5th birthday party-how many children are likely to go

[MumToBe1980]

Hi, my son has just started in reception and we would like to have party and invite all of his class (17 children), however the soft play that we would like to book (as its my son's favourite) only allows 15 currently (restricted due to covid). I'm wondering if it is likely that whole class will attend, or do I take the chance that a few won't and I can book for 15. Mummies with experience of parties, please can you tell me the sort of turn out you usually expect?

I would imagine most will go but there will be the odd one that can't. I'd be hesitant to book it though to be honest in case they all can.

I make a real effort to attend them because kids hate missing out

But how awful if everyone is invited but those 2!!

I usually have half the class show for a full 30 class. I think it's unlikely everyone will go tbh.

Well you can't take that chance if they only allow 15 can you!

@Workinghardeveryday

But how awful if everyone is invited but those 2!!

I don't think she's suggesting not inviting 2 kids, just wondering if a couple might not be free to attend.

It will almost certainly be fine and there will be at least 2 people who can't come, but I would find it stressful to rely on that happening! You can increase the chances of a few "no"s by not giving a lot of advance notice!

The earlier you send the invites, the more who will be available.
Less notice = less availability

Yes planning on inviting whole class, wouldn't leave 2 people out, that would be just mean. The only other soft play option holds 290 people so would much prefer the smaller venue. We are right in the midfle of house renovation and move so easy soft play with food provided is preferred option. It is half term week so imagine some people may be away. I guess I could message our WhatsApp group to try to get an estimate on numbers.

Some people try and bring siblings along too!

I have had very few declines for parties we have thrown despite expecting them. And at one party, a sibling sat down to eat.

If it’s in half term, then I’d be confident that you’d be ok. It might seem daft but agree with pp about people taking liberties with siblings so I’d suggest saying in invite “it’s a small venue so please note there is no space for eg siblings”.

Agree about the siblings, this happened to us lots of times and they sat down to eat!! So cheeky of the parents to allow it!!