For our son's birthday party, we are only able to afford cake and drinks.... should I write on the invite that food will not be proceeded, or if I have it during 'off hours' like 1-3 is that hint enough that it is not a lunch party? I *may* be able to do a snack tray, like veggie, grapes, cheese and crackers, so if I do, I won't worry about the time as much.
Also, we don't really expect presents, is it weird to write, 'gifts not necessary" or something along those lines?
Also, how long do you usually send invites out, is one week enough time or is two weeks better?
Sorry this is our first, 'friends invited' party as opposed to just family.
For those types of things I always write "Please join us for cake and coffee to celebrate....." this gives out the message that it is for cake not a meal. I would not write anything at all about gifts on the invite. give at least 2 weeks notice. a lot of people work and schedules are up etc...
I think I would say " come for cake and drinks to help celebrate x's 3rd birthday". You could also save money by making the cake or cupcakes yourself and then put out chips and cheese doodles etc.
I would send out the invitations at least 2 wks in advance.
If you want to make sure folks don't come hungry have it between 2:30 to 4:30. That way chips n dips, veggie tray, cheese platter/nuts, etc will be totally appropriate and I would give at least two weeks notice. I wouldn't say anything about the gifts-people feel comfortabe bringing something so let it happen. Have a great birthday!
the best time to have a non-lunch party is around 2pm if you have it earlier people always assume there will be lunch I dont know why. Usually a week is good advance time make sure you put the RSVP, and you can write gifts optional on the invitation if you feel like it. Or something like your -presence is our present- we got one like that
If you aren't serving a meal, I would go w/ 2-4 PM (too late of lunch and too early for dinner). Then leave it at that.
You can write, "Your presence is all the presents needed" or "Your presence is gift enough".
I typically send out invitations 2-3 weeks before and ask for RSVPs a week before (some will always be late or not at all). For my daughters, I tend to do even earlier because her birthday party is right after Thanksgiving and we tend to have it before her birthday when her brother is home from college so I like to let everyone know ahead of time.
Well, there is a difference between not expecting gifts & not wanting them.
My kids have too much stuff all ready. We put "NO GIFTS PLEASE" on our invitations because we really don't want the guest kids to bring any. Sometimes they still do - but it's more along the lines of balloons than toys. And we get LOTS of home-made cards, which is sweet.
We do NOT open any gifts OR cards during the party, regardless. We wait until all of the kids have gone home and we open them after the last guest has left. It makes a nice party-ending for our kiddos - no big let down. And if family members want to stay for gift opening, that's fine. We do make sure there will be gifts to open - but they are from us & extended family - not the invited playmates.
Now, if you don't CARE if you get gifts, your wording is fine. If you don't want them, be explicit.
And I have found that people don't expect a meal at a party unless it's at meal time and they're told there will be pizza or a cook-out. Snacks (like chips) are fine.
And I agree w/ everyone who said 2 weeks.
I would have it at off hours like 1:30 - 3:30 if you are not serving food.
Don't mention anything about gifts. People expect to bring them to a party. Even if you tell them not to SOME will, thus making those that follow your directions feel uncomfortable.
Send invites out with 2 weeks notice.
Hi, I have been to parties where just cake was served and they usually write that on the invities "cake & drinks will be served".
I normally give two weeks on the invites. I've had them that say gifts not required although I can never resist for a child, even if its a book or a small gift:-)
Hope this helps.
Jo
I would say have the party from 2-4, then there is no question that lunch won't be served. Also, using the words, "please join us for cake and drinks to celebrate" would make it clear, in a very nice way, that there won't be other food. If possible, I would put out some crackers and cheese or something else in case the kids are hungry -- just to avoid meltdowns.
I've used both of the following on invitations in the past, "your presence is gift enough" or "please no gifts". Keep in mind, people may still bring a gift.
As far as advanced notice, I like to give 3-4 weeks. Everyone has a jam-packed schedule nowadays, so I like to give as much notice as possible. Have them RSVP at least one week in advance.
Have it in off hours.
I would not say anything about gifts.
I generally believe it is better to send invites 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
I understand what you say but I just want to give you a different idea, in case you think you can afford this.
No necessary to spend a lot of money and still have some food at least for the kids.
This prices are from Sam's Club, if you do not have a card maybe you have a friend or relative that does.
Tostinos pizza rolls 140 count 8.98
Grapes (3 pounds) 5.98
capri sun or kool aid jammers 40 pouches 6.58
Cheetos or lays chips 50 count 10.98
TOTAL 32.52 + TAX
Instead of tostinos pizza rolls.... Classic corn dogs 30 count 9.98
TOTAL 33.52 + TAX
That is a complete menu for a kid's party that is not that expensive and if you can afford it, you can buy both and have the parents snack on the pizza rolls too. Either of the options you only put them on the oven or the microwave, not much work.
Just an idea.
Have a great party!
Just put on the invites something like "cake and drinks will be served". I would also say 2 weeks notice is better. About the gifts I don't really have anything on that one:-) Have fun.
