Birthday party etiquette

[DramaLlamaMumma]

I’m sure I’m overthinking this 😂 Just don’t want to seem rude! Basically my daughter’s party is at a paid venue (£9.50 for the full day if that matters). The party guests obviously get entry included, and 1 free adult per guest. Is it obvious that siblings etc would have to pay their own entrance fee or should I mention it when people RSVP? Would you expect both parents to be able to attend for free? This is the kind of place that you would go as a family for a day out, which is why I’m a bit worried that people will turn up with the whole family. But surely you would expect to pay for anyone who isn’t explicitly invited, right? 🙈

I would definitely mention on the invite to avoid any confusion. If nothing else it will ease your anxiety if you've been clear about it!

Do the invites say that only the named child and 1 adult can attend? If not, I think it's fine to reply, when people RSVP, with something like "Just a heads up but the venue will only allow one accompanying adult with the child named on the invite".

I would never assume to bring my whole family...but I've had people come to soft play parties and bring 1 or sometimes 2 siblings so I would be cautious too.

Just put on the invite that it's for the child plus one accompanying adult, additional adults /children are £xxx

I would make it clear that each child and 1 adult can go for free. I don’t think you’d have to make it clear that siblings were not included, though.

In my experience, if a parent wants to bring a sibling, they usually check first with the parent organising the party, in which case, you could say, “you’re more than welcome to bring the guest’s sibling, but the venue is likely to charge entry, so you might want to check ahead if you’d need to book them for a general play”. The parents also don’t tend to expect party bags for the siblings, as they aren’t invited guests, but if you have some spare cake, sometimes it’s nice to offer the siblings a piece to take home.

Some parents do both turn up to a party with their child, which is why it might be worth letting parents know, when they rsvp “ah fantastic! So excited xxx can come. There is 1 adult allowed in for free for each child too, so nothing to pay, unless you want to bring your partner too, then there might be a charge”.

Also, completely not what you’re asking, but it’s always nice to have some snacks, or sandwiches for the parents at the party too. A lot of venues will do a plate of biscuits, sandwiches, or pizza for a few quid extra.

This is perfect

We’ve had experience where siblings just turn up, so please don’t assume people won’t. Definitely mention upfront - but if they do have the option to pay extra for siblings then let them know. Remember there as some situations whether people have no choice but to bring the siblings such as single parents.

Thank you, I’ll definitely mention it! I have absolutely no issue with both parents and/or siblings coming, I just can’t afford to pay for everyone who might turn up 😬 And don’t want anyone to have a nasty surprise on the day if they don’t realise extra people need to pay!