Should I invite my daughter's preschool class to her birthday party?

I think the apple orchard is a wonderful idea; just make sure you have a few extra sets of eyes!

As far as asking the parents to pay for their child, I think many parents will see that as tacky. Of all the birthday parties I have known people to have (pizza hut, baseball games, water parks, bowling, movies, arcades, pumpkin patches, etc.), I have never seen a parent ask other people to pay for any part of the party. The only exception would be if the parent also wanted to attend, they usually paid for themselves (some parents don't feel comfortable letting their child go alone when the party is not in a home or restaurant). I do not think you should ask parents to pay for their children. Even if you put no gifts, what parent wouldn't send a gift for a 4 year old's birthday? The few that didn't bring a gift would then feel left out that they do not have something special to give your daughter.

I like the cupcake at school idea, especially for such a young child. Many parents worry about the parties at public places for such young children. We had a student have a pizza party at school once because the parent didn't want just dessert and they did not want to have a party outside of school (all of the other children brought a treat to school and had a party), so she did a pizza party at school and sent a treat. This way, it was more than just a snack and her child thought he was having a special party just like the other kids.

I understand money is tight, but I have never heard of people paying to attend a birthday party and would find it quite tacky. The parents will still send their children, but many will find it tack and cheap (despite not knowing your financial situation).

I personally would only serve cake. Don't have the party during a meal time; have it between lunch and dinner. If it is a children's party, you are not responsible for feeding the parents (other than those invited from your family-and cake is enough!) and kids don't care about appetizers or things to snack on. I have been to many parties that only served cake and juice, so you should be good with cake, a drink, donuts and cider. I am sure you will find that some of the kids and your family/friends will not be able to make it. My class of 13 last year tended to have only 5-6 kids at each birthday (and everyone was invited).

I personally wouldn't mind paying for my child to go to a class mates party #1 because its only a class mate and not family and #2 because its only 4$ and who knows maybe a lot of parents won't even go.

I too am doing the cupcake goodie bag for my sons bday this month but I am not having him a party we are just going to disneyland. But I have to say your party location sounds like so much fun. What state do you live in?

$4 per child, or $4 for each person? in any way, parents are a hit or miss with b-day parties. you might just want to bring cupcakes to her class (ask teacher first). and then personally invite a couple of her close friends and pay for the child's admission.

Wait a sec.

There's only 8 kids in her preschool class. 8 x 4 = 32. You're quibbling over $32?

If money is this tight have the party at home. Seriously.

EDIT:

See here's the thing. I think it's plain rude to ask parents to pay for their kid to attend YOUR kid's birthday party. Ask the parents to pay for themselves if they're going to come, sure. But for the kids? No.

As a kid growing up I only ever had one "external" party. The rest were at our house. Why? Because my parents could not afford the big expensive parties and to pay for all my friends. They would have been mortified at the very thought of asking my friends' parents to pay for my friends coming to MY party.

And do try explaining to your preschooler why there are no presents if you go ahead with your plan. That'll go down well.

And last, they're preschoolers. They don't need "real food" - how long are you planning this party for? Cake should be fine.

I don't think it should be a problem. But make sure if you want the parents to stay with their kids you put that on the invite too. Some parents just think it is okay to just drop off their kids and leave. But I don't think what you would ask would be unreasonable.

Sure, why not! Let her bring her little friends to her party!!! Not expensive so why not.