To cancel DDs party this Sunday?

[Partydilemma48293]

DD is 3 and we’re having a party for her in 2 weeks time. Have spent about £1000 on venue hire, entertainment etc.

Originally had 25 kids confirmed as coming and this has now dropped down to 9.

Should we cancel?

IABU - no don’t canxel
YANBU - cancel

I’d go ahead.

Try not to feel disappointed - some of the best parties are smaller ones.

I always try so hard not to cancel on parties, as I know what a horrible nuisance it is and how upsetting for whoever organised. I’d definitely approach nursery / siblings of kids who have accepted / neighbours and see if there are any kids who’d like to come, who your dc can vaguely claim any connection with!
I would be brazen about this and say “I’ve organised a nice party for ds and 25 people originally accepted but now all but 9 have pulled out. It’s going to be lots of fun and - you don’t need to worry about a gift, but it would be lovely if you can make it although it is short notice!”

You’ll find most people do bring a gift 😁

Around this age my dc spent their entire party with their closest couple of friends. In fairness until age 6 my ds really only wanted his bf , everyone else was just there to create atmosphere!

Just go ahead then don’t waste it….but ridiculous amount of money to spend on a 3 year olds party

9 kids and the birthday girl will have a fabulous time. Don't cancel it.

I have to start with £1000 is ridiculous, I’m saying this as someone who spoils their children on their birthdays and throws big parties.

As for the party, go ahead with it. Open it to siblings, invite friends kids along. Your dd is 3 she won’t know or care.

Don’t cancel, the party will be fine. We just had a party for my 3 year old DS with 12 kids there (including him). It was totally fine with those numbers - we’d hired a hall and bouncy castle and everyone had a great time. 25 kids would have been chaos and waaaay too much for my DS at that age.

I’d go ahead- I found at this age smaller crowd of kids was a lot less overwhelming and more fun for the kid.

9 is a great number - def go ahead

You're mad spending that amount of money on a party for a 3 year old!!!

You can't get your money back, so what would be the thinking around cancelling it? That better be one hell of a game of pass the parcel for £100 per head.

Well you will know for next year, don't spend so much!

I think everyone involved with have much nicer time with just 9 kids than with 25. 25 kids for a 3 year old's party sounds like a nightmare!!

Unless you think the party would actually be nicer transferred to your home given the small number. Which is quite possible. But might be a hassle to organize at this point.

For people saying that £1000 is far too much, we’ve spent:

£180 hall hire
£300 decor and partyware
£100 bouncy castle
£250 giant ball pit with slides

and then food and party bags.

Oh Dear! £1000 on a party for a 3 year old.Wow!!

As it is non-refundable why cancel? Invite siblings, neighbours, anyone who knows your daughter at all.

And next year, maybe spend a lot, lot less?

Sounds like a better number of kids to me.

My son used to get totally overwhelmed with big parties.

Why have so many declined/ cancelled? Is it far away or at an unusual time of day?

£300 on decor and party ware, really!

That’s still a hell of a lot of money!
My DD was 5 last week and her party cost £350 for an entertainer (Which also included face painting), hall hire, food and party bags.

£1000????

Also £100 for a cake!

It’s up to the op what she spends on her child’s birthday. I wouldn’t cancel, but see if the children invited want to bring a sibling instead.

I voted to cancel but after reading this if you are going to not a refund of any kind then I’d just have the party. You’ve paid for it anyway so go and have fun with those that do turn up

Yeah...too much op. A bouncy castle and a few balloons is enough.

You may as well just rented a small soft play - it would've been easier and cheaper.

what on earth do you get for £300 for "decor and partyware"? Balloons?

I wouldnt cancel nothing wrong with 9 kids,!
But please I'm so curious how you managed to spend £300 on decorations?

I'd have the party if I couldn't get my monies back and I'd be inviting others to come along to have a fun time.