To feel sad DD left out of party

[2024m]

My DD’s classmate has a birthday party today and seems like most of the class is invited plus kids from the other class are invited too (2 form entry primary school). I only found out as a mum from other class said yesterday “see u tomorrow” I asked what she meant and she said it’s X’s party. I wouldn’t usually dwell on it but the venue happens to be right on our street! The birthday mum knows this as been to a party at our home last year So have lots of other parents. I feel sad for DD as she might see people coming or going and will see the birthday decorations and realise it’s her birthday. I have no idea what time it is either but planning to take DD out for most of the day.

This is such a silly reaction.

1. You don’t know who you’ll invite in 1/2/6 month’s time. Friendships change, budgets change etc.
2. If you decline an invitation of a child that you might no invite back, it’s really unfair on the child who’s party it is. They want your child there so let them go and have fun. If everyone said no in the basis that they’re not sure they’ll reciprocate in future, there would be some parties with really low attendance.

I don't think it is always possible to invite every child. The norm is 30 in a class. Inviting 29 children is incredibly expensive. If it was a party at home unless it is a huge house this also wouldn't work.

"I just think you shouldn’t accept an invite knowing fully well you won’t reciprocate in the future! "

Nope. Don't agree with this view.

Maybe it's just my children but they want to go to every party they are invited to regardless if it's a good friend or just a classmate. Where I live most children have their parties at laser games, escape games, amusement settings etc so limited to 8-10 participants. I ALWAYS tell my children that if you go he/she will be invited to your party. And my children find this to be reasonable and fair. Even if it's not a close friend they will be invited unless something really serious like bullying/lots of disputes have taken place. Exceptions like when a friend had a "girly dance party" and my son was not invited can occur but my son was relieved not to be invited:). Orherwise I have noticed that most people follow the "rule" of reciprocity... That's why I'm with OP on this one. Really weird not to invite her DD since she had invited her daughter AND lives close by so she will know of the party.
Well OP you know who to not invite next time:)