Is an R.S.V.P. too much to ask?

[Ffte]

No it's not too much to ask. However, I do not respond until the last minute to RSVP by request in case something comes up, or until I know cant make it. I find myself responding to RSVP regrets only much sooner, but only because there is no need to respond if I can't make it.

I think doing an 'RSVP Regrets Only' is the way to go. I'm not sure but I think it's the mind set. When People see that, they know you will assume they will be there if they don't call, and they don't want you making way too much food, etc. When people see an RSVP, they figure if they don't respond you will assume they are not coming, and don't think it's a big deal. I'm also assuming they have never been responsible for planning a party.

 

[Jaffas]

Deborah, did you see The Office last night? I thought of you when Pam was going around trying to get everyone to rsvp for their wedding. Meridith's response was hilarious. I hope everything goes well for your daughter's party. I love the idea of collecting donations for the humane society.

 

[joejack]

I agree that people have become far less considerate of others than they used to be.

On the subject of kid's parties, I don't know how old your kids are, but we had small parties for the kids (average of 4 guests, maximum of 6) when they were young. If I didn't know the parents personally through play-dates, neighborhood, etc., those children weren't invited. It made things much easier to plan for.

Some parents see birthday invitations from classmates as a burden if their children aren't really friends with the child having the party. (Burden of $$, intrusion into family time, transportation, etc..).

I can imagine an invited child wanting to attend, but an already stressed parent not wanting to take the time out of their schedule to make it happen for their child.

I'm not saying that's the case here, I'm just thinking out-loud as to why there may be no-shows when party-day rolls around. Also, some kids go to so many parties that it just gets old after a while, so you might be dealing with a kid who at the last minute tells a parent, "I don't want to go ", and a parent who is not considerate enough to let the party-giver know, or not concerned with teaching their kids to fulfill their obligations.

 

[GMonkey]

Maybe these parents are too stupid to understand what RSVP means?

 

[gettingfitmom]

Could perhaps folks be assuming that RSVP meant Regrets Only? And by not responding they are saying that they are coming? Dunno - I'm likely stretching here.

I am shocked at the stories of no-shows, especially for the younger kids parties. Who doesn't want to come to a birthday party at that age??????? I honestly would think that the invites never made it home, if they were sent into school with the kids.

BTW, I love the idea for gifts for your party - I might float that by my kids this year (we just got a puppy so they are very into animal kindness right now).

I've gotten invites that say "RSVP: regrets only", but I still call to say we're coming.