Birthdays: they always come round so quickly.
Before you know it, another year has gone by and it’s time to get that party planned. Whether the whole of your daughter’s reception class will be invading your living room, or you’re seeing out your twenties in style at a rooftop bar, you’ll need to get the word out to friends and family.
That means birthday party invitations. But what to write? Thankfully, we’ve put together a few tips, so you can spend less time writing and more time baking that ambitious Disney cake. Here’s our guide to birthday party invitation wording.
When you break it down, working out your birthday invitation text is nice and simple. Think about the information the recipient needs to know: the ‘who, what, when and where’ (plus any extra details, and the all-important RSVP).
Let’s start at the beginning – whose birthday is it? If it’s yours, make that clear by including your name. Or, if you’re throwing a party for someone else, mention their name and explain that you’re the host by asking people to RSVP to you (more on that below).
It might sound obvious, but tell your guests what you’re inviting them to: a birthday party. If it’s a low-key affair that needs no more explanation, you can leave it at that. But if there are more details about the nature of your party that guests need to know – a theme, say, or what type of party it is (drinks in the pub, a barbecue, a costume party) – include a short explanation here.
Perhaps the most important part of your birthday party invitation wording is the date, so don’t forget it! Make sure it’s clearly stated, along with the time you’d like your guests to arrive. You can include an end time too, if you have somewhere booked (or want to give yourself time for the big clean-up after everyone’s left).
Another essential part of your birthday invitation wording is the details of your venue. Make sure there’s enough information for people to find their way there – no one wants to spend the first hour of their party replying to a glut of messages about postcodes and street numbers.
Is there anything else you want your guests to know? For example, you might ask them to bring drinks or food, or tell them about the dress code. Or, you may need everyone to know that it’s a surprise party – you wouldn’t want someone spoiling the big reveal.
Finally, ask your invitees to let you know whether they can attend or not. Include your contact details and, if you want, a date by which they should respond.
Birthday parties come in different shapes and sizes, so it’s a good idea to think about what type of bash you’re throwing before you write your birthday invitation text. Will it be a grand, formal occasion, or a couple of pints at your local? Is there a special milestone being celebrated? Whatever it is, try to strike the right tone in your invitation. Here are a few examples:
Please join us to celebrate
Jonathan’s birthday
with cocktails and canapés
at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington
Saturday 14th September
Guests are requested to arrive from 6 p.m.
Dress code: black tie
Please RSVP by 17th August to
Mr and Mrs McKenzie
Mckenzie@email.com
Fingers crossed for good weather, it’s…
HANNAH’S BIRTHDAY BBQ!
Saturday 14th September, 3 p.m.
14 Oak Terrace, Leicester, LE99 9QH
You bring the drinks, I’ll provide the food
RSVP to hannah@email.com or 0712347878
Shhh…we’re throwing a SURPRISE dinner for
Nabila’s 50th birthday
Join us at
Malmaison Hotel, Newcastle
Friday 13th September
7.30 p.m. prompt
And remember: don’t tell the birthday girl!
RSVP to Richard by 30th August
richard@email.com
We know that planning a children’s party can often be akin to a military operation, so here are some examples of birthday invitation wording for kids to help make one of your tasks that little bit easier:
Jane and Ade would like to invite you to
Alisha’s birthday party
Sunday 15th September
1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
54 Knowle Road
Bristol
BS57 1EZ
Buffet and drinks provided
Please RSVP to Jane by 20th August: 0736444551
It’s Finn’s birthday!
Join us for games, balloons and lots of cake
Saturday 23rd November
2 p.m. onwards
26 Johnstone Street, L86 2PN
RSVP to Katie
katie@email.com
ZAINAB IS TURNING 1
Join us to celebrate her first year
Cake and nibbles at
Arch Fields Play Park
G85 6WX
Sunday 16 June
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
RSVP to Malik: 071100975
Whether you’re an actual kid or just a big kid, themed parties are often the best ones. You’ll need to make sure your guests know what to expect though, so include all the important details in your birthday invitation text – and why not be a little creative, too?
A-harrr, me hearties, it’s
BEN’S 6TH BIRTHDAY!
Join us for pirate fun and games, or walk the plank!
Sunday 2 February
12–4 p.m.
Foley Church Centre
SA82 5RF
RSVP to Ella: ella@email.com
Join us at
Priti’s animal birthday party
Come dressed as your favourite animal for jungle games and cake!
Sunday 4 August
1 p.m. onwards
18 Edinburgh Way
SW22 8PJ
RSVP to Asha
0756134592
DAISY IS FIVE
We’re celebrating with a
Disney-themed birthday party
Dress up as your favourite Disney character
and join us for party games and a buffet
Sunday 6th October
One till four
82 Greenway Road
Reading
RG97 8YT
RSVP to Marius: marius@email.com
You are invited to
THEO’S BIRTHDAY SPORTS DAY
Dust off your PE kit and join me for
rounders, cricket and croquet
Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
Saturday 25th May
2 p.m.
Please bring food and drink for the picnic!
RSVP: theo@email.com
Go back in time to ’89
at
TOM AND JEN’S 30TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
Join us for an eighties-themed night of drinking and dancing
Bermondsey Social Club
Saturday 28th September
8 p.m. till 2 a.m.
Dress code: eighties chic
RSVP by September 7th
tomjen30@email.com