Big birthday party - will it be a flop?

[hidinginthenightgarden]

It is a big birthday for me soon.
I have invited about 50 people. About 30 are coming. I don't have loads of friends but the few I have are fantastic and we are so close I don't really mind. Alot of my family aren't coming - my own Gran said she can't as she is going on holiday 8 days later . Alot of DH family are not coming. Quite a few just haven't got back to me.
The truth is that deep down I know the people that matter will be there and on the night, I will be too busy with the people I really wanted there to bother about those that aren't coming. But it is still niggling at me that I am going to look like a billy no mates.
The venue is quite small which helps but it is still bothering me despite telling myself that I won't have to fake mingle with everyone if they aren't there!
I need a slap please?!

You have my sympathy, I get the same fear any time I organise any kind of party/event, will people judge me, will they have a good time etc etc. I can understand you feeling upset that some family aren't prepared to make the effort, but if it helps, I am 100% sure that other people at the party won't think you are a billy no mates if you have 25-30 other people attending but your gran or SIL or whatever aren't there! I just don't think that people expect 100% family attendance at other people's birthday parties, even big ones, or even weddings etc. People always have other things going on and/or are flaky - that's nothing to do with you. No one will be judging, probably most won't even notice, they'll be enjoying the party and/or have their mind on their own issues, it's all inside your head! Even if it was a cavernous empty venue with just a few attendees (which yours won't be!), I would probably just think 'oh hiding has messed up a bit on the booking here, it's too large' rather than 'wow hiding has no friends, she must be a horrible person' - who would think that??

Just try and relax and enjoy on the night!

It will not be a flop. There are always people who cant come for one reason or another. You've got an acceptance rate of 60% - that's good going.

Much better 30 people you can get round and talk to than 50 in a really noisy room where you can barely hear yourself think and feel stressed getting round everyone.

Have a wonderful birthday and enjoy your party :)

Thanks Maxelly - the truth is most of my families' parties have been similar over the past 5ish years so I don't see why I am thinking like this. I am being silly I know!

Thanks Listsandbudgets. I agree that it is better with fewer people so I don't have to make small talk all night and can relax and have fun.