Reception party politics

[batfink2605]

I need help with school party politics as I need to send out invites asap. Party is beginning of October.
Just found out the number of children in my daughter's new reception class (22 including her). Party venue allows maximum of 20.

Do we..

1. Invite all 22 and hope a few don't want to come to a party at 9:30am on a Saturday. (We don't know anyone from the reception intake so may be good opportunity to get to know them). This would cost an extra £15 per head after initial 15 children.

2. Invite just girls in her class, which was original plan. This would then mean a maximum of 9/10 children attending, if they all say yes.

Just to say we booked this venue after being told in July that there were 13 girls in the class. However intake has changed since then and some children have withdrawn their place from the school.

I need help and wisdom. And alcohol.

Option 3: book a different venue that can accommodate the whole class if you can do so without losing money on the existing venue?

If not, I would go for option 1.

i understand that as kids get older they often only want to play with kids who are the same sex but that would seem unusual at Reception age so I think it would be a bit of a shame to have a girls only party personally.

We would lose £80 deposit. The only reason we booked this venue is because there are such limited choices near here (which aren't out of our price range) and this venue is amazing.

We knew the class was larger than 20 but thought we could compromise with a party for the girls.
It was never this hard for my eldest daughter as her birthday is July, meaning she had formed clear friendships by the end of reception. I feel like I am starting with parent politics all over again...

Would you be able to create a group chat for the girls’ mums initially and see how many can make it? Ask them to let you know by say, Monday the 12th Sept. If not all can make it then you are able to then invite all the boys?

I had one parent in our class previously who just went on the year group chat to say that she wanted to invite everyone to her child’s party but only have 20 spaces so she said she will take the first 20 to confirm. No one took offence.

I would invite all. There will definitely be people that can’t attend or won’t even reply to you!

I think after Covid people are making more of an effort to make parties so while you could probably get away with option 1 I wouldn't chance it.
Could you invite all the girls and a few friends children/ nursery children to make it a few more?

Not got details for any group chat. Its all a bit awkward as a lot of the children went to the same preschool so have set up a group already. I am already a possible outcast as I am a parent governor (so probably seen as a spy or someone who will go back to the head etc)
That's why I am leaving to inviting them all as then we can get to know people. Also thinking sports clubs/swimming etc may mean some can't come (but that may be me tempting fate)

I mean this kindly, but I think you're over thinking.

I doubt anyone would see you as anything other than another mum.

Logically: you have a venue for 20. Invite the girls. Some will drop out. Then, invite the boys.

There are so many years ahead for you to meet people and make friends, this is just one party of many. No one will judge or even give it a second thought.

Hope your daughter has a lovely birthday

Thank you. I agree I am possibly overthinking it. Probably because it is the first party of the year so don't want it to be a flop!

Invite all 22 and hope a few don't want to come to a party at 9:30am on a Saturday.
What if this is an issue for more than a few? Including the ones your dd actually wants there?

A party at 9.30am on a Saturday sounds awful. Especially if people are expected to travel.

Now way everyone will come.