - it has it's own cafe/bar area.

Would it be nice to put a tab on, or say 1 free drink per parent and pay for a brew for everyone?

OP posts:
MintedLamb · 14/03/2019 12:06

If it's in a soft play then parents can pay for their own drinks and their other children if they decide to bring them. I wouldn't bother with save the dates tbh. A birthday party wouldn't be a reason for me not to book our family holiday over that particular date. If mid August I'd give the invites out about 2 weeks before the end of term so you can chase up replies and invite others if some decline.

TheHolySmirk · 14/03/2019 12:06

No, I was teasing you.

I'm sure you'll be less worried about the whole thing come the summer.

I only meant that you always get the odd parent staying or leaving unexpectedly, or making noises about siblings and party bags.

Just have a plan, stick to it, and affix a manic grin to your face. If you grrin madly all day long, you'll scare off the potential CFers.

And have fun! It's a kid's party. Your kid. You'll be fine.

Original poster
cjt110 · 14/03/2019 12:15

@MintedLamb Thanks :)

@TheHolySmirk I suppose fortunately, I know all of the parents (some better than others). At least 2 have siblings. They can pay to play if they want to play I think... The siblings are like 2 or 3 y/o.

The parents are mostly in a whatsapp group so we all know one another.

I don't remember ever having a party as a kid. My birthday is 3 days before christmas. I recall one time I invited 2 friends to my house for a "party" and they were both an hour late. I suppose that's why I;m excited for my son... hoping it goes well.

OP posts:
BlueMerchant · 14/03/2019 12:25

Get the RSVPs asap.Id suggest giving them out couple weeks before break-up as has been suggested. If you are allowed a set number of guests you don't want to find out 3 of them are on holiday that week!. Especially if you have to pay for, say a min of 10 guests. You want to fill the spaces.
Our soft play provided party bags but they were very poor so I asked if I could add a few bits of my own to them which was fine.
I also made up a few spares incase any siblings had arrived with the guest to play there too.I also ordered a large cake as venues supply food but usually not the cake!

babysharkah · 14/03/2019 12:31

Not to rain i your parade but dts are August and after a reception party with most of the class on hold we always do July or September now.

Original poster
cjt110 · 14/03/2019 14:06

Have sent a quick Save the date out. I know at least 3 of those are coming. 1 may be away and then will see regarding the other 6...

Would it be rude to do invites in waves so to speak? So invite that list he suggested with an RSVP of say July 1st and then if we have gaps, send out any further invites with an RSVP of 1st Aug. Or do you risk overinviting assuming some won't attend?

We pay £X for 10 kids so whether 2 or 10 go..

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page