When creating a birthday party invitation, the wording you use can set the tone for the entire event. The invitation should provide the key details – like the date, time, location, and any special instructions – while also getting guests excited about the celebration. Here are some tips for what to include on a birthday invitation:
Say Whose Birthday It Is
First and foremost, make sure the invitation clearly states whose birthday it is. For example, “You’re invited to Jennifer’s 30th Birthday” or “Come celebrate Matt’s 40th birthday”. This gives guests the crucial context right up front.
Share the Date, Time & Location
Include details about when and where the party will take place. Be sure to specify if it’s in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Providing an exact start and end time is helpful too. Give the full street address if it’s at a venue, or simply “The Johnson’s backyard” for a home party. This practical info allows guests to check their calendar and make plans to attend.
Set the Tone
The wording you choose can convey the vibe of the event. A simple “Please join us for…” sets a relaxed tone, while “You’re invited to the birthday bash of the year!” sounds more high-energy. For kids’ parties, use fun phrasing like “Calling all 4 year olds!” or “Dinosaur dance party ahead!” Tailor the tone to match the birthday person’s personality.
Include Special Instructions
If there are any additional details guests need to know, include them upfront. For example: “Adults only party” or “Bring your swimsuit for the pool”. You can also share the dress code like “Black tie optional” or “Wear your favorite team jersey”. Providing these instructions ahead of time helps guests prepare and prevents any surprises.
Ask for RSVPs
Having guests RSVP allows you to solidify headcounts for catering, seating, and planning. On the invitation, include wording like “RSVP by 9/15 to John at 123-456-7890”. You can also create an online RSVP form and provide the web address.
Say If Guests Can Bring Others
Make it clear if guests can bring along a date, kids, or others. If children are invited, you may want to specify “Family friendly party” or include their names on the invitation. If it’s adults only, state that clearly upfront to avoid confusion.
Provide Gift Registry Details
If you have a gift registry, it’s appropriate to share that info on the invitation. You can simply say “Gift registry available at Target and Amazon” and provide any other details. This allows guests who want to purchase gifts to do so in advance.
Give a Theme or Dress Code
For a themed birthday party, make sure to call out the theme on the invite. For example, “90s throwback party – your favorite 90s outfit”. Specifying a theme or dress code sets expectations so guests can participate.
Say If Food Will Be Served
Let guests know if food and drinks will be provided at the party. Simple wording like “Dinner and cocktails” or “Light refreshments” works well. This allows guests to plan accordingly, especially if it will be a long event.
Include Fun Details About Activities
Give guests a teaser about any special activities or entertainment planned. For example, “Dance party with a live DJ” or “Swimming and lawn games all day”. This builds excitement and entices them to attend.
Birthday Invitation Wording Examples
Here are some complete birthday invitation wording examples that incorporate the key details:
| Invitation Type | Wording |
|---|---|
| Kid’s birthday pool party | You’re invited to Ryan’s 7th Birthday Pool Party! Saturday, June 12th from 2-5pm at the Thompson’s House. Please join us for swimming, pizza, and birthday cake. RSVP to Jessica at 123-456-7890 by June 5th. |
| Adult birthday dinner | Please join us for Maria’s 40th Birthday Celebration! Saturday, September 30th at 6:30pm at Gaia Bistro. Cocktail Attire. RSVP to James at 123-456-7890 by September 15th. |
| Surprise birthday party | Surprise! Please join us to celebrate Jacob’s 50th birthday! Saturday, April 28th at 2pm at 234 Oak Rd. Bring your favorite story about Jacob to share! RSVP to Nancy at 123-456-7890. |
| Themed birthday party | You’re invited to Ashley’s Luau Birthday Party! Saturday, July 19th at 4pm at Ka’Hiki Beach. Bring your swimsuit, Hawaiian shirt, and appetite! RSVP to Chris at 123-456-7890. |
Inviting People Who Can’t Attend
Even if some invitees might not be able to make it, it’s still thoughtful to include them. For far away friends and family, you can say something like “We wish you could be here to celebrate!”. You can also include details about any live streaming or virtual party plans.
When to Send Out Invitations
Here are some tips on timing for getting invitations out:
- Adult parties: 4-6 weeks before the party
- Kid’s parties: 3-4 weeks before the party
- Surprise parties: 2-3 weeks before the party
- Destination parties: 2-3 months before the party
This gives guests adequate time to respond and mark their calendars.
Including Small Details
A few small personal touches can take your invitation to the next level. Ideas include:
- Adding a photo of the birthday person
- Including their birth year if it’s a milestone
- Using a favorite color or pattern
- Matching the theme – like putting beach illustrations on a luau invite
These details make the invitation feel special and tailored to the guest of honor.
Invitation Do’s and Don’ts
Follow these do’s and don’ts when creating birthday invitations:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Do use the spelling of names your guests will recognize | Don’t use nicknames that some guests may not know |
| Do emphasize important details like start times | Don’t make guests hunt for key info |
| Do clearly specify any dress code or themes | Don’t assume guests will infer themes or dress codes |
| Do proofread carefully before sending | Don’t let spelling and grammar errors go out |
Online Invitation Options
Today, many birthday party invitations are digital. Here are some popular online options:
- Paperless Post – trendy customizable online invitations with RSVP tracking
- Evite – create free digital invitations with guest management tools
- Punchbowl – design colorful online invitations and track responses
- Greetings Island – animates printed invites into digital interactive videos
Going digital allows you to quickly customize invitations and get real time RSVPs at no cost. However, physical printed invitations can also be a nice keepsake.
Birthday Invitation Etiquette
Here are some key etiquette tips when creating birthday invitations:
- List hosts’ names, never “Mr. and Mrs.”
- Don’t put registry info on the invitation, provide separately
- Use first and last names for formal events, first names only for casual parties
- Don’t include “no gifts please” – guests should offer gifts if they wish
- Proofread for accuracy – nothing is worse than the wrong time/location!
Making Sure Invitations Arrive on Time
To ensure guests receive physical invitations in time, mail them at least 1 week before your target send date. This accounts for any postal delays. For online digital invites, space the emails out over a few days so they don’t get lost in inboxes. Follow up with key guests who have not RSVP’d a couple weeks before your headcount deadline.
Conclusion
The invitation sets the tone for any birthday celebration. Include all the key details but also add personal touches that make it fun and engaging. Send invitations out with enough lead time for guests to respond. With the perfect birthday party invitation wording, you can get guests excited to celebrate the big day!