So, I don't know if you have heard the news recently about the dad and son over in the U.K. somewhere who received a bill for NOT going to a birthday party that they r.s.v.p'd to that they would be attending. Seems that Jr. found he had other plans with Grandma, they didn't have a way to contact the people throwing the party, and didn't show. Now there is a viral story batting around the universe about how they received a bill, and they're not paying the bill, and BLAH BLAH BLAH.
Regardless of where you stand on these people getting the bill, not paying the bill, or why stories like this go viral in the first place, it brought a dilemma to mind that plagues many a parent throwing a birthday party for kids.
R.S.V.P. (ing)
If you are having a backyard party, while it may be inconvenient to have people not show up that you were expecting,or show up when you didn't expect them, it's usually not the end of the world. There is a general rule of thumb that I follow now for party favors bags/gifts that has developed from people with this habit. I don't customize party favors anymore! If you have someone show up that you were not expecting, I always feel bad for not having a gift bag! By not putting names on the bags (or hats or whatever), you can roll with the punches. Also, consider making up a few extras as siblings can, and often do, show up with guests occasionally. You can always keep leftovers for a rainy day (or donate them to a local charity to brighten someone elses!)
Here's my tried and true check list of how to deal with RSVP's and kids parties.
DO add an R.S.V.P. with YOUR name (not Caden's Mom) and best contact number/email.
DO consider using an online site to keep track of invites (like Evite or whatever).
DO expect that some kids are going to lose paper invites before getting home, that some kids are dealing with two households and the parent that has them that weekend might be clueless.
DO send out your invites a month ahead, if possible.
DO call the week of the party the kids house (or email) and follow up to see if they received the invite. Say something like "I'm following up because I know that invites often get lost on the way home" because Mom/Dad may have just forgotten and are now horribly embarrassed.
Do expect a few extra kids if possible. If the party is offsite, they usually try to accomdate unexpected guests. If not, perhaps that's not your site for next year!
DO relax! In the big picture, a stressed out Mom is a sure fire wet blanket for any celebration. Your kid is having a birthday! Awesome! Enjoy every minute, regardless of what anyone else is doing!
DON'T customize party favors/bag - roll with it as kids show up!
DON'T take it personally when kids don't show up. You might be the most organized Mom in the world, but some Mom's are hanging on by a thread and they need a little love. Next time that Mom with cake on her face might be you!
DON'T send party favor bags for the kids that didn't show into school...it is never pretty.
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