To invite non-school friends to class birthday party

[doremifaso]

We’re planning on throwing our DS his first whole class birthday party soon as he’s been asking for one and is adamant on inviting all his classmates.
Of course this in turn means a lot of ££ and I’m also thinking he has a few close friends that aren’t in the same school as him as well. Do we invite them too? I’m thinking if we do, they won’t know any of his classmates and it might be bit awkward.
If we don’t invite them, would my friends feel annoyed or excluded that I haven’t invited their kids?
Or do we throw a separate, smaller party with his friends outside of school?
I don’t want to spoil him with too many parties though as it might become an annual expectation 😅
What would you do? Am I overthinking it? 👀

I’d do separate. Mixing friends rarely works.

How old? We did soft play for DD's 5th which was class party and invited non-school friends which included a couple from nursery and friends' children who are of similar age. (Also had a few siblings in there too) Didn't notice any problems at all, at that age they didn't have groups as such so everyone ran around and played with everyone.

Erm I would just have one party.
It wouldn't even occur to me to do seperate parties for different friends!!!

I'd include them in the main party.

I’ve always done one party. Usually any non-school friends will have one or two other kids they know but even if they don’t it’s never been a problem. The kids all run around like maniacs and have a great time.

Absolutely include in the school party.., at DD last party it was about half school half out of school friends... everyone played together lovely :) they will naturally form their own groups but parents generally still stay mostly.
I also took DD to a party where she knew no one (invited from friend at work) and there were others who didn't know anyone but the birthday girl. It was quite easy to go "oh look that little girl is on her own why don't you ask her to play" once games and entertainment get underway they all join together anyway.

Don't sweat it and have a great day !

Thanks everyone. I’ve already told one of my friends about the class party and didn’t invite her kid 😕but I did say next year I’d do a non-class party and have all his friends outside of school to celebrate. Feel bit bad about that now but it’s done! 😬

Yep we always do, school friends and personal friends. Never been an issue.

Sorry, as in, we do them together in one party!

All together here, never had any issues kids love playing with other kids.

One party always and its always been fine. All the class parties we've been to have always had non-school friends (cousins, friends from other activities etc). I actually can't think of anyone whose restricted it as you suggest.