Party - siblings and extra cost

[partayy]

I've got a party planned for DS. It's a leisure centre with bouncy castle etc. Cost covers 20 kids then after that kids are £7 each. The place doesn't provide party food. I will be providing that. £7 per child seems steep when no food being provided by venue but they do all tableware and plates cups etc.

I can just about do around 20 if I don't invite siblings but I feel bad not doing so as the hall is so huge it can def fit them. The leisure centre said I can have siblings attend but if they are eating it's £7 each as they have to set a place for them at tables.

Should I invite siblings but let parents know food not provided for them and only the older child? Is that really tight/mean?! The amount of siblings means it would be at least another £70 plus the cost of actually providing the food.

Or should I just invite the 20 kids and say no siblings?

@partayy

My son is turning 5, the 20 invitees are of similar age as they are his nct and preschool chums. They all have siblings ranging from 0-3, so quite little.

Hadn't thought about possible fall outs / feeling left out 😕

The hall is absolutely gigantic so it just feels mean not allowing the siblings to come as when everyone gets here they'll see how much space there is.

Argh what a minefield!

If they're all that young surely you'd be allowed to just do your own extra table of picnic type snacks for the parents and babies/toddlers. Lay down some blankets and make a 'picnic corner'. That way nobody gets left out and it shouldn't cost too much as you can just do some cold pizzas, crisps etc.

@girlmom21 good idea! I've asked the venue if I can have table for nibbles. Hopefully they'll say yes and then the little ones can have a picnic area