No birthday cake allowed at party venue, how would you handle it?

[Familygal1]

I've booked a party for my almost 7yo for him
and 13 other chn. The venue does have party packages but, to keep costs low, we used their summer deal which made the 'party' half the cost. As a result though, we're not allowed the bring our own food inside the venue which rules out a birthday cake too.

I was planning to make a pull apart cake (cupcakes) so the venue wouldn't need to cut it and they could go straight into party bags to avoid being consumed on site, but it's still a no.

What would you do in this situation? Not sing happy birthday? Sing without a cake (somehow this feels odd)? Take the cake and sing outside of the venue - which is in a larger building so 'outside' is in an open space inside the main building but not the party venue?

In fact, they then sent me a message saying absolutely nothing birthday related is alllowed on the premesis!
This ^ is op’s post that I was responding to? As should be obvious; I took the trouble to quote her post.
Please don’t try to police what posts I respond to and how I respond. Particularly to finger wag at me for failing to understand a question I haven’t addressed.

I didn’t try and police what you respond to, I pointed out you’ve not understood what question she asked. The bit you quoted isn’t even a question. I clarified what I meant because you asked me to, so again not policing, it’s a discussion forum. OP started a thread to ask a specific question, you’ve chosen not to address that question and criticise her, so I stand by what I said.

I think the way to look on it as a birthday activity rather than a party and completely forget about a cake etc. A bit like when older DC invite a few friends to a theme park or whatever.

Ok, if you insist…. My answer to op’s question would be “Pay the extra for the birthday package, then you can have an actual birthday cake. Don’t embarrass yourself by trying to pay the cheap rate and slide around the exemptions”
But she’s probably already considered that and would rather save the dosh.

Good on the venue!

The CF thread is active right now, this belongs on there!

Did they say why?

I don't think I'd have asked. It wouldn't have occured to me not to take cale.

Well yes she has, she’s confirmed that in her OP and then confirmed the party package was outside her budget. Hence asking what to do now as in sing outside or not sing at all. Also I didn’t insist you answer her question at all, but whatever! It’s clear what your opinion is

What are they realistically going to do if a bunch of kids starts singing "happy birthday"?

Maybe she hasn't got the "dosh" to spare and is just trying to let her child have a nice birthday with his friends? Good for you if you could afford it, not everyone is so lucky.

I'd have cake with family at home afterwards and give out nice party bags at end of activity. I'd also buy each DC a drink at venue.

I said that because some people suggested to use a dummy cake or other object (biscuit tin) as a focal point to sing happy birthday. The venue have said that, I am under no circumstances allowed to partake in any birthday related activities while on the premesis. While I completely understand the rule of outside food etc., it does seem OTT to ban all party related items. So, just to clarify, once again, I'm not upset with whatever rules the venue had regarding party packages. I was simply looking for advice in regards to whether of not I should still sing happy birthday. As it stands, the venue don't seem to allow this so I suppose it's no longer relevant.

I am going to arrange to meet up with party guests 10 minutes earlier (outside the venue) to sing happy birthday before we do the activity. I can use a real cake and take photos like I wanted and the venue is happy with that.

Thank you everyone.

This or afterwards in the carpark. Keep the cake in a cool box in the car along with party bags. Ask parents to bring children/collect children from your car and you can sing happy birthday, divvy up the cake and hand out the party bags at the beginning or end.

Cross post 😁

What about presents?

Styrofoam block that they use for making cakes taller, quick layer of fondant to hide it, candles.

no food being brought in, and option to sing.

cakes in party bags given out at the end.

Thanks! I agree. Lots of people missing the point entirely and choosing to focus on something that isn't really relevant! 🙄

Wow! This is way OTT.

I'd be more embarrassed if I were you to be fair. I have a budget and am working within that to provide me child with the activity they want. If money isn't an object for you, great! But, what I have that you clearly lack is a bit of empathy and understanding. #MoneyCan'tBuyPersonality 🤷‍♀️

Yes, I've already paid for a slush for each child to cool them off 🥵

After we do a quick song, I'll put any present straight into car before party starts.

Sounds like you have reached a good compromise. I hope the boys have fun! If it’s the kind of activity I’m imagining I think what you’ve decided is pretty standard for boys 7+. They will love the slushy!