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

Who fucking cares how much she has spent? She can afford it, clearly.

I'd still have the party @Partydilemma48293 - invite anyone you know to fill out the gaps.

Such bad manners for people to just cancel on you.

Sorry but there’s no way a soft play party can be £60 per child .. unless you’re adding in all your balloons and extras?

This was the party package offered by the nice soft play local to us.

I find it very odd why 70% would cancel on a party that clearly looks like a banger?! Even taking the usual illnesses into account, it's not that soon into the nursery year and still too warm for so many to fall ill. How well do you know the other families and do they have contact with each other? Is there any kind of reason why so many would drop out on short notice (social? political?)

It's a large amount to be spending on a 3 year old but those big parties are usually fantastic fun. So parents should be falling over themselves to attend. There seems to be some info missing to the story as it's very odd why so many would decline unless they barely know you or have reasons to not want to associate with you.

The three year old probably won't remember much but if everything is paid for then it makes sense to go ahead. Friends, cousins, siblings etc as replacement guests.

Can you invite the brothers / sisters of the children who are attending?

Top tip…if you go for soft play in future…..don’t include a party host to play games or any crafts…..all kids want to do at soft play is run round like crazy ….eat……run round like crazy again then go home….another waste of money

Aw that's such a shame op, don't cancel, message the ones who are coming and let them know there's been cancellations so siblings welcome etc. Hopefully you'll all have a fab time!

This is a perfect number . They will have a much better time. Don’t cancel

Nothing like that at all.
Some of them declined the invite as soon as they were invited due to a wedding, a couple of holidays, it being a couple of days after a due date, prior plans etc.
A few more people have cancelled more recently due to last minute holidays, other plans changing, and illness.

I’m usually quite good at sensing bullshit but I don’t believe anyone has just made up an excuse this time.

Certainly don't cancel, you've already spent the money, so just enjoy the party. As others have said let people know they can bring siblings and just have a great time.

If you won’t get your money back you may as well crack on and I hope you and your little one have a lovely time.

I’d also say so what that it’s a lot of money. Could you spend it on more practical stuff, yes, but it’s your money, it’s doing no one any harm and will hopefully result in a great experience for your daughter and lots of happy memories for you.

this is exactly what I was going to say.

OP asked if she should cancel the party, not whether she had spent too much. If spending that amount and having those specific decorations and activities brings her joy and doesn't bankrupt the family, then good for her! Birthday parties for little ones are for the parents - hope you have a great time, OP!

This is crazy!! Like madness how much you’ve spent… £300 on decor and party wear?! Which consists of what?!
why would you cancel if you can’t get a refund?!

£1000... did i read that right? one thousand pounds? for a 3 year old? To be fair if you can afford to spend that much on a 3 year olds party, then the numbers are irrelevant. your DD will have as much fun with the 9 as they would have had with the 25 invited.

why cancel? its your DD's birthday party! its for HER birthday and more fool you for spending that kind of money without guarantee's of refunds. by cancelling you are telling the 9 that are coming that they are way less important than the 16 that have dropped out!

great way to treat your DD that is.

Wow.....can you cancel the decor and plates? Next time DIY.
I have parties for 30 kids it costs about £400 hall, bouncy castles, etc.

Why just why I you can't beat Colin

Don't cancel, you might get some who still rsvp really close to the time. 9 is still a decent number for a party but I'd contact the parents and ask if they would like to bring siblings too. Mine are close in age so would happily go along even if they don't actually know the kid and it actually makes things easier as I don't have to arrange alternative childcare for the other one.

My friend was quoted £550 for an arch for a 21st....did it herself from Amazon really easy cost less than £100

Just start inviting more people if your can't get your money back. The party sounds amazing

Ah, I see, yes probably just a location thing.

If you can’t get the money back have the party and invite more people. Your DD will still have a great time with 9 or 25

Don't cancel. It will be lovely for the DC to have all that space and equipment for just ten of them. Nicer for DD than a bigger rowdier group. It'll be great.

'Serveware'

I've heard it all

We are Cheshire - I suppose a lot of people put on nice parties for their DC here

^

Indeed

One of the finer Shires

I thought it was sort of the opposite to this- you have big, whole class parties when they’re young and then a smaller group of friends when they’re teenagers?