Party invite replies

[Cantthinkofonenow]

Hi, my son is having a party for the first time, usually we just do gatherings at home with family but he’s turning 6 and wanted a party. We have invited the whole class and so far I’ve only had one response from a parent to say they can’t go because they’re on holiday. Is it normal for people to reply closer to the time? He’s my oldest so I’ve never had to plan a party before and it may sound dramatic but the thought that no one will reply or show up is giving me anxiety. Out of 30 children I would be happy if only half showed up, surely I will get more responses? 😬

When is the party? Is it during October half term?

Depending on how far away the date is, I would say wait a bit. Did you put an RSVP date on it?

It’s in a few weeks, could only give them out now as he has just gone back to school after the summer holidays.
I didn’t put a specific date to respond by, I just wrote my mobile number

I think a few weeks is plenty of time for notice but I am sure people just need to check that they are free and will respond soon. For future, an RSVP date can be useful just so you have final numbers. If you've only just given them out in the past day or so, I would wait a bit!!

Although in my 9 year old's class, people tend to sometimes just send messages or flyers on the class group chat and people respond much quicker then. But when there are proper invitiations, it takes a bit of time. That's just my experience though

It’s not for a few weeks? Give people a chance!

Do you have a class WhatsApp (as the whole class invited) which you post details on as a prompt? Explain you will need know by said date for catering purposes.

Sadly some parents just don't rsvp... but then child will turn up. Always cater for more just incase.

Hope it's a great party.

What’s a few weeks though? Three weeks notice, perfect. They should have replied. 6 weeks notice, far too long. People don’t know what’s happening that far in advance to commit. Then they forget to respond.

Also, the first week or so back to school is crazy busy, so people may just have passed it by.

This….2 to 3 weeks is usual…..anymore and it gets forgotten then remembered last minute

It's best to send out about 2-3weeks before. A lot of folk don't want to commit to something that far in advance.

When they start school it seems to be difficult to get responses though. When they were at nursery staff and parents dealt with them so was much easier.

My daughters 7th bday this year I actually had to chase several ppl who's number I had. One said child lost the invite so I had to give all details. A few others said they didn't know but found invite at bottom of child's bag. A few kids told DD they lost the invite so we gave another one and still got no response 🤷🏻‍♀️ then someone turned up that hadn't confirmed at all (maybe they sent to wrong number).

I noticed a few parents though that didn't respond until the night before and have done this every yr since she started primary (despite the fact there is a reply by date on the invite). I think some ppl like to wait and see what other things come up for that wkend!

You need to put a date for RSVPs, and chase. If the invites went straight into book bags some will still be floundering in there.

I was only asking

Did they go out at school? Which presumably only just started last week. I suspect a lot of parents haven’t even looked in their bags yet. It takes time for people to get back into the routine of things.

Making a WhatsApp group invite works well for us.

You need to invite by group WhatsApp. People can’t be arsed typing in a phone number to reply from a paper invitation, and 6 year olds will lose them anyway. You get so much paper junk home with kids they probably think it’s a drawing.

On WhatsApp invitations I have always found that the majority of people reply within the same day. They pick it up on the group then hit “more” and “reply privately” usually (the ones who reply to the whole group can be a bit annoying).

And that way people have a permanent record online of the venue/time etc.

If they went out today, give it to the weekend for more replies

This is why I WhatsApp invites now (find the names on the class WhatsApp). I’ve found book bag invites months down the line when they’ve been tucked in among all the art work and bump notes. I try to remember to empty the bag regularly but with the best will in the world it’s just one more thing to remember when working full time.
i would imagine it’s more likely to be that than just rudeness. Book bags are just not a very efficient system (I realised this after too many years of organising parties!)

didn’t put a specific date to respond by well people respond right up until the day then.

Are you in a WhatsApp group...if so say " oh I forgot to put the RSVP date it's XX" then people will reply

Its stressful planning a party, isn't it!

First mistake, no RSVP. Just chase them in a week or so.

Sadly, some will not RSVP if they cannot attend, which leaves you guessing. Others RSVP yes then don't turn up, without an explanation. One or two may drop out on the day. Others may just turn up. But during the last week or so, it all comes together. Just wait a week and start chasing, have fun!

Yes it is soo stressfull!!!

I’ve had some replies but it’s been really slow, is that usual? The people I thought would definitely reply haven’t so far. I don’t want to look really desperate chasing people but probably will a couple of days before if I still haven’t had many responses. I’ll do 30 party bags anyway so I’ve got plenty in case. Thank you so much!

It is very usual, don't worry.

I would send a reminder next week, saying you forgot to put an RSVP date but you would really appreciate confirmation if their children can attend, as the venue need numbers for catering purposes.

I sent invites for my son's party on Monday, it's on 12th October. Might seem too early but it's what everyone else has done and what I did last year in reception. I got replies really quickly last year but nothing so far. The 4 mums I'm closest to have said yes but they knew the date before I sent invites anyway. I know people will reply so I'm not panicking (yet!) but it's interesting that it's so different to last year.

Thanks all for the replies!

Now I’m stressing about party bags and think I’ve bought way too much 😂 think this is the last party I do lol