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Original poster

To cancel 3 year old dd's birthday party

74 replies

dreamsiclex · 28/02/2023 18:26

I'm organising a party for my dd for this weekend. I started planning it in January and I want to cancel.

A little bit of a warning about me... I stress about e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. I let the simplest of things consume me and leave everything until last minute until finally, I have no choice but to sort it and then I realise how actually easy it was and that I could of saved my self so much stress/worry if I'd had just got on with it. I've been like it for as long as I can remember. But with this it's different.

So, I started planning the party 2 months ago but when I say planning I mean more just writing things down (who's coming, sending out invites, what I need for decorations, food, looking for venues etc). Then when it became too overwhelming for me I stopped and pushed it until the back of my mind and just told myself "I'll sort it nearer the time". Now her party is this weekend and so far I've actually brought most of the decorations, booked a character experience to come (deposit paid only), booked a bouncy castle (again, only paid a deposit) and sorted out a venue (my parents house). So many obstacles have been thrown my way which has made it 10x more difficult for my very simple mind to handle.

I'm now stressing about the party being in my parents house, as I have 9 children coming and approx 17 adults coming. My parents house isn't big but there garden is which is why we decided to do it at theirs as our garden wouldn't fit the bouncy castle.

I'm also stressing about the weather. It's forecasted clouds where I am and no rain but potential snow depending on where you look and it's going to be 7 degrees. I'm worrying that it could rain and the bouncy castle can't come (then I will have to entertain 9 children which is my idea of absolute hell), I'm also worrying that it will be too cold for them, especially the younger ones and that if most adults are going to be inside it's going to be too cramped.

I just want to forget about it and cancel the whole thing because I'm so anxious about it. Not to mention the fact I feel I have gone completely OTT for a 3rd birthday party. But I will feel so guilty letting almost 30 people down and I know some of the children are really looking forward too it. My dd however is non the wiser any of this could be happening. I will also be loosing out on approx £140 that I've already paid on decorations, deposits for entertainers and bouncy castles and party bags.

What do you all think? Do I just go for it or cancel the whole thing?

OP posts:
Original poster
dreamsiclex · 28/02/2023 19:32

@AnnaTortoiseshell I know. I'm aware I've gone OTT. I initially got really excited at the thought of it plus my sister said she would help me and she hasn't. So I've just got carried away with it all really to say she is only 3. But oh well, too late to worry about that now I guess.

OP posts:
Original poster
dreamsiclex · 28/02/2023 19:34

All the games sound great and I remember absolutely loving them as a child but I worry 3 years old is too young to understand them properly. My dd would 100% just rip all of the paper off for pass the parcel and wouldn't understand some of the games, she would end up just wandering off somewhere to play with something else!

OP posts:
Original poster
dreamsiclex · 28/02/2023 19:38

I definitely feel better about it all now though.

I wish I knew you could hire a bouncy castle for just a few hours though as that would have really helped but never mind.

Thank you all for your help and positivity. I'm overthinking it and worrying too much about silly things and also worrying too much about other people when really, as long as the children enjoy it, that's all that matters.

In future, any parties will be done at a soft play where I only have to worry about a cake and party bagsSmile

OP posts:
Mummyoflittledragon · 28/02/2023 19:39

Some bouncy castles have a shower resistant rain cover. I do think it would be a good idea to decamp to a village hall. The bouncy castle owner will have castles, which fit. You just have to talk to them.

Springchicken75 · 28/02/2023 19:41

I think it’s normal to be nervous I am an extrovert and still stressed.

You tube some back up party games for toddlers. Bubbles always work well. We also hired halls for bouncy castles. You may be able to still change it.

AnnaTortoiseshell · 28/02/2023 19:41

dreamsiclex · 28/02/2023 19:32

@AnnaTortoiseshell I know. I'm aware I've gone OTT. I initially got really excited at the thought of it plus my sister said she would help me and she hasn't. So I've just got carried away with it all really to say she is only 3. But oh well, too late to worry about that now I guess.

No it’s nothing to worry about. Your party sounds great! But if things don’t go quite to plan it’ll still be absolutely fine because toddlers plus cake plus balloons is all you really need Smile

inappropriateraspberry · 28/02/2023 19:46

Just do it. If it rains, then they don't get to bounce. They won't care as long as there are balloons and food!
In future I wouldn't plan an outdoor party in March, the weather is too unpredictable. I'm doing a party this weekend as well. Just at home with games and food. IF the weather is good, then great, they can run around outside, if not then we stay indoors. Probably going to be too cold here even if it is sunny. I never book entertainment or bouncy castles etc. When they're young, a couple of hours with friends, balloons and games is fine.
I do go for it theme wise though!

bagelbagelbagel · 28/02/2023 19:52

A bouncy castle outside in early March? With polar winds forecast? I wouldn't. 🥶🥶🥶

bagelbagelbagel · 28/02/2023 19:53

The 'feels like' temperature for this weekend where I live in SE is maximum 5c. More like 3c. I absolutely wouldn't.

Budsofmay · 28/02/2023 19:58

It's my ds 3rd bday next month. I'm just having 9 adults all uncles, aunties, grandma etc. His little brother will be there. We are having a tea party at home then maybe sealife centre the next day as a family. I felt a bit guilty for not going all out like you have but your post has made me realise I have definately made the right decision!! I'll save all that party agro for when they are in school and will actually remember!

Remaker · 28/02/2023 20:04

Go for it. We hired a bouncy castle for our daughter’s 3rd birthday. She is 16 and she still remembers that party!

SpecialK2023 · 28/02/2023 20:06

Kids are just happy to have their friends round. Anything else is a bonus. She will love it OP.

12345mummy · 28/02/2023 20:15

I stress about these things too OP but realised that EVERYONE is winging it! There will be plenty of adults so please ask them to help you with the party. Our youngest had a similar party (requested) and whilst it all worked out fine, I realised for my own sanity, next year we’ll be going to a venue where they do it all for you. Good luck for Saturday x

Alloftheboys · 28/02/2023 20:34

dreamsiclex · 28/02/2023 19:05

@Alloftheboys originally I was looking at venues but didn't know how it would work with a bouncy castle as I was unsure if one could be hired out for just a couple of hours. Does anyone know what you do in this situation? I thought bouncy castle hires were a full day thing.

Sorry for late reply. As others have said bouncy castles can be hired by the hour.
Generally I think it’s easier to have a village hall and hire someone in to do bouncy castle/soft play stuff/disco.
Other option is soft play/trampolining at a venue and they will do food and sometimes cake but that can be really expensive depending on number of kids invited and also CF parents trying to sneak extra siblings in - I speak from experience!

Randomhead · 28/02/2023 20:37

I don’t think you’ve gone OTT - nothing sounds crazy, just a bit poorly planned. You’ve only booked a bouncy castle and a character nothing crazy about that is there? Well - only the fact it’s March!

Original poster
dreamsiclex · 28/02/2023 20:59

@Remaker I know! What was I thinking?!?! It's going to be bloody freezing!! Only thing I can think that's helping is the fact kids don't feel the cold too much do they? I hope not anywayBlush

OP posts:
Nandocushion · 28/02/2023 21:07

dreamsiclex · 28/02/2023 20:59

@Remaker I know! What was I thinking?!?! It's going to be bloody freezing!! Only thing I can think that's helping is the fact kids don't feel the cold too much do they? I hope not anywayBlush

Awww - I would have felt just like you OP and I'm not even a worrier. But every single time I felt like this, it was absolutely fine and everyone had fun. If there's any way to do so, maybe send a quick message to the guests telling them you're looking forward to seeing them and reminding them to dress warm so they can enjoy the outdoor activities.

Commonsensitivity · 28/02/2023 21:24

I recognise the feeling. You probably won't massively enjoy the party but the kids and parents will. Just buy a cheap haul of fairy cakes and nibbles and do it

HungryandIknowit · 28/02/2023 22:03

The best thing about kids parties is that they only last for a couple of hours. You don't really need entertainment to keep kids occupied for 1 1/2 hours (but could get twister for the older kids as a back up), then 30 mins food. Next time book a softplay party. So much easier!

TicketBoo23 · 28/02/2023 22:16

Ask the bouncy castle company for one with a "roof" - which most have anyway.

As for the rain & cold ..... We live in Northern Ireland and seriously, if we didn't have bouncy castles when it rained, we'd almost never have them. (Aside from indoor venues obviously). They'll have their coats on. Ask parents to bring extra socks or buy loads of cheap socks.fir them to change into.

TicketBoo23 · 28/02/2023 22:18

And out some old towels down around the castle or somewhere convenient for them to dry their feet on their way indoors.

Keep the socks on radiators for extra fast food warming/drying.

TicketBoo23 · 28/02/2023 22:20

dreamsiclex · 28/02/2023 20:59

@Remaker I know! What was I thinking?!?! It's going to be bloody freezing!! Only thing I can think that's helping is the fact kids don't feel the cold too much do they? I hope not anywayBlush

They don't, and they'll be warm bouncing etc in their jackets.

You could also do some hot chocolate with marshmallows as part of the party food to warm them up when they come in from it.

TicketBoo23 · 28/02/2023 22:23

bagelbagelbagel · 28/02/2023 19:52

A bouncy castle outside in early March? With polar winds forecast? I wouldn't. 🥶🥶🥶

Soft Southerners 😉😁

Original poster
dreamsiclex · 28/02/2023 22:27

@TicketBoo23 you've made me felt better about the cold weather already! Good idea about the towels, socks and hot chocs. I'll definitely get those sorted. I've messaged everyone and told them to make sure their children are wrapped up. Once they get bouncing they will be fineGrin. I hope 🤞🏻

OP posts:
TicketBoo23 · 28/02/2023 22:36

I'm sure it will go well; as pps said; all kids are interested in is cake, party bag sweets etc.
And adults are usually happy with tea/coffee and some nice biscuits etc.

The character experience sounds nice, I haven't seen one at a party yet.

You've done everything you can in terms of encouraging parents to wrap them up.