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 think everyone is being really harsh by piling on about the cost of the party - ok it might be more than others would spend but OP can afford it so what’s the problem !

I definitely wouldn’t cancel, go ahead with the party & see if there is anyone else you can invite. I hope you have a lovely time.

Are there any siblings who could come? I suppose it’s less likely they would be interested if she’s only 3. 4 was the earliest we were ever invited to a party at a venue aside from first birthday parties which are essentially for the parents and family. I do recall the 5th birthday was a bit expensive as it was a playbarn. The next year was a costume picnic, the one after a Kung Fu one that we self catered.

🤣 fools and their money, as the saying goes…..

Please tell what you have booked

It is ridiculous at 3, sorry. I wonder if people are pulling out as they feel they can’t ‘compete’ in the future?

However, you can afford it, it’s your dd, so you do you. I would still go ahead with the party in your circumstances.

It's more than I'd spend but I get that you're just trying to organise something nice, and you're happy with those activities and can afford them. Yep, message the friends' parents and say you've got a space if the siblings want to come. And no matter either way, because your DD will enjoy the party and so will her 9 little friends.

I don’t have any social media.

I think the smaller number will work well with the bouncy castle, slides and ball pool.

Hope you have a lovely party. X

We were definitely the type of parents to have a small party at home with games like pass the parcel and statues and musical chairs. And maybe a piñata. And blow up the balloons ourselves the night before. And that worked well for any number between 5 and 30.

But everyone's different and OP has the money to spend, so why not?

Parties are stress tho OP. And I think a lot of people these days are very rude and don't stick to their RSVP replies if something better comes along or they suddenly can't be bothered. That said, you'll be fine with your numbers. Enjoy it! x

I did enquire at a nice soft play near us. They offer a package for up to 20 children, food, host etc. and it was £1200…

@Partydilemma48293
Definitely don't cancel the party. Maybe invite other attendees siblings.
At least it won't be too crowded and they will be plenty of space on the bouncy castle and slides.

Well you obviously can’t cancel. What message would that send to your child: sorry sweetie, you’re just not popular enough so I’d rather throw a grand away than have a meagre 9 kids come to your party.

At 3 they can handle probably 4-5 kids to play with, 9 is more than enough. You need to stop putting so much pressure on something that’s supposed to he fun. It ruins it.

Opening up to siblings is a good idea.

Are there any other children's you could invite too?

Surely the party is for your child, not the other kids.

Go ahead and enjoy the fact that there are a lot less kids and more space.

9 kids sharing a bouncy castle is way better than 25.

It’s a shame but I think your child will enjoy themselves more with less people.

So have the party,then!

Cost is relative, spend what you can afford. I don’t see why you wouldn’t go ahead for a party of 10 though? That’s about average for a 3yr old’s birthday unless they go to a massive nursery, but surely the class sizes are still relatively small.

Unless you are spending £10 on each balloon (the original price per head of a child), then I think you should possibly rethink. Balloons are so wasteful, a biodegradable one per child is more than enough, I know they bring joy. An arch/roomful of balloons for a 3yr old is wasteful, and in my opinion (which I am sure you won’t care about!), tacky and cheap.

But, I’m aware that I live in a north London eco/champagne socialist/hippy bubble, so completely not your demographic!! Your culture might be different by the sounds of it, but I still don’t think I could justify the waste.

OP ignore those berating you! It’s your money spend it how you like, I spend around the same on DDs, it’s adds up so quickly but I was so happy with the finished product as was she and all her little friends.

Does she go to nursery? You could ask the staff if there’s any new starters and extend the invite to them but im sure she’ll have a fab day with the guests she has!

Agree. It also depends on where you are in the country. Some places there are limited venues and they cost a lot.

I remember my third birthday party (first one I remember) and my 6 year old still talks about his 3rd birthday party (first proper one we did for him).

It is awful so many people have pulled out close to the day, but 9 is a good amount for a party.

That is obscene! What on earth did you get for that?
My son had a soft play part this year and it was £11 per head! I did nothing but turn up with a cake and party bags and the kids loved it l. I got to drink coffee and catch up with the other parents.

Try that, or bowling next year!

We are Cheshire - I suppose a lot of people put on nice parties for their DC here. I wouldn’t say they are tacky or cheap though?

Gawd, OP didn’t ask whether she’d been U to spend a grand on a party - she’s said it was daft but can clearly afford it so people can stop getting their knickers in a twist.

Yes, should def go ahead if you can’t get a refund - round up the troops!

@Partydilemma48293 Accepting an invitation and cancelling without good reason is rude.
Of course you keep the party!
It sounds like it will be great with fab decorations. 😍
Just remember who cancelled and be wary about extending invites to them in future.
I'd also advise to either invite a lot, but expect half (or less) to show and not really care who does/doesn't, or invite only those who always keep their word.
A thank you note for "gift/making the day special" to the attendees would be a nice touch as well (group mssg is fine).

Nine is plenty for a 3 year year old. I don't see why you would invite more at this stage just for the sake of it. Smaller parties are usually much more enjoyable and less work! Siblings might be a nice gesture.

Seriously? Where on earth is that. Your average soft play party where I am is around £15 a head!!

It included:
A lunch box for each child,
Decor to match your selected theme from a list,
A party host who would play games with the children,
Party bags,
Crafts,
Cake,
Soft play.