Its just so very frustrating.
I ( as part of a tiny team of 3 ) organised a big work summer party. Had to do it on the cheap, so we worked really hard and put a lot of our own work in making things like stocks, and coconut shys by hand.
Last years summer party wasnt well attended, maybe 25 people went at a cost of £2K. Feedback was that it was too expensive £5 to go and they had to buy their own drinks, that they couldnt bring anyone and that it was too drink centered. Work sets up a team of people o deal with this, we take it on board and organise a big family friendly party for free where people can bring their own booze if they want.
Attendance was better, but only because the people that did come brought people with them. 75% of people that said they were coming did not turn up. We have lost tons of money as we had paid for catering for the people who said they were coming.
Its incredibly annoying.
Same as if you organise a night out, sure as anything somone will pull out at the last moment and you will be left wondering if you should just cancel the whole thing.