Wwyd: no party rsvp

[katfco]

Caleb's birthday is next week, and we're having his party next Saturday. We sent the invitations out at school on Monday, and so far have only heard from one person. We invited 13.

I'm worried Caleb will only have one person at his party. Abby's had a low response rate in the past, as well, which makes for some pretty depressing parties. 

Has anyone else experienced this? Do kids just not go to birthday parties anymore?

should we continue with the party even if it's just one guest?

[monarobinson]

What date did you ask people to rsvp by? I just threw a party for DS1 and a handful of people didn't rsvp until the date I put on the invitation.

[katfco]

Apr 21, 2017 17:42:57 GMT -5 monarobinson said:

What date did you ask people to rsvp by? I just threw a party for DS1 and a handful of people didn't rsvp until the date I put on the invitation.

I forgot to put an rsvp date, but even in the past when I have put one in, I don't get much of a response. 

[laurack]

Last year we had a bunch of RSVP the day before the party though people had 3-4 weeks. Kinda rude because it's like they were waiting to see if something better came along. ...

Also sometimes people don't RSVP at all they just show up!

I hope you get more replies!

[katfco]

jamaicam, we might put in a note in kids' cubbies as a reminder.
Loco Coco, we have no family around.
laurack, we've seen more of the opposite: people will say they're coming and then not show up.

[imimahoney]

I would send a follow up but just throw the party no matter what. I hate people, why can't they just RSVP!?

[ktstorm]

I'm guilty of forgetting and waiting until the RSVP date to respond. If you have a way of following up, I'd try that. Did you provide a phone number or email? I'll admit I'm much better at sending an email or quick text rather than calling.

[monarobinson]

Apr 21, 2017 17:54:36 GMT -5 katfco said:

Apr 21, 2017 17:42:57 GMT -5 monarobinson said:

What date did you ask people to rsvp by? I just threw a party for DS1 and a handful of people didn't rsvp until the date I put on the invitation.

I forgot to put an rsvp date, but even in the past when I have put one in, I don't get much of a response. 

I think you still have a good shot of hearing from a bunch of people next week. And I hope that you do!

[katfco]

Apr 21, 2017 18:26:56 GMT -5 ktstorm said:

I'm guilty of forgetting and waiting until the RSVP date to respond. If you have a way of following up, I'd try that. Did you provide a phone number or email? I'll admit I'm much better at sending an email or quick text rather than calling.

We gave DH's phone number, with a message to call or text. 

[fusion]

we've moved to just inviting one special friend and doing an activity because of how unreliable school kids are about attending. Hopefully more RSVP!

[sandj82110]

Ugh I hate when people don't rsvp. I always accept or decline, I didn't get anyone message saying no but I would have loved it, it takes the guess work out. I did get one kid show up who didn't rsvp at all, which meant I didn't have a party favour made up for him, maybe that will teach his parents! (I did pull something together quickly, but the other kids had personalized favours).

I would put a reminder out next week with a please let me know by Wednesday (or whatever date works for you). I hope he has a good turnout and the stress was for nothing.

[mlkgls]

I had the same issue last year, which is the only non-family party he's had. It drove me bonkers since I had no clue how many party favors to make and is part of the reason why I didn't do a big non-family party again this year.

I hope Caleb has a fantastic birthday and party!

[blane12]

I think ppl just suck at rsvp'ing. We haven't done school friends yet, but none of my family or close friends rsvp, so I have to call and see. I would still throw the party either way.

[fryjack2]

I'd send an email to everyone invited and ask to know by X date (or leave the date out and just ask) so that you have enough food and goodies for everyone coming.

I use Paperless Post for invites now. It's easy for people to click the button for yes, no, or maybe and I can see if someone has opened the invite. Its helpful because I could follow up with the people who hadn't opened it and reach out to them directly. I had the wrong email for one, and another had emails blocked at the address (her work email) that i had for her.

Best of all, it's free!

I hope more people rsvp and you guys have a fun day!

[jg183]

If you don't have their emails I would leave a note in cubby

[lauranicole91]

I always just text/call people to fish for an official yes or no.
I'm guilty of forgetting to rsvp, unless it's a Facebook event, I always remember those. Haha.

[bebeetmoi]

A large percentage of people did not RSVP to DD's party. However, of the 27 kids invited, 16 showed up, even though only 7 RSVPed.

I share how frustrating it is! I'm sure more children will come, despite the lack of RSVPing.

[bean47]

The lack of RSVP's is so frustrating. I would give it until the Tuesday before and then send the reminder.