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Sheer Utter Rudeness

Maybe I'm insane, but what ever happened to RSVPing on time to party invitations?

The Rabbit's 3rd birthday party is on the 10th -- I emailed invites last Tuesday, and mailed handwritten invites which were delivered Monday.

There are literally 9 families who have yet to EVEN RESPOND.

Where were these people raised? Not that I believe everything in Emily Post -- but how about sheer courtesy? One parent went through his child's entire schedule for the day implying that if they could squeeze us in, they would let us know. Uh huh. How about, "Thank you so much for the invitation, and we are so sad we will not be able to attend." Or: "Can't make it but Happy Birthday!"

Any suggestions on how to handle this would be SO appreciated. The Prince sarcastically suggested I xerox the page from Emily Post on the number of days one should respond to an invite ("several" "one or two days later is appropriate") and mail it to them. (He thinks I am off my rocker.) At this point, I'm about to fire off an email to these (s)mothers and UN-invite them....(and yes, I know I am sounding like an etiquette hound....)

Maybe this is another moment for a glass of red.....or a date with the bath salts...

Comments

Sugarmama said…
Sadly, this seems to happen more often that not with parties that we give, too, whether for kids or no. When a head count is essential--like when there are party favor bags to fill and games to organize, for example--I'll call people for their damn RSVP. And then will reply with a slightly cold and unconvincing, "That's o.k.," when they tell me how long they've MEANT to call me about the party, they're so sorry, blah blah blah. You are definitely NOT an etiquette hound. It's everyone else who's got the problem. But how to fix it is beyond me!
5:11 pm
Manhattan Mama said…
I know! I think I may start sending out invites that say "limited seats!" Just kidding...but not entirely ...
10:31 pm
Kelly said…
I have thought this very thing.
The very least people could do would be to call when they know you aren't home and just leave a message. I mean... you're either gonna show or not. Just make your decision and let it be known.
I share in your frustration.
12:01 pm
Anonymous said…
...or they could simply hit the "reply" button on the email MM had sent them, then inform her either yea or nay for their attendance. nothing could be easier, i say! she's given them two ways to respond, phone AND email, so these people are just rude or forgetful or radically self-absorbed or all of the above.

although...i've no suggestions for your next move. a follow-up email? if yes to that, then what tone should you strike while harrassing the slackers? hmmm.
5:17 pm
Kate B. said…
MM - there is no excuse for bad manners. I think you can assume that you are a true lady while the snooty mamas you share breathing space with at the park, school etc are frauds who don't know any better, despite their high-fallutin' airs. I suggest a job lot of Miss Manners to be given as Christmas presents. And failing that, set the Rabbit and her rubber snake onto their ankles. Whoever said a lady isn't above acts of revenge?
3:25 am
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