Anonymous wrote:I agree the mother with the invoice was way over the top, but I'm also disgusted with the father not finding a way to contact her to let her know his son would be a no-show. She said all contact information was on the invitation. Something similar happened to us a couple of years ago. My DD had a swimming party at a private club - it had to be rented out. One of the girls just didn't show up and I waited in the lobby during the first half of the party for her, missing the fun in pool with DD and friends. She just never showed. When we got home, her mom had written an email saying that her daughter was "tired" that day and just hadn't felt like coming. Meanwhile, I got to pay for her to be there. Of course, I would never have sent an invoice to the mother - but it's incredibly rude when people RSVP yes and then decide not to show up, without notifying you ahead of time. Barring true sickness, of course.

Anonymous wrote:If parents didn't have over the top birthday parties this would be a non-issue. Have games, cake and ice cream at your house and call it a day.

Birthday parties for young kids with a $15-50pp price along with goodie bags and full lunches is INSANE.

Anonymous wrote:This is a another reason I am in favor of old fashioned at home bday parties. Just makes RSVP's simple- come, don't come, bring siblings or don't. The per person costs and limits at these places makes what should be a small thing - one persons attendance at a kids bday party, not a wedding! - into a bigger thing than it ought to be.