Birthday invitation wording
Clear details matter more than clever lines, but a good first line gets the invitation read. Examples for kids, milestones and surprises below.
Kids' birthday parties
You're invited! Maya is turning 7 Join us for games, cake and a piñata Saturday, May 15 · 2 to 4pm 48 Linden Street RSVP to Priya by May 8
Our little one is turning ONE Please join us to celebrate Leo's first birthday Sunday, March 7 at 11am Brunch and cake smash at our place
Come party with Sam! Sam is 9 and ready for laser tag Saturday, June 5 · 1 to 3pm Laser Zone, Hill Road Drop-off party: pick up at 3pm Please mention any allergies
Make a splash! Ava's 6th birthday pool party Bring a swimsuit and towel Saturday, July 17 · 11am to 1pm
Milestone birthdays
Thirty, flirty and thriving Join us for Jess's 30th Cocktails from 8pm Friday, April 9 The Blue Door, Leeds
Forty and fabulous Help us celebrate Dan's 40th birthday Food, drinks and dancing Saturday, October 2 from 7pm
Half a century of Mark! Please join us for his 50th birthday dinner Saturday, September 18 at 7:30pm The Old Mill Restaurant Kindly reply by September 1
Please join us in celebrating sixty wonderful years of Linda Morgan Sunday, May 22 at one o'clock Lunch at Harbour House
Eighty years of love and laughter Join the family to celebrate Grandma Rose Afternoon tea · Sunday, June 6 · 3pm Your company is the only gift she wants
Surprise and adult parties
Shh… it's a surprise! Join us for Mark's surprise 50th Please arrive by 7:00pm sharp He arrives at 7:30 Saturday, September 18 The Garden Bar Reply to Karen, not Mark!
Pizza, drinks and good people Come over for Tom's birthday Friday from 7ish Bring whatever you like to drink
… Your presence is present enough. No gifts, please.
Wording rules worth knowing
- Put an end time on children's party invitations so parents know when to collect.
- For drop-off parties say so clearly, and ask about allergies in the RSVP line.
- On a surprise invitation, name who guests should reply to and repeat that it's a secret.
- If you'd rather not receive presents, “No gifts, please” is fine on a birthday invitation.
Ready to lay it out? Paste your wording into a birthday template and download it free.
Questions people ask
What should a birthday invitation say?
Whose birthday it is (and the age if they're happy to share), the date, start and end time, the address, anything to bring or wear, and who to RSVP to by when.
How do I word a no-gifts birthday invitation?
Keep it short and gracious: “Your presence is the only present we need” or “No gifts, please.” Put it near the bottom, after the details.
How far in advance should birthday invitations be sent?
Two to three weeks for kids' parties and casual adult parties; four to six weeks for milestone celebrations or when guests travel.
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