Barbszy, this happens to me too. I think it is normal but not right. I call when I am ready to set up the table and usually order extra of the favors and stuff anyways. For the food I just make it for the amount invited and then we have leftovers or send it home with the guests that do come. And two days before the party I usually call and confirm the guest list, confirm with the parents though! It was awkward when the kids would do party invites on facebook and then I never got a good headcount from my dds. I was really put out one time when I was ordering corsages for the girls who didn't have dates for the prom, and couldn't get a good head count for that. I was glad I ordered enough for all the invitees as they all came at the last minute!