Awwww how exciting I can't wait to do birthday parties with my son. I already have his 13th planned out (if he wants it that is) race track!!! lol

Here is what I thought of... First you could hint to the grandparents/inlaws that she would really like to go to Chuck E Cheese but you just can't afford it and would like to split the costs. Or you could find a way to make the extra money like doing an extra shift at work, a little over time etc

Or you could sit down with her and discuss other ideas she has like someone else has suggested maybe she likes fairies and you can get her psyched up about having a fairy party with fairy cakes that she can help make etc

If you lived in Brissy I would raise the money for you :( (I do jewellery parties and let people keep the profit when they need extra money for something).

I do not see anything wrong with having a party at a Chuck E Cheese but I personally would not bother.  That is a lot of money for a child at that age.  My son had a great birthday party at home for his 3rd.  I baked his cake and decorated with a construction theme.  You can choose a theme that your daughter likes and go with that.  My son was thrilled to see baloons and streamers decorating his home.  That is real cheap.  If there are any Dollar stores in your area check them out for the balloons.  There is one in my area that sells mylar balloons for $1 (some are more if they are special large ones). 

There will be a time that she will really want a special party at a location like that.  There are places in my area called the Jump Zone and a hair place called Kiddly Winks that does glamour parties.  Save the cash for then.  That time will be here all too soon.

 Not sure what Chuck E cheese is, but i'm guessing it like a McDonalds or similar. Could you buy the food and take it to a park and have a picnic.  Could you invite other kids and ask them to pay instead of buying a gift.  It is a lot of money for a party she is unlikely to remember. I don't think she needs the full experience.  Don't feel guilty.  Make her feel special with extra hugs and kisses.

personally i think 3 is too young for a party like that. i do agree that those parties are too expensive and I rather do it myself at home.

I THINK YOU SHOULD HAVE A CHEAPER PARTY AT HOME OR AT A PARK SOMEWHERE.  AT 3 SHE WON'T REALLY UNDERSTAND THE COST INVOLVED WITH ORGANISING A PARTY.  ALSO AS SHE GETS OLDER, THERE WILL BE A LOT MORE EXPENSE.  MAYBE YOU COULD JUST ORDER THE FOOD FROM CHUCK E CHEESE AND GET IT HOME DELIVERED.  THAT WAY SHE CAN STILL EAT WHAT SHE WANTS WITHOUT THE EXPENSE.