How long do you take to respond to party invites?

[user8765]

Sent out invites just before Easter holidays as DS party is on 7th May and he is only back in school next Monday so didn't want to leave it late. Out of 14 children we have had two reply. I did ask everyone to reply before 1st May so I could confirm numbers with the venue. So I know they still have time but I suppose I'm getting concerned it's going to be a very small party.
Just wondered if it's normal for people to take a while to respond? I know sometimes people have to plan/make arrangements so don't know straightaway but I was hoping for more than 2 response by now.

In my experience right up until the morning of the party. Some will turn up without replying and some who have replied won’t turn up! Some will turn up with siblings who they expect can be involved without asking too.

Everyone will say that people lead busy lives and many other special reasons that this might be the case, but honestly, it’s just rude! Even if you are unsure if you can attend, you know that venues usually charge by the number of kids attending, at least give the organiser a text out of courtesy. And be pleased that your child is invited to parties.

Do you know any of the parents to message to remind them?

If you gave them out just before Easter holidays, it would be shoved in the "school stuff to worry about later" box in our house. I would probably reply when they went back to school when it floated back onto my radar.

I don't think with children's invitations that earlier is better - people don't like to commit too soon. I found around 2 week's notice of the party and a RSVP date of the week before probably worked best.

The invitations are likely at the bottom of school bags!

As for how long I take to reply...
Definitely make it... immediately.
Maybe... wait until certain
Probably not... wait to see if I can make it possible
Definitely not... reply immediately

Its not because I'm too busy, its coordinating with DHs work schedule and if necessary with grandparents.

Thanks everyone it possibly wasn't the best idea giving them out before Easter. I will give it until the 1st and maybe mention it to afew of the mums/dads at pick up time if I don't hear from any more. The two who responded quickly are the mums I talk to the most/are DS closest friends. The other mums/dads I don't talk to as much so don't have their numbers.

DS received a party invite on the last day of term before Easter, I replied that evening then put it in the diary for DP to take DS - I know a lot of people went on holiday the next day so the invite could still be sitting in the school bag if the kids went straight home and started packing etc.

I would have given out the invites in the Monday of that week myself.

Personally I check the calendar and respond either yes or no immediately. If I have time cancel for any reason/don't intend to go, I also let the parent know. Organising is stressful enough so I like to give a definite answer on my part as soon as I can.