[quote=Anonymous]Summer can be hard for turn out.Mybirthday was always the week or 2 before school started where I lived (late August in the northeast where school started right after Labor Day) & we learned to have any parties either just before school let out in June or after it started in September. We did something (usually dinner) with family on my actial birthday & sometimes I had a good friend or 2 who was around sleep over.[/quote]

^Obviously your DD is too young for a sleepover for another few years but the family party/dinner/bbq on or near her actual birthday plus early or late friend party could work out next year & until sh old enough for a sleepover &/or to plan something smaller herself with friends who she knows will be home.

Everyone responding that a lot of people travel that week is sort of missing the point. Of course many people have plans. Those people should RSVP no. It's not hard. People are just incredibly rude and lazy.

Anonymous wrote:Echoing what other people say - I wouldn’t feel down because it’s a tough weekend. A lot of people are already out of town for the 4th OR don’t want to travel bc they’re leaving in a few days anyway. I have a July 6th baby and we learned pretty quickly early on that you need to wait until July 10th (at least) to be “in the clear”.

+1 Also, OP says she only sent out invites 2 weeks ago. People will have plans by then (although i agree they should at least RSVP 'NO, I will be out of town etc.."

A two-year-old does not need a party with upwards of 40 people in attendance. That's just insane.

That said, people who don't RSVP are total schmucks.

My birthday is right by a major holiday. Attendance at parties was low as a kid. Then one year my parents were renovating the house. Instead of my actual b-day they postponed it until construction was done. Tons of fun, high attendance, and it's a much better time for a party.

Summer can be hard for turn out.Mybirthday was always the week or 2 before school started where I lived (late August in the northeast where school started right after Labor Day) & we learned to have any parties either just before school let out in June or after it started in September. We did something (usually dinner) with family on my actial birthday & sometimes I had a good friend or 2 who was around sleep over.

Echoing what other people say - I wouldn’t feel down because it’s a tough weekend. A lot of people are already out of town for the 4th OR don’t want to travel bc they’re leaving in a few days anyway. I have a July 6th baby and we learned pretty quickly early on that you need to wait until July 10th (at least) to be “in the clear”.

Good friends should have rsvped. Sometimes people wait ‘til last two days.

Do yourself a favor and stop having parties. Celebrate in your life mediate family with a special outing for the birthday child. If they get cards or gifts in the mail, wonderful but that’s just extra.

Aren't you tempted to leave the house? Those who show up can find NOBODY at home! Would serve them right.

Your out of state relatives probably think they got a courtesy invite. No one is interested in TRAVELING for your 2 year old's party. Follow up with LOCAL people, and say you need a head count. This is a tough time. My youngest in a mid-June (just after school is out), and since he started elementary school, parties are tough. When he was in daycare, it was not even an issue. I am going to start having his party the week before.

That's 4th of July week. A lot of people take that whole week off for vacation.

Anonymous wrote:Other than grandparents, I really think it's overboard to expect any other family to travel for a 2 year old's bday party, never mind during the summer and a key holiday week. My own personal "rule" is I go to the first bday and that's it.

However, that does not excuse the non-RSVP. I always respond to those and think it's rude not to.

Send the reminder email, and then don't worry about it. I'm sure the 2 year old will have fun no matter what.

I agree.

Anonymous wrote:Party is on the 30th. I sent invites two weeks ago to family and friends and not one person has rsvp'd. I know my brother is going to come and probably my in-laws but other than that. 30+ people, no word. Do I cancel her party and do a small dinner with just in-laws? Embarrassed and hurt. I know invites were received because my brother and in-laws live in different states and got there's but even they havent actually confirmed they can come..it's her 2nd birthday so I know she would be happy doing almost anything. I have texted and emailed a few family members but they have not responded. Just feeling down.

And an email out saying that no one has responded and as a result the party has been canceled. Do a small party by yourself.

Anonymous wrote:I do think it's crazy to expect family to travel for a 2 year olds birthday.

Local friends of hers and family should have rsvped.

+1