I invited a small group to my party, but have been disappointed in the lack of response. I sent out fun pre-invites in August, and formal, detail-filled invites about 3 weeks ago (couldn't wait). I asked everyone to RSVP by next Monday (the party is on the 24th). As of today, I got one comment on the pre-invite (but she didn't RSVP) and one RSVP. So, I sent out an email reminder:

"Spiders crawl up the wall,
Cobwebs everywhere.
Dust and dirt are piled high
On every crypt and chair.
Bats go winging overhead,
Round and round the room,
Come, my dear, oh do come in
And join us in our tomb"
(Margaret Keyes and Jeanne Youngson, modified)

Yeah, that sounds like our house. Hope you got the invitations! Hope
you've added the bad movie night (Sunday, October 24th) to your
calendar!

So we can make sure there is enough food, please don't forget to RSVP
by the 18th.

If you can't make it, have a happy Halloween anyway!

Melissa & John

_________________________
Melissa
My Halloween Links Page
My album (updated 9/19/04)

". . . he would have passed a pleasant life of it, in despite of the Devil and all his works, if his path had not been crossed by a being that causes more perplexity to mortal man than ghosts, goblins, and the whole race of witches put together, and that was--a woman." Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

For some reason, in my area people only rsvp when they are not going to make it. Its frustrating, so I always make sure to RSVP either way!Now I put "RSVP regrets only" and am able to plan accordingly. If it makes you feel any better I would come to your party


P.S. I hope you don't mind, I saw the pic of your scarecrow on your site and made one for myself.


http://photos.yahoo.com/lhallow

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun the frumious Bandersnatch!"

I've had parties for years and no one ever RSVP's. So I changed my way of doing things. I invite more people than I would normally so I can get the right turn out. (People always have last minute things come up and can't come). I don't RSVP and I have them bring a dish if they are coming and I have snacks and cookies. That way I get enough food for the crowd.

I always have some frozen stuff in case I get a larger crowd than expected. Then I just pop stuff in the oven and everythings covered.

Also remember, when having a party, they don't eat all you put out anyway.

Don't be discouraged, people will come even though they don't RSVP.


Don't let people drive you insane when you know it's within walking distance.

Same here,No one ever R.S.V.P.'s it does get frustrating but I do the same.Invite alot of people because you know some won't be able to come.I also have people bring a spooky dish .(pot luck) I provide some food and others bring some.We want a variety!!
I hope that people let you know,I wish you luck

Happy Haunting!!!

I guess in my area people do thank goodness. I have had both yes and no's to the party I am having. This is my first Halloween party so I wasn't sure what kind of a turn out it will be but apparrently I made a good impression with other parties because I have gotten oh if your other parties are good.. I bet your Halloween Party will be fun. Wow.. It is nice to be appreciated. Funny you get it when you never expect it. lol. But I have more problems with my family and their RSVP's than my friends. Who knows what people think. I always say if I can go or not but that's just me. Well I hope lots of people go to your party. I wish I was close so I could go .. Are you anywhere near the Dallas area?

Sorry, CC! I'm in Michigan! No one in our circle does paper invites - they're all email, but they all want RSVPs, so there isn't a HUGE departure. I thought that by going the extra mile and putting effort into it, I'd get their attention. Was I surpised when most of them didn't even comment on the pre-invites, just because they were innovative and not ever done in our circle (tiny paper coffins with skeletons, vampires, etc. and a note inside). I'm still doing pre-invites next year though, because I love the idea!

I'm actually down to 2 others right now who haven't responded (told you it was a small party!). One surprises me, b/c hers was the last party I went to and she went nuts trying to get people to RSVP! I'm not counting the one who stopped speaking to me when she got the pre-invite and found out she couldn't bring her daughter (whole other topic... and truth is, it might have nothing to do with it) or, the couple who I know won't RSVP either way, if they show up, then I know they're coming. They're John's friends, and he warned me.

After hearing from a few people yesterday, I'm much calmer. 3 more confirms and one that has to wait until Monday to know for sure. But enough are coming that I can plan the meal. It's kind of potluck (bring "something" to share), but I asked people to let me know so I'd know what else to get. Only one has said what she's bringing, so I'll do dessert too, just in case. Everything else will handle itself. Even if all we get is chips, I'll have enough food. (A long time ago, my singles group at church had a party where everyone brought chips, so the next time, they said, "everyond don't bring chips"... everyone brought dip). As time goes, I can get way less anal about this (it's my first party in forever, and I had to put in too many details to cover a couple "special" guests). Next year, they can be a lot more simple. And, lesson learned -- I vow to be better about RSVPing myself!

_________________________
Melissa
My Halloween Links Page
My album (updated 9/19/04)

". . . he would have passed a pleasant life of it, in despite of the Devil and all his works, if his path had not been crossed by a being that causes more perplexity to mortal man than ghosts, goblins, and the whole race of witches put together, and that was--a woman." Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

CCSCastle,
I'm in the Dallas area. Allen actually. Is that close to you?

Don't let people drive you insane when you know it's within walking distance.

Well it sounds like it is going smoothly Melissa! I wish I was closer I bet it would be fun!

Elza, OMG! I am in Plano. I live off Jupter in Timber Brook Estates area. We are so close. Maybe we could get together. Email me if your interested. How exciting!! -CC

I can totally understand where you're coming from. Last year, we did e-vites and asked to rsvp with hardly a word. luckily, we had a fairly good turnout.

This year the party is in a very public location and we're sure to have gate crashers, which actually worked to our advantage because we our e-vite said "if you don't rsvp, you don't get in free" with a link to my e-mail address. Surprising how many responses i've already had and they just went out this morning...lol

What a smart idea -CC