Invitation Etiquette for a Kid's Birthday Party

Getting ready to plan a kid's birthday party? Invitations are a key part of planning a kid's party. Don't fall into the trap of not being clear on your invites which can lead to some problems.

Here are few tips to share for creating great kid's invitations.

#1: Be clear and specific. It really helps the parents to best prepare their kids for your party if they know the game plan. Your invitation should let parents know the following:

- The date and time of the party; specify start time and end time (for example: "Come on down for a rocking rodeo at Riley's house. We will be horsing around from 12 to 3pm.")

- The place where it will be held (and any specific notes, such as, Pizza Castle in the rear party room); that way if there are other parties going on, they are not going from room to room. If it is at a large fitness center, specify what floor the parties are located ("Jump up and down for a sporty party at Elle's Gym (party rooms on 2nd floor).")

- Will there be food? Maybe even a clue as what the food is (pizza party, chicken nuggets, or sandwiches will be provided). Some kids are very picky and if the parent doesn't know what will be served they can't best prepare for what their kid will eat. Also, will they be eating right away? I once went to a party that started at 12 and the kids didn't eat til 1:30. My son was starving. If I would have known, I would have given him food first. If you plan on serving the food some time after the party starts, just make a note (lunch served after tour, or after puppet show or whatever activity is first).

- Will there be entertainment? This is important especially for the younger ones, if you are having a clown, it is good for parents to know in case their child is deathly afraid of clowns. It also lets parents know the scheme of things. I like to prep my child by saying, you are going to be playing on bouncy things, be sure to wait your turn and be careful on the equipment. It also helps you because then the child has been prepped a little by their own parent and you will have to do less babysitting.

#2: Specify whether siblings are allowed or not. Don't assume because you invited one that the parent might not come along with another.

#3: Is there a theme? If you chose a generic invite, it might be good to note something that the child is into or if there is a theme. When you are planning parties for kids 2, 3, 4, 5 the theme can get them all excited and also help the parents know what the child is into for getting a gift. For example, if your little girl is having a Princess theme, use invites that display this or write, "Princess Madison would like to invite you to her castle...." This really gets the kids all excited!

#4: If you are having an activity party where the child is expected to wear or bring something such as a costume party or a painting or cooking party (note: please wear costume, please bring smock or apron)

#5: Some other important do's and don'ts.
DO specify who you are inviting (whole family or just "Brian"); DO include the age of the birthday child (Adam wants you to help celebrate his 4th birthday); DO provide an easy way to RSVP (phone & email); DO provide a date of when they must RSVP by.

DON'T include your kids clothing sizes or other gift requests (people will ask you if they want to know this).

Tags: kid's birthday party, invitations, etiquette