Q&A for How to Write a Birthday Invitation

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Question

Should you mention a dress code on birthday invitations?

Natasha Miller
Event Planner & CEO, Entire Productions
Natasha Miller is an Event Planner, Chief Experience Designer, and President of Entire Productions, an event and entertainment production company based in San Francisco, California. Notable clients Natasha has collaborated with include Apple, Google, Gap, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Salesforce. Natasha and Entire Productions has been awarded Inc. 5,000's "Fastest Growing Companies in America", Entrepreneur Magazine's 360 List of "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America." Entire Productions is also a Certified Women Business Enterprise. Natasha is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

Natasha Miller

Event Planner & CEO, Entire Productions

Expert Answer

Yes, listing a dress code is a good idea. Be sure to mention if your party is indoors or outdoors, and if guests need to wear anything specific to the event. This can give your guests some peace of mind.

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Question

Should I write anything on the envelope?

Community Answer

Besides the address and return address, you don't need to write much else, if at all. A simple indication that it's a birthday invitation would be good idea, however. Something simple, like "You're invited!" would be plenty.

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Question

How can you write an invitation to a child's party where you want the parents to stay?

Community Answer

You can write out whom you're inviting on the invitation, or if you don't know the parents' names, write, e.g., 'Mark and parents are invited...'. Or you can work it into the language of the invitation more generally by including a phrase like 'a party for children and parents' You can also personally deliver it and invite the parents in person.

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Question

I'm throwing a Harry Potter party and the invitations are going to be as Hogwarts Acceptance letters. How do I write them?

Community Answer

Have a look at the actual Hogwarts acceptance letter and switch up some of the words. Instead of saying that the person has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, for example, you could say that the person has a place at [insert name]'s birthday party.

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Question

What is the appropriate wording to ask the invitees to send pictures of the (100 year old) honoree?

Community Answer

Say something like, "As we celebrate [Name]'s 100th Birthday, we'd love to share photos of his/her extraordinary life. If you have any photos to contribute, please send them to [your address]."

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Question

How do I say that it's a slumber party and people should bring overnight bags?

Community Answer

Just say, "The party will be a slumber party, please bring pajamas and a sleeping bag."

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Question

How can I mention that my guests need the invitation to enter the party?

Community Answer

You could just write something like "Invitation required for entry" or "Please bring this invitation with you to the party" on the bottom of the invitation.

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Question

How do I tell my daughter's diva friends (she's turning 7) to leave the drama at home?

Community Answer

Try to talk to her friend's parents and see if you can get them to have a conversation with their child.

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Question

How do I write in a birthday card?

Community Answer

Just write "Happy Birthday!" or "Congratulations on turning __!" You could remind them of a special memory and/or compliment them. If you don't know the person very well, "Happy Birthday" is all you really need to say.

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Question

How do I write a 21st birthday invitation?

Pinrui Huang

Community Answer

You could just write this (name) is turning 21! Come join us for a fun party with electronics and lots and lots of cake!

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Question

How can I tell people that it's not necessary to bring a gift?

Community Answer

You can write something on the invitation like, "No presents necessary. Your presence is enough!" Keep in mind that some people will probably still bring you gifts though.

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Question

Is it proper on an invitation for a birthday party to say BYOB?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

Yes. There's no reason why you couldn't do this.

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Question

How do I politely word that you have to be 21 to attend my husbands birthday party booked in a brewery?

Community Answer

Just say attendees must be of legal drinking age to attend.

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Question

How do I write a birthday invitation that says everyone needs to pay for the meals and alcohol?

Community Answer

Write something like: "I am pleased to have you at my birthday event. Please, in lieu of gifts, pay for your meal and any drinks as I would rather spend a great time with you than have gifts. Thank you!". If you've been experiencing financial hardship recently, the people you've invited will be aware of this but it can't hurt to have one or two friends explain to other friends ahead of the event.

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Question

Can I state what gifts to bring to a birthday party?

Community Answer

No; that sounds entitled and demanding. Gifts are selected by the giver, not the recipient. You can, if you wish, make a birthday gift wish list so people have an idea of what you would like, but even this could make you appear spoiled.

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Question

How do I say the invitation is a drop by event?

🩰Delilah🌸

Community Answer

Just say: 'This is a drop by event, so feel free to come by and leave when and as you please.' Put on the invitation that they can ask you anything if they have any questions.

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Question

Do you write your phone number or email beside the RSVP?

Community Answer

You can write either/or. Just make sure it is the one that you check more often and will be notified of quickly when someone has replied.

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Question

What do you say when you’re announcing a birthday party but each person is responsible for paying for their own meal?

Community Answer

Write something like this: “Meals will not be included, but feel free to bring money to pay for something yourself”. Write something nice, but straight to the point.

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Question

What should I write on a feast invitation card?

Sophia

Community Answer

Something that answers the five W's - who, what, when, where and why. Make sure they know it's a feast, and when it is. Include how they should answer, which is an RSVP.

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