To not invite siblings to Birthday Party?

[Cutesbabasmummy]

My son will be three in January and for the past two years we have had very small parties at home. This year we would like him to have a party at a local soft play centre - this would include food for the children. He has several little friends from nursery who have invited him to their parties and we would like to invite them to his. We would also invite his friends from our NCT group and Baby Massage Group - most of whom we see at least once a month. However, some of these children now have younger sibilings who are naturally included in play dates. I really cant afford to pay for all of the brothers and sisters to come to the party as well as all of my son's little friends. The soft play is still open to others at the same time as parties, so they could come as long as the parents paid for them (£3 per child) but obviously they wouldn't be catered for. AIBU? And should I put something on the invitations about sibilings?

Yanbu it's not the norm to invite siblings. You will need to be specific on the invitation though

It's normal not to pay for siblings, don't worry about it. Every soft play party I've either hosted or been to has had the same policy and everybody expects it.

The venue always keeps a list of all invited children and parents will be asked to pay a standard entry fee for any extra children. They will also not be catered for so parents will need to sort food out if they are having any. It won't be provided in the party room area.

YANBU - don't worry about it. Just let people know in advance.

I think the problem you have is that if you expect parents to stay they may have to bring younger siblings. I wouldn't expect to have to pay to attend a child's birthday party. Unless you were a good friend I wouldn't go personally. If you're happy for parents to leave child there without them staying themselves it's perfectly reasonable but I'm not sure many parents would leave a 3 year old at a party by themselves.

YANBU but the soft play I held my dd's party at massively over catered anyway so siblings paid to get in but then ate the extra food with the rest of the party. In fact when they turned up, I felt bad and asked the staff if I could pay for extra food for siblings and they told me not to as there would be plenty for all.