The birthday of your child may be the most important event of the year. You should organize this event very carefully. First, be sure to talk with your child to find out what theme he wants for his next birthday party. Kids change their minds frequently.
Next you need to choose the perfect place for the event, order the birthday party supplies, the birthday cake and the food. Also, don’t forget about the invitation.
The Party Details: for the invitation:
Here are some things you want to include:
Date – Always include the day along with the date. Ex. Saturday March 15, 2008;
Time – Give the start and end times for your party. Ex. 1:00 – 3:00 PM;
Place – Your house address or location of the party place. Hint – It is always good to draw a map on the back of the invitation or include one on a separate piece of paper.
For – Include the child’s name and how old they are going to be. Example: Sally’s 8th birthday celebration!
RSVP – Include parents names, phone number and an email address on the invitation RSVP line. Some parents are shy about calling other parents or too busy to pick up the phone, but they will take the time to email.
RSVP
It is a very important piece of party planning information – as any party planner knows. But today many people either overlook the RSVP or do not know what it means, so they don’t respond. A good way around the RSVP is to let guests know how you want them to respond.
You can add a comment like this to your invitation:
“Please let us know if you are coming so we can prepare enough food.”
“Please call and let us know if you are attending so we can tell (name of place) how many to expect.”
“Please respond by _(date)_____ so we can expect you.”
There will most likely be a few that will show up without calling. Always prepare for 2-3 more guests then have called to tell you they will attend.
Include any special party information- any information that the children need to know before they arrive at the party should be included in the invitation.
Examples:
How to dress – if it is a costume or dress up party give a clear description of the theme and give examples of how to create the look you want.
Meal or No Meal – Let the parents and guests know if you will be serving lunch or dinner at the party. Including what type of food you will be having will alert parents of possible food allergies.
What to bring – swimsuit, sleeping bag, pillow, old clothes if you are going to do a painting craft.
Asking parents to stay for the party-
When you want to encourage parents to stay for the party, there are several different ways to convey this on your invitation. One of the best ways is to provide a separate table of refreshments just for adults.
Some suggestions for the invitation:
Address the invitation to both the parent and the child.
“We would be honored if you both attended ______________ birthday party.”
“We can’t wait to see you both!”
“Parents are welcome to attend.”
“Parents are encouraged to stay.”
“Separate adult refreshments provided.”
“Adult refreshments provided.”
Asking parents NOT to stay for the party-
If having extra parents around is not in the plan, then add “Please, pick up your child at 4:00 PM” to the invitation.
Asking guests to pay –
If your party will be held at a restaurant or other venue and guests will be required to pay for their food or admission then add the price on the invitation.
Examples:
“Admission price to the zoo is $6.50 for adults and $3.00 for kids if you and the birthday guests’ siblings would like to join us”.
“We’ve got great seats for the Ranger Game. Hotdogs, Soda and Nachos are $1.50 each at the concession stand.”
“Each birthday guest will receive 25 tokens! Additional tokens are $5.00 / 25 tokens.”
Requesting no presents on the invitation–
“The gift of your presence is enough. Please, no gifts.”
Asking for Donations–
If you are asking for donations to a charity instead of a present, include an information sheet about the charity to the invitation and give details on how they can contribute if they want.
“Instead of a gift ______________ (birthday child) has asked that a donation be made to the American Cancer Society.”
“Please bring canned food items for the local food pantry instead of a gift.”
“__________ (birthday child’s name) wants to help the local Animal Shelter for her birthday. Please help her by bringing any of the following items to the party instead of a birthday gift. Gently used blankets, towels, canned or bagged dog and cat food, leashes, collars or pet toys.”
Asking for certain gifts, gift cards, money or telling guests where you are registered is considered socially incorrect on the birthday invitation. If guests call you requesting suggestions, then it is okay to tell them what you prefer.
If you register at a Toy Store–
“For some ideas on what _________ (birthday child’s name) would love for his birthday we have made it easy by registering at Toys X….”
Sources:
http://kiddley.com/2013/05/14/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-birthday-party/
http://baby.unica.ro/costume-pentru-copii-idei-haioase-pentru-halloween-2207954.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_invitation
http://www.birthdaypartyideas4kids.com/what-to-write-on-the-birthday-invitation.htm
http://partyopedia.co/