To ask people to RSVP and explain it's paid for?

[christmasomemos]

I am having a party to celebrate a milestone bday in Dec.

I sent invites around via WhatsApp about a month ago but would like to now ask people to confirm/reconfirm their attendance.

It's also full free-flow food and drink, paid for by me (which is why I need to confirm numbers with the venue!).

I'd like to somehow tell people this a) so they confirm and b) so they know they don't have to worry about it being an expensive evening.

How do I word this to people without looking like I'm throwing my money around or being pushy?

Thanks!

"Hi guys, following my last message with the details of my big bash please could you reply to either either confirm or decline by xx date latest as I need to confirm final numbers with the venue and sort catering and drinks numbers.
Can't wait to celebrate with you all and hope to see you there - let me know! "

'Hi all - am putting the finishing touches to the party plans. So I know how much food and drink we'll need please could let me know by x date if you're able to make it? Looking forward to seeing you x'

Not sure that fully conveys that you're proving everything though?

Just message

Hi all - just need to confirm numbers for the venue - can you let me know by X date so I can sort out the catering etc

As you know I'm laying on the food and drink so you can all celebrate with me and as a thank you for being such lovely friends over the years - but I do need to confirm numbers so I can pay!

Love

Hi All,
This party is costing me a bomb - you're all worth it, but I need to know if you can make it or not 😁

What @ghostyslovesheets said. You need to make it clear that you need to know numbers as you are paying for food and drink.

I like this, unambiguous.

@ghostyslovesheets this is perfect

Hello friends! I am looking forward to celebrating with you all on XX at YY. The caterers need to know final numbers so they can make sure there’s enough fancy vol-au-vents and sausages on sticks (and so I order enough fizz!) so please could you RSVP yes or no to this email? Thanks, xx

Yeah.spot on.

“Fuck you, I’m eating it all myself”

I love a buffet

Hi all
I am just about to confirm numbers with the venue for my birthday bash next month. All food and drink is on me, hope to see you all xxx

I love this one. My friends would laugh at this and respond.

Hi all. Can you let me know if you’re coming asap pretty please. Drinks and food are all on me, so I need to suss out how many to cater for! Can’t wait to see you all xx

Love this one! Will use this!

Doesn't tell them to RSVP.

This

I would only expect to send formal RSVP to formal invitations. Can you not do a card for people to put on their mantelpiece? A text doesn’t really suggest it’s a special event, does it?

The last couple of events I have organised, I have said if you do not confirm by x date, I will assume you will not be attending. Every single person replied within the time.