RSVP etiquette

[Ilovehotchoc]

We've booked a party at a farm for DS' birthday and most people have replied. However, still a handful who haven't and I have to confirm numbers with the farm 3 days before the party. As we are paying per head, would it be unreasonable to assume that if a parent hasn't replied by the date specified on the invitation, that their DC isn't coming?

I am a bit worried about people turning up to the party who I assumed weren't coming becasue they hadn't replied, and then me being expected to pay for them! Has anyone else experienced this?

Yep! I usually ring / text these people to get an answer. If no reply, then I assume they are not coming. That way, if they do turn up you have covered yourself by leaving messages on their phones!

well of course they are coming

didnt you get their telepathic messages !!

unfortunatley you will need to call them/text them because in my experience most people who dont reply do turn up- it drives me crazy

rsvp seems to mean nothing these days

Oh right, ok, thing is I don't know any of them particularly well, if at all, so I don't have phone numbers for them. Its going to be a case of asking them face to face if I see them at school!

Some people are rude imo, but it is very common and it carries on as your dcs get older ime.

Some of the non-RSVPers may well turn up.

Ask the farm if you could possible pay feo a few extra on the day if they turn up. So say if you have invited 20 and only 15 have replied, see if you can pay for the 15 and then pay a bit more on the actual day. Some places won't let you do this though.

yup face to face is the only way to go.

a very quick, "just checking numbers for saturday - Can't remember - did you say that minnie is coming to the party?" then a simple yes or no will be given.

you have to let it go that they didn't reply or else it will make asking them feel awkward for you.

Ok, thanks for all your replies. I understand that people have a lot on their minds and my DS' party is probably the last thing, and people are busy etc. I am more worried about having to pay for people who don't come, as its quite expensive!

I sent an invite 3 weeks before the party. About 6 people hadn't rsvp'd so I sent a friendly memo to everyone, thanking those that had already rsvp'd and asking those who hadn't to do so asap. Kids don't always give the invites out, so they may not have got it in the first place.