OT: I need advice/help

Call the parents of the invited children right away to get their RSVPs.
I had a similar party where no one showed up, it was heartbreaking and expensive.
People can be rude & slack about RSVPing.

If there will be no attendees you can cancel & only pay the deposit, maybe not even that.

Make a party Plan B. Movie with best friend? Matinee on Sat. would be cheaper. Mad Max is out this weekend. Just thoughts.

Excellent idea on calling the parents.

My disability is constantly showing me that i have to be flexible. Otherwise I am often disappointed. & I would rather be happy. Am a slow learner but am learning.

Re: your plans.. Agree. ASAP call the parents to find out who is coming.

No matter the outcome, smile & be gracious, both in your conversation & as you share the info w/your children. Emotionally charged moments, don't always bring out the best in us, especially when it comes to someone messing w/our children. This may turn out to be an opportunity to teach- the lesson being how to make the best of any occassion.. (Daniel Tiger just taught 'us' that ;-) )

Remember- Children are known for repeating what others, for example, mom says.

And no matter who is, or isn't, attending, when you talk to your birthday boy/ girl it is most important that you be positive. After all, the whole point is for your child to have a happy day. Consider saying Something like 'Susan is coming to celebrate your birthday.. Where would you like to go with her? ... The zoo has a new baby giraffe - want me to check to see if they are letting her come outside yet? Or we can go to Toys r us & you can pick out one new Barbie as your gift from me'

As someone already pointed out, depending on the outcome of your phone calls, you may decide to not keep the venue. Could be upsetting, But if you ASK each child what they would Like to do instead they will be excited.

Have a few suggestions to offer them.. movie idea is a good one, check online for any local events, consider a kid-oriented museum, or shopping trip to favorite store with conversation before setting $$ limit.

Gently Guide everyone's expectations & decide ahead of time that it will be a wonderful weekend. Have fun.!

One child showed up to each party. I'm really proud of my kids. They were wonderful. They had fun and both said it was great. No disappointment. Both guests were very well behaved and requested to come again, which we will definitely be doing. There were games, dance offs, baking, races, make overs, and lots of other activities.