5 year old birthday

[Birthdayissue]

So, we have arranged a smallish party for ny to be 5 year old in reception. We have always done one for the kids when I reception. With an entertainer etc. Etc. It's the only one they will have so we make it as special as we can. She asked just for girls to be invited and as we can't have more than 17 that went well and no playground politics as others have had boy only and girl only party. All good
Elsa is coming. All booked and paid. Its at our own catering venue so good food. We will cater well for adults too. However my dilemma is now that no one seems to be coming. We have sent out 14 invites. But 17 kids including siblings.

So far 7 have said they can't come. It's the weekend before Easter o a Sunday as that's the only time I could get am entertainer. Its also the first weekend of Easter holidays and I didn't think to factor that in. I'm now so worried no one will come and I can't change it as other entertainers are booked up that are in our price range. Worst is her 3 best friend's can't come. One is on holiday. Other is with their grandparents though I said they are welcome to come if they want to bring their granddaughter. Other ones sisters birthday is the same day. So ofcourse they will want to celebrate hers.

I have got it so wrong and she's so excited and even if only 5 kids will come, that would be great but it's not looking likely...any advice as to what I should do if it gets to the point no one is really coming?

You need to invite some other kids.

Either cousins/family friends. Or children from any activities she does. Or from school (but need to be careful to make it 'fair' for the other kids).

Exactly, without inviting the rest of the class it wouldn't be possible. Also no cousins and no activities. She hasn't wanted to join anything. We are also still new to the area as koved just before summer holidays last year and struggled to find spaces ro do anything as all booked up.

I had a very similar thing happen last year when my son was 5. In the end I cancelled and we had a birthday treat instead. Went rock climbing with his cousins. He was initially disappointed but in the end had a great time x

Sorry to hear that @Dumpydump I'm just trying to avoid it as she has been asking since her last birthday for a party with a princess. Or maybe as we have paid for the entertainer we ask her to come to our house instead if only 1 or 2 come. My neighbours just said she doesn't think they can come now either, with their daughter.

She's so excited, counting down the days etc. So I'm hoping at least 6 can come. That would be fine. But I'm worrying now. Which is silly. It's just a party. I just wanted her to be happy! X

Never book a party during, or at the start of school hols. But you know that now!
We always had August born DDs party in September.

I'd cancel if I were you, and rebook for a date in term time. Anyone can dress as Elsa - you can buy a costume and wig (I have an Anna one). You don't need entertainers - good old fashioned party games will be fine.

That's true. I might try to rearrange her. And no it's not needed, but it's what she has been looking forward to and has attended a few others so has seen it and is really excited. Princess parties seem to be the fashion in the class

And yes! I won't make that mistake again! I didn't think. I was going to do it the following Sunday but it's Easter so no chance of even one coming! I should have done the weekend after that

Options:
Chase up those who haven't replied and see who is coming
Invite the rest of the class. They won't all want to come or be able to, so you might get a reasonable number of boys coming
Sounds like you have older kids. How old? Could they invite 1 or 2 friends each?

It's stressful isn't it! We are going to a party the first weekend of the holidays, although we might have gone to PIL that weekend instead, but DD really wants to go!

@Justkeeppedaling

Never book a party during, or at the start of school hols. But you know that now! We always had August born DDs party in September.

I'd cancel if I were you, and rebook for a date in term time. Anyone can dress as Elsa - you can buy a costume and wig (I have an Anna one). You don't need entertainers - good old fashioned party games will be fine.

Agree, rebook. Another parent of an August born, we have parties either in late June or September .

Thanks all. I will chase up first and it might still be OK. Or I might just see if I can round up a few others and their siblings. Worst case scenario I will just ask the entertainer to come to the house and have a small one just us instead. It's non refundable and she is really booked up to the point it won't be any where near her birthday and will raise eyebrows

I would definitely rearrange due to the school holiday thing. So many people will be away that first week due to wanting to be back for Easter weekend to have time with family.

I would do an immediate family gathering on the day you've originally planned then move Elsa to another date. Sell it to her that she's getting two parties then!

I would move it to the house, so just having a few kids there would be fine. I'd also invite a couple of friends each for the siblings and that should do it.

I'd definitely chase up those who haven't replied yet, if you have contact details, before cancelling the whole thing. If you know any of them have siblings, I'd say they're welcome to come too.

Best of luck, hope it goes well and your DD has a lovely time.