Hardly anybody RSVP'd to invite daughter's birthday party

[Patty79]

I'm having a birthday party a week today for my daughter's 6th birthday. I've invited all her class, 19 in total. The invites were sent out on 21st June as we went on holiday the following day and the kids weren't at school for the last two weeks before start of the summer holidays (we live in Scotland). I stated on invites to RSVP by today 28th and so far I've had 3 coming and 2 not able to make it. I understand that it's the summer hols etc but it frustrates me that people don't reply. I've resorted to inviting some of her big sisters friends to make up some numbers. I've booked an inflatable assault course at local leisure centre and arranged for local cafe to do a kids buffet. I've ordered sweetie scones and big bubble wands today as favours and I've ordered extra incase some kids turn up who's parents haven't bothered to reply. I thought at one point about cancelling the party but it would break my wee girls heart. I've been tempted to put a vent on Facebook about parents not replying. I texted one of the school mums yesterday asking if she knew some of those who hadn't replied and if she could get in touch with them which she has done but still no replies. What's everyone's thoughts on this and what is the current etiquette with parties? I've only ever had one party before for my eldest six years ago and had a couple of kids turn up who's parents hadn't replied. Do people just not bother to reply then turn up?

My rule is one class party when you turn 5, then one or two special friends as I think by year one everyone is a bit fed up of whole class parties every weekend. But yes people should respond either way. We have a class WhatsApp we can chase on. We've declined all parties this summer as it's our time to chill and see other friends, others may be doing the same. A couple of the summer holiday borns had parties in the last two weeks of term instead.

@Nicpem1982

Everyone has lots on common courtesy costs nothing it's no excuse for rudeness

Ok, you've made it very clear that's your opinion. I disagree.

Someone could be having a hard time with the kids and just want to switch off and stay off their phones and/or social media in the evening because the endless demands of the school social circle are stressing them out, work is a nightmare, their marriage is falling apart, their parents have a terminal illness and they are busy caring for them, their child's behaviour has been terrible (so they may have said they can only attend the party of X behaviour improves hence putting off responding). And so many more things.

Your need to hear the word no when you ask a question rather than just assume no from them not finding the time to reply is not necessarily more important than what's going on in their life that's made them put off or forget to reply.

I don't personally believe a stranger owes me any kind of communication unless they want something from me in return, so unless they wanted to socialise with me or wanted my child to attend their child's party in return, then I would just let them be without judging them.

Some people aren't satisfied unless everyone is constantly available to them should they ask.