https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 25 May 2026 15:47:49 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/3#post-2397411 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:36:02 +0000 rattles 2397411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm surprised so many people have a problem with it. I think 4 is old enough for it to be a party for the kids, and you're offering to cover a parent to accompany them. I don't get why you would be expected to host every kid's whole family. People are welcome to decline if they'd rather family time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/3#post-2397390 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:13:04 +0000 catomd00 2397390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd think it was a little weird but not enough to be annoyed or anything. Personally, I'd feel more comfortable limiting the guest list to less children than excluding parents. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/3#post-2397381 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:10:15 +0000 regberadaisy 2397381@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Oatmeal: hehe small zoo. We can go through all the exhibits in under 2 hours! $8 is a party discount. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397376 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:07:22 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 2397376@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't be annoyed at ALL- because I totally understand where you're coming from. I also would be fine if the second parent was invited but had to pay.<br /> I can't believe your zoo is only $8!! Even the small one around here is like $15-20! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397359 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 15:58:36 +0000 autumnlove 2397359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wouldn't mind because I take them by myself the majority of the time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397345 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 15:48:46 +0000 regberadaisy 2397345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chopstixwife: I would never think to have a party at a place that requires entry fee and expect guests to pay?</p> <p>@JerricaBenton: thank you! That's the only point that has me scratching my head. A lot of people are offended at the thought of both parents not being invited. So it's automatically don't do it, without concern to the fact that this is the party "my child" would want. It's a kids birthday party! She's the birthday child! </p> <p>ETA: cute idea! The only place I know that does farm parties is a bit of a hike for us and possibly longer for guests. </p> <p>But anyway, I did want opinions. Now that I know :) and because there's a capacity limit I'll prob do a A list then B list. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397330 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 15:42:55 +0000 JerricaBenton 2397330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess I'm in the minority, but other than family/best friend parties, it wouldn't even occur to us to have my husband come to a kid's birthday party with us. I understand people bristling at the idea of stipulations written out on a bday party invite but I think in this situation maybe you could add a separate note or email and say invite includes one child and one parent, you're welcome to bring others at $x per person. It's kind of complicated but if your kid wants a zoo party i'd do it.</p> <p>ETA Another idea if lo is into animals is a party at a farm. We have a few by us that put on really great parties and it's very reasonable. I doubt they'd charge for adults. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397324 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 15:39:19 +0000 chopstixwife 2397324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Even if one spouse was planning to stay home with the other kid(s), I would be annoyed if I saw that on an invite. </p> <p>Our preschool friends birthday parties, all the couples like to attend because they like to socialize with the other parents. </p> <p>My parties are always worded so that the whole family, spouses, siblings, live in grandparents are welcome. </p> <p>If you can't afford it, don't do it. </p> <p>Also, it's common sense. If the party is at the zoo or any other place that requires an entrance fee, I would pay for myself/spouse and children unless the host specifically states that children entrance fees have been taken care of. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397304 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 15:30:53 +0000 travelgirl1 2397304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband would LOVE this. I don't think I would feel comfortable doing this myself, but would be absolutely fine if I was the recipient. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397291 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 15:21:53 +0000 hilsy85 2397291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also don't think this is a big deal at all-we've had this issue with some friends, and have always offered to have DH stay home and me bring LO to the party if they needed to cut down on attending adults. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397256 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:57:54 +0000 T-Mom 2397256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This wouldn't be a big deal to me at all. we routinely split up to attend parties. If we wanted to bring the rest of the family we would gladly pay our way. Everyone knows zoo parties are pricey.. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397240 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:52:40 +0000 meredithNYC 2397240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wouldn't mind at all. Next month LO is invited to a Disney on Ice party and only one parent is invited to keep costs down. I think it's a fun opportunity for her and her dad, so no big d. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397238 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:52:12 +0000 rachiecakes 2397238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsMini: I'm with you. I went to a party recently and it was all couple and their kids and I was odd mom out. No one talked to me because they were all with their SOs, it was awkward.<br /> Everyone around here brings their SOs to kids parties.. it's totally strange to me. </p> <p>I'm the last mom at pick-up at DS's school, so I never see any parents. I have yet to really get to know anyone because any party we go to everyone is all coupled off.. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397218 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:36:38 +0000 anonysquire 2397218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pinkcupcake: and siblings??? I can't imagine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397217 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:35:13 +0000 anonysquire 2397217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh I forgot this is a party for adults... Oh wait, it's a kids party. If you insist on bringing 2 adults, surely you can pay for one. Crazy how so many people are annoyed at the thought of this haha. The same people who say that parties shouldn't be to show off to your friends... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397216 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:33:12 +0000 deerylou 2397216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sounds like you've made a decision, and I'm sure it will be a blast. You mentioned your daughter would prefer if she was surrounded by all her friends, on her special day. Something to consider is whether you think most of the parents will be on board with the limitations. I think a family who gets limited time together would be more likely to decline an invite that excluded one of the parents. </p> <p>I think it just really depends. Personally, I wouldn't mind paying for adult zoo admission, at all. $8 is really reasonable and I hardly think it's rude to only cover the cost of the child invited. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397172 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:07:05 +0000 jmarionsmith 2397172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: I agree. If it's a capacity thing, I really don't see an issue with requesting only one parent but that's just me. And personally, I know my socially anxious husband would loooooove to get an invitation like that. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397163 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:03:03 +0000 mauxie 2397163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I'd be rather put off just bc the "norm" in our social circle is that a kid's party invite is really like inviting the whole fam. I always have to budget based on kids bringing both parents, siblings, etc (even if I don't necessarily want to :P). I'd pick another venue or eat the cost, if I were you~ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397160 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:02:08 +0000 regberadaisy 2397160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jmarionsmith: now that I remember there's a max capacity, I think we can swing that. So max capacity is my concern now. In which case I personally feel it's more important that dd has more of her friends there than letting her friends bring both parents. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397150 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:56:25 +0000 MsMini 2397150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't be annoyed AT ALL in my circle only 1 parent ever comes along to the birthday parties unless it is family or a SUPER close friend! I am surprised so many parents both go to the parties on here! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397144 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:53:16 +0000 jmarionsmith 2397144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are you worried more about the cost or the max capacity? If it's the cost, could you just say something like "kid + one adult free zoo entry, additional non zoo members $8"? I'm not sure what the etiquette is on stuff like that but at least they'd know if there was more than one adult in their party they'd have to pay.</p> <p>If it's a capacity issue as well, I'd go with the suggestion of having "A list invitees" and once you know how many out of them to expect, send out the "B list." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397126 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:39:50 +0000 pinkcupcake 2397126@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't be annoyed. I was really surprised when I was planning our 3rd bday party and everyone who RSVPed was +3 (parents plus sibling). It made our guest list more than double and I had to find a last minute venue :T </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397117 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:34:24 +0000 HLK208 2397117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't care. I'm usually alone or I have DH watch the other two at home while I take one to a party anyway. </p> <p>DS went to a birthday the other day where we had to pay to get in which kind of annoyed me because we already spent $30 on a gift. But I think that's different. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397116 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:33:48 +0000 Madison43 2397116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would not be annoyed if I was aware of the 50 person cap but I'm not sure there's an eloquent way to word that on an invitation? Maybe something like, "due to strict space constraints at the Zoo's party room, we ask that only one parent accompany your child." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397110 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:28:53 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2397110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: 4 more months and then I join the mommy ranks :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397099 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:18:33 +0000 avivoca 2397099@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, I would be annoyed unless it was one of my friends who explained it. So if it were me, I'd just shorten the guest list or have the party at a different venue. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397096 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:16:50 +0000 Trailmix 2397096@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd only be annoyed if I didn't like the person hosting already. If it was someone I was friendly with and they explained the reason behind it, I'd be totally cool. I say do what you want for your LO and if it offends a parent or two, oh well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397086 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:10:27 +0000 edelweiss 2397086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>meh, i wouldn't be terribly annoyed because i'd understand it was for cost reasons, but it would probably go over nicer just to have a smaller guest list and not restrict the parents. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397079 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:07:04 +0000 regberadaisy 2397079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: I might do that just because of max capacity issues right now. :) Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-be-annoyed-if-only-one-of-you-could-come-to-a-party/page/2#post-2397078 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:06:35 +0000 BandDmommy 2397078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it would be based on circumstances. The National Zoo is about 40 minutes from our house and it would be odd if I couldn't bring DH. However, if it was some place local and during the week when DH couldn't go anyway, I wouldn't care. </p>