40th birthday do dilema

[tiggerblue10]

A friend of mine who I've know nearly all my life has invited me to her 40th birthday party in March. The trouble is she's having it in Tunbridge Well's which is over 20 miles from me and I don't really want to drive back on my own in the middle of the night and she has said that guests of friend are not invited due to numbers being tight so I have to go on my own. The party is being held in a hotel so I could get the train there and book a room but its £95 per night which I don't really want to pay. To be honest all I want to do is go and come back and not spend a night away from Lt Tiggs. Either that or not go at all.

I don't know what to do. Anyone got any advice?

[pastafreak]

I think you should just be straight with her. Tell her your reasons-
a-that you do not like driving on your own at night, b-that the hotel is out of your budget, c-that you do not want to be away from little tigs over night, and d-that if you did stay over night-you would also need to find care for him.
Now-if she is a friend,she just may make an exception for you,and let you bring someone. If she can't stretch that far-say 'sorry'..and don't go.

[tiggerblue10]

My parents or Lt Tiggs dad would babysit but the other reasons are good Pasta x

[Invictas]

I am sorry but if your friend makes it difficult for her gusets to come then she must realise that a few may not.
I think it's mean not to factor a guest of friend into the equation.
However,above all comes Lt Tiggs,and I think (if you have decided this) that not going is the best idea.

[tiggerblue10]

Indeed Invictas and even if I didn't mind driving it would be a nearly 80mile round trip just for a party. And petrol isn't cheap these days either.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks everyone, I think I know what the best course of action is. Not to go.

[lorri24601]

You could look into catching the train to the party, and phone a taxi firm near the venue as get a quote for the return journey.It won`t be cheap, but should be way less than £95 for a room.

[tiggerblue10]

I did think about that Lorri. RSVP has to be by this Saturday so I could ring up the hotel and get them to check for cab firms and give me some number this week.

Thanks again everyone x

[tiggerblue10]

Problem solved. My brother and his friend are taking me and then going for a meal and a drink for the night until the party is over. I'm paying the petrol which will be around £10 - £15 round trip.

I rang a cab firm used by the Hotel and they said it would cost £70 before midnight and £90 after midnight. Would have been a very expensive night considering I'll be getting a present for my friend as well as paying for a cab!

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions.

[lorri24601]

Glad you have got it sorted out. Hope you have a good night :-)

[boxtops]

Brilliant solution, tigger!

[chrissa1]

I wouldn't dream of inviting only my friend to a party without their partner. At the age of 40 you don't do that. If it was her 16th birthday that would be different.
The drive wouldn't bother me but I think you're doing the right thing by not going.

[chrissa1]

Oops, I should really read all the posts. Have a good night.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Lorri and Box :o)

I know Chrissa, its ridiculous not to have "and guest" on an invitation to a 40th birthday party. I will be going though but travelling there and back with my brother and friend who are spending the evening in Tunbridge (not at the party of course, lol) :o)

[tiggerblue10]

Lol Chrissa :o)

[Arksided]

Good to see you formulated a plan Tigger, I'm sure your young one will be fine and healthy again by then :-) (that won't stop you worrying) but relax and have a good evening.

It's a note to all those heading fastly towards the fortieth birthday to be more considerate.

no + one on the invite??? still perplexed.

[tiggerblue10]

Lol Ark, I'm still perplexed too :o)