Time Is of the Essence: Help: Birthday Party Invitation Etiquette

Unfortunately, many people do not always respond to the RSVP dates. Also, I would be very careful about filling those "vacancies-" someone's feelings could really get hurt (parent really, a child could care less) if she finds out her child was on the "B List."

Good luck -- it is a 5 year old birthday party. Have fun, even if you don't get the targeted number of children, just make sure your child has fun and feels special. It really is his day : )

Congratulations on the BIG DAY!!!

S.

I think you should put something like please respond by (a date) if you can attend fix the wording to go with your invite. Then leave a number and e-mail address so they can respond you might still get some last minute people, but hopefully most will be respectful enough to respond.

I hate to say it, but in my experience, there is no way to know how many people will actually come. I can usually find out from my friends or my family, but when it comes to inviting classes (or even my in-laws), only about 1/3-1/2 of the people RSVP. Some show up without RSVPing, and some will RSVP yes and not come. A lot of people won't bother RSVPing until the last minute either even if you put a date on it. I usually word it something like "Call if you plan to attend." I find by saying regrets only or something along those lines makes me plan for way more since most people won't bother to call, espcially if they aren't coming. I would just plan to invite anyone you'd like to and plan on at least half of them actually coming. I'd refrain from filling vacant spots. I know I'd be offended if I found out my child was only invited because so and so couldn't come.

We have received invitations that said "regrets only by xxxxxx date"; that does sort of put the pressure on to call if not attending, otherwise, no response gives the impression you are coming....

Hi D W,
I'm a child entertainer, and I have to deal with this issue all the time. Short of calling the parents about a week or so out, it is very hard to know the exact count. Also, you have to take into consideration kids/parents getting sick, etc...
As for getting the invitations out a month early, that probably won't work either as people will tend to put it to the back of their mind since it is so far out. The general rule is about 2 weeks early.

The best bet is to stick to inviting his closest friends. If you are friends with any of the parents, that also helps. Since most parents will probably stay for the party, if you know the parents, they will lean more toward attending.

Best wishes and an early Happy Birthday to your son.
Just my two cents,
R. B.