To expect RSVP within a week?

[Eggrules]

We are arranging a party for DS in a few weeks. There are very limited numbers and there are many more DC that he would like to invite than can be accommodated. I have asked for an RSVP by the end of next week. I have no idea whom the parents are and have no way to get in touch.

20 invites were given out on Monday - first day back after half term. I have had 3 x yes and 1 maybe; any acknowledgement is very much appreciated.

DS doesn't always bring invitations home. I saw the class teacher about something else tonight and she mentioned that invitations went in bookbags on Monday.

I get an invitation, check the diary and send a response by text the same day. If things change I let hosts know. I have assumed that most people will check a book bag at least weekly. Is it unreasonable to expect a prompt response; any RSVP at all would be good .

"can I let you know? " is a reply. It doesn't have to be a text. In fact if somebody said something like this i could say they could let me know on the day if it helped. I put a longer date for the odd instance like your own. I didn't realize some people will not respond until the last possible time. Others not at all.

I try to RSVP by the date given. Sooner if I'm being organised, a few days late if I'm having a bad week. We've had two invites this week. One for DD which I responded to within a couple of days. One for DS which I responded to 8 days late ... but ... just 3 minutes after DS gave it to me.

I would NEVER use the actual last possible date as the RSVP date. I would always allow several days leeway.

I sent out DD's invites to everyone in her class last week. I didn't specify an RSVP date but the party isn't until 25 Nov. I've only had 4 replies (all positive). Having read some of the stories upthread I'm now worried no one will turn up. I've hired a hall and a 30ft bouncy gym, it'll look really obvious if only a few people come. I always RSVP immediately - DD doesn't get invited to many parties (although she seems popular with the other children?) so I'm always keen for her to go.

My son is now 10 (other child is 22) and have got so sick and tired of the whole invitations thing over the years that I either; have a home party - so it doesn't matter how many turn up, or write my invitation something along the lines of this...

X is invited to X's bowling/swimming/whatever party
I need to book by the X of X - because of this if i have not heard by X I will assume your child can not make the party and will not book a place for them.
Hope to hear from you soon
Pie x

Ok, as a host I deal with lack of rsvps like this:

Say I invited 15 kids. My own rough estimate will then be that around 12 will come ( years of experience ;)). I get maybe 5 rsvps. I confirm with the place that 10 kids are coming and if it is one or two more, would that be a problem? The place says fine( they always have a degree of flexibility).

10 kids show up, plus another one who is about 30 mins late.

All is fine in the end.

Well, that is how it usually goes for us.

I do need more experince - this is only the second party we have hosted. Also the venue chosen does not have the same degree of flexibility. We pay for the party by number of attendees no later than one week before.

Tracked down one parent today. They were having problems with transport so we are taking her son with us and will drop him off home later. Sorted.

Uhoh, I'm now feeling very nervous about DS' party scheduled for 7 December. The invitations went out this week (nursery are in charge of physically handing them to the parents) and I've specified in 2 places on the invitation that I need an RSVP by 1 December as I have to finalise numbers at the soft play place. DS is only 3 and most of the kids who have been invited are coming from his nursery. As we drop him early and pick him up late, I don't know/see many of the parents (or the kids) so I hope enough come otherwise I'll feel bad for myself for DS.

I have left a long RSVP period as I know December can be a tricky month for committments.

I would always ALWAYS reply to an invitation though, and am really shocked that people wouldn't or (it would seem) wait till the last minute in case they have a better offer.

Following this thread, expect a lot of RSVPs on or around 1st Dec; don't panic.

I have no idea why people don't rsvp.

An amazing 16/20 have responded. I'm going to leave the chasing and cater for all just in case.

Is it worth sending a few more invites at this stage or is it too much of an afterthought?