Kids parties RSVP within 2 weeks of party is reasonable?

[pourmeadrinkpls]

What do people think? I have sent out invites for 5 year olds party 5 weeks in advance, but there is two weeks holiday in between (not in UK). I don't have much faith that people will remember or reply, and unfortunately I don't know the parents or have their contact details.

• Invites out this week
• School next week
• Two weeks holiday (have asked for reply during this time)
• School gets back and party is on the Saturday (which doesn't really give me much time to follow up or invite anyone else etc)

My theory is giving these early means they know well in advance, but also its better not to make them RSVP too early incase something comes up and then they end up cancelling at the last minute or not showing up at all.

I feel abnormally stressed about the whole thing. Please help! 😞

I gave my daughters out about six weeks before and gave a date that I needed to no. Unfortunately only got less than a quarter back. Canceled the whole party now we’re going disney world instead. Honestly people are just so rude, but I would deffo make sure you have a date written on so if they don’t reply by then you no what your doing

Thanks for responding. Yes its such a huge expense, I didn't want to have a party but felt pressured to do so. Thats actually really helpful. I will assume if I haven't heard back then the person won't be attending.

It doesn’t matter when you hand them out. People are flakey. I’ve scaled parties back big time to only a few select friends who I know will RSVP

I remember when dc were in school, we had an invite for a class party. Turned up and we were the only child to attend from the whole class. Put me right off class parties. Instead we used to offer dc a party or big present but not both. I think they both only had one small party each- ie bowling with approx 8 friends the rest they chose the present (which I secretly loved as I hate kids parties!)

edited as pressed too soon.

we found that many parties we attended over the years were never full of those who had rsvp'd as the parents were always complaining that for example 25 rsvp'd but only 12 turned up. People are just so flakey. Either rsvp and go, or politely decline, but let the parents know either way. It's not rocket science.

Hmm. I would move the date of party. One year I had to have a late party due to sickness. Kids didn't notice.
5 weeks too early.
One week notice too late or a bit tight.
So. Have a different date.

And prepare for no or little responses. Happened many times.... Yes I am one of those that have hosted many....

I'm not being entirely serious here, but all the (justified) complaints I read on MN about people not replying to party invitations makes me think that parents should

a) face-to-face or by phone with parents, invite the close friends of the birthday child before issuing written invitations.

b) then send out a WhatsApp or whatever saying 'there are 10 places available and it's 'first come, first served' so be quick if your child wants to come!' Then confirm with the lucky 10, reminding them to let you know if for any reason they can't come...and put others on a waiting list if you are feeling kind.

I'm sure they'd get their act together then.

Thanks everyone, very insightful! Why do people make it so hard?! Just RSVP!