Parents, How do you deal with R.S.V.P's for your children's birthday parties?

Question

Hi,

We always host children's parties at another location (for ex. Chuck E. Cheese) Invitations are sent out well in advance, along w/ RSVP & our phone #. (We are charged for the number of children who will be attending, plus extra charges for each unexpected child.)

We have consistently experienced the following situations:

1) Some RSVP to say they will attend, & then their children don't show up at the party.

2) Some RSVP to say they will not attend, & then DO bring their children.

3) Some families do not RSVP at all. Then some of them show up at the party & some of them do not.

4) Some parents assume its alright to bring uninvited siblings along with the invited child, and then leave them both there.

It seems inconsiderate to the hosting family who is assuming all the costs. Are those examples considered acceptable behavior today? Have any other parents experiences similar situations? If so, what is your opinion? How did you handle it?

Thank you.

Answer 1

It is quite unfortunate. But if they don't RSVP, they don't get a goodie bag. I know it sucks, but having a party at Chuck E. Cheese rquires a head count. Even the tables and chairs are set up for the kids. I talk to parents about not leaving their kids there alone. I explain it is not my responsibility nor do I have enough eyes to watch their kids, mine and the party. I let the kids stay for pizza. If it is habitually the same people, you may to really consider re inviting them somewhere.

Answer 2

Not Acceptable.

I organise my little sisters parties, and if anything like that happened with RSVPs, I kindly noted that the children whose unorganised parents did not give me courtesy were scratched from the next years list, regardless of whether or not they were my sisters good friends. You do not have to put up with that type of untimely, injustified cr@p.

As for unwanted siblings, simply kindly tell the parents there is a booked quota, and that there simply isn't enough room. The shouldn't be assuming you'll foot the bill for other siblings of the invited child too! To do those party plans are expensive!

Answer 3

If I dont get a RSVP, I call and ask.