Kids birthday party

[RainbowUnicornPoo]

Looking for thoughts please....

DDs birthday party is on Sunday. She is in reception at the local village school. The party is being held in the local village hall.

49 kids were invited (don't ask, she does lots of activities).

34 have RSVP'd yes.
5 have RSVP'd No

10 have not RSVP'd at all. Mostly from her class, so mostly live in the village.

As I am sorting out party bags etc this week, what is your experience of how many of these kids will turn up? And what's your experience of siblings turning up? I think the village setting, kids living in the village itself is probably relevant.

I am planning to make 45 party bags, on the basis that some of the non-RSVPers will rock up, and some will bring siblings. I'm feeling stressed at the prospect of not having enough but in reality I'd have to apologise and say I hadn't catered for siblings I suppose, although hopefully I'll have enough. DD will be over the moon if I have lots left.

Last year, DD was at private nursery which is outside the village. Everyone RSVP'd, everyone who said they were coming came, and no one brought uninvited siblings. I've got a feeling I was spoiled last year 🤣 lulled in to a sense of false party security.

Thanks

You've got a week, ask them at drop off

I drop her at breakfast club and she either does after school club or is picked up by a family member I'm afraid, otherwise that would be a good idea. Plus, as she's not long started and I don't do normal drop off or pick up often, I wouldn't even really know who is who at this point.

Tbh I find this stuff awkward and don't like to appear pushy, so I end up worrying about it instead 😅

Oh, harder if you can't clock what Hyacinths Mom's looks like or Esmerelda's Dad. .
Dep how expensive they are, I'd prob do enough for everyone who hasn't said Mom. It's perfectly acceptable to not give them to siblings.

If someone brings a sibling they shouldn't expect a party bag! I'd get a few extra just in case, but if someone is cheeky enough to bring a sibling just smile sweetly and offer them cake instead.

You could write the name on each party bag and only do them for kids whose parents RSVPd. Plus a few extra as there might be parents who only RSVP on the day of.

Doing what you're doing and making one for kids who RSVPd Yes and all of the ones who didn't RSVP is the lowest stress option if you're worried about not having enough tho.

In my experience, there will be a few who had rsvpd "yes" who don't show up on the day due to illness or whatever, but I haven't ever had people turn up who hadn't rsvpd.

Agree with pp that siblings shouldn't expect party bags (ive only given them if their parents had asked beforehand to bring sibs or if there are enough extras).

A friend recently bought brown paper bags for party bags and had their daughter write a cute thank you note to each person on them, ("dear Bobby thanks for coming to my party") so each were named.

When we had a party for Reception DC everyone who RSVPd yes, turned up plus x2 siblings. One yes RSVP cancelled the night before. No one who hadn't RSVPd turned up- I assumed that since the didn't RSVP never had the intention of coming/couldn't come so it's off their radar. Did extra food boxes and party bags just in case and it was handy as then the siblings didn't feel left out- the parents had prepared for them to not be included but were extremely grateful that they were.
I'd suggest if you can, 2/3 extras and you'll feel calmer that you're prepared for unexpected guests?