Children's party - siblings

[CaveMaman]

My ds has his 3rd birthday coming up, and I've arranged a party for him. Only issue is, the spaces are limited - 20 kids max. I've paid for 16 children, because that was the 'package' (i didn't read the small print and thought it was for 20 children), extra kids cost £5 each (which is less than the party venue charges 'normally').

I know a couple of his friends have siblings and I'm now worried that they'll come automatically and then it would be embarrassing for me /the parents and upsetting for the kids.

Would it be cheeky to invite the 16 friends and put on the invite that siblings are welcome but will cost £5 and could they let me know beforehand so I know numbers?

I can't really afford to spend much more than I have already and picked this place because it offered a bring your own food option (my ds has multiple allergies so I couldn't get the usual nugget and chip option that these places seem to offer). Switching venues isn't an option.

So it wouldn't be unreasonable to say no siblings at all? I thought that might come across as mean!

No siblings due to numbers, let me know if there is an issue with this. Or something to that effect. For most it should be fine. If siblings turn up on the day ask the venue to police it.

See, I would interpret your original suggestion as saying, as extra places cost £5 each, you'll need to know in advance who wants you to get any for siblings.
Not that I would be so cheeky as to assume I could bring a sib, but it seems there are plenty out there who would.

Just tell them the venue can only accommodate the invited children
Why are you asking for lists of siblings when you’re only 4 kids short of a full house?

I would maybe put "due to space, only a small number of spaces for siblings will be available, if you would like to book a space please contact the centre directly to book, they are offering spaces at a reduced cost of £5 per child"
I wouldn't want the extra responsibility of desiding who could have the 4 spaces and then trying to get the money off them x

or unfortunately due to space restrictions ,there won't be any room to bring siblings

100% agree with stating the venue is limited space so siblings aren't able to be accommodated. People are too cheeky expecting siblings to go imo

Yeah, just say no siblings due to space restrictions. Can parents dump and run?

I'd just say no siblings too. Easier and stops people being cheeky and bringing extras.