When No One Bothers to RSVP

barbszy · #1 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 05:49 AM

When you're planning a child's party and send out invitations with clear instructions to RSVP a week before the event....and more than half those invited don't respond, what do you do?

I have to be prepared with food, paper goods, games, and prizes for this party. 13 children were invited and 5 have responded. These invitations were mailed, so I didn't have to worry about them being lost in a schoolbag.

Do I prepare for enough stuff so that those 8 who didn't bother to let me know their plans are "covered" if they show up? That's expensive if they don't!

ellenmelon · #2 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 06:03 AM

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!

**ajrsmom** · #3 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 09:08 AM

That has happened with me, too. It also happens with school functions when parents volunteer to do things but then don't remember to get in touch with me before the event.

Do you have phone numbers for the kids so that you can call their parents? If not, I would plan for all of them just in case they show up.

danstigerangel · #4 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 01:39 PM

This has happened to me in the past. I prepared for the amount invited. It really made me mad when we had parties outside of the house. At the roller rink, etc. I have had parents call me on the day of the party and that really made me mad.

**Bilby** · #5 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 05:18 PM

Oh Barb I hate when this happens, I always phone in my RSVP.

Do you think these people are ones that have simply forgotten to reply ? (being forgetful people)

I'd prepare the bare minimum for the total amt of kids and have an extra packet of chips, hotdogs or ? in the ready just in case you need extra. Favours well if not used they can go in the lunch box and celebrate the b-day thill they have gone OR LOL

The other option is to call if you know their ph# and say I didn't hear from you but ....

barbszy · #6 (**permalink**) 03-15-2009, 06:26 AM

Maybe I am cutting off my nose to spite my face but I refuse to call all these people and beg for an RSVP.

I was thinking that for "favors" I would have them play a game where they use toothpicks (like chopsticks) to pick up wrapped candies. Heck, I could even have them use chopsticks. They're 7. That will be challenging enough. They would each get a bag for the candy. This way I wouldn't have to make that ahead of time, and it would just be distributed among whoever's there.

**ajrsmom** · #7 (**permalink**) 03-15-2009, 06:45 AM

I don't blame you, Barb. I never called, either. I just waited to see who would show up. Since the parties were never that big to begin with, I never had that much left over.

I love the candy favor idea!

ellenmelon · #8 (**permalink**) 03-15-2009, 06:47 AM

I think sometimes the invite gets lost or thrown out or something happens...or the coffee spilled on it or ... it's not begging for an rsvp, it's just checking to see if they can come...

most likely they are waiting for some sport schedule to be given out to see if they have a game or something...kids are way too busy these days!

an electronic calendar, any calendar is helpful, and I am always amazed at those who keep it all 'in their heads', obviously there's some sieve spots in those brains.

**Sammi1961** · #9 (**permalink**) 03-20-2009, 05:54 AM

Barbszy. I find it extremely frustrating when people do not rsvp to a party invitation. it has happened to me before too. i always prepared for the number of children invited but that can get expensive if you do party favors or plan a meal. I can't blame you for not wanting to call the parents - I would do that either. I would just plan for the number invited and hope for the best. I bet at least one or two children who did not respond will show up if not more. Some people just don't think it is actually necessary to respond to rsvp's anymore which makes no sense to me.

domis_mom · #10 (**permalink**) 03-20-2009, 07:34 PM

Depending on the age of your child would depend on whether or not they are even getting a goodie bag to take home. If most parents are like me, the toy garbage that you buy today is just that, garbage. Don't fill your bags with waste. All kids love bubbles, even young teens. If you buy enough for everyone invited and even some extra (spillage before getting home) and have leftovers, it will never go to waste. Just add YOUR favorite candy bar to the bag and wala. Any leftover candy is yours.