Why don't people reply to party invitations?

[Hotttchoc]

Why don't people RSVP even if you specifically say let me know by XX or RSVP by XX?

It's more awkward if you don't give a date but surely people realise you need to know a couple of weeks before (especially if invitation was sent 6-8 weeks before)

Most people seem to be considerate and respond in a timely manner then you have the odd few which makes it hard to plan fully.

The mass party thing is a short phase to be honest once they get to 6 or 7 it’s usually close friends only that’s when it gets cruel if your child isn’t invited - then I imagine some of the blase oh we are too busy for all these parties non rsvp ers will change their tune on this.

Dealing with a devastated 9 year old not invited to a 4 girl party because you’ve been lax and high handed and treated parties disdainfully in the past will be zero fun. They don’t stay tiny and oblivious for long.

We're all different so in large number parties in a varied area there will be an assortment.

They'll be the ones who respond straight away, those who wait till nearer the time, those who don't respond at all but don't come and those who just turn up.

The hosts will all be different too though. So there's the host who is really put out at those who deviate from their preferred rsvp method, and the hosts who are super chill led and are fine with anything.

@NoTouch So 7 days is ok but 8 days is not? And would you just not take your children to a party at a soft play that is catering and want numbers a week before (so you may need to confirm a day or two before that)?

You do know you can just not go to the party if it's an inconvenient time or a child your DC does not play with?

By the way I'm not only asking about children's parties. I have to events this summer in mind one of which is a children's party at a venue that caters and requires numbers. It also takes more than a week to put together decent party bags.

@TheaBrandt Yes exactly. I can think of people who in the past have failed to RSVP or have said they will come and then not turned up (without explanation) and I probably wouldn't invite them again. It's not hard to say yes or no a couple of weeks before.

Be prepared for the ones who don't rsvp to turn up with 3 siblings in tow.

@Summertimeinschool Haha I hope not! For a £20 per heads kids' party surely someone would have to say something! I have told those who want to bring siblings they can just pay entry for their child which is under £10 but they wouldn't get a party lunch

You should be ok then, I had a bit of a shock with a village hall and bouncy castle type party!

@Summertimeinschool Some people are cheeky!

Maybe they didn't get it in the first place! 🙈
I'm the one always being chased up by other mums who want to know why I haven't replied - because it's still in his bloody drawer at school that's why!

@MissAtomicBomb1 For one of the parties, kids at school, only one has not replied and I'm wondering whether they didn't get it.

For other event invitations were sent by text / WhatsApp. One has replied since I started this thread. Another two acknowledged the invitation and said they'd let me know but haven't yet. I may send another text to the one who usually does reply / try to attend our parties if I don't hear this week.

Ah, you're one of them . . . 🙄