Ok, so I'm finishing up making the invitations for my daughter's birthday party. Just one more thing. I need to put on the invitations that we will be doing art projects and getting messy but I can't figure out how to word it. I'd like something cute- more then just 'hey wear clothes you can get dirty'. Ya know? Also, we'll be playing at the park and on the equipment so I'd like to add something about that wearing appropriate shoes. Should I? I don't want to sound like a control freak but flip flops and sandals are slippery and I would hate for something to happen.
I guess I might be a little helicoptery but a couple of years ago, at my daughter's 1st friend party, the girls were all running around and playing and one of the girls ran into a wall and split her forehead open. She had to get stitches and still has a small scar. It was awful. And now I'm gun shy.
So help me ladies? How should I say don't wear nice clothes and wear your gym shoes in a nice, cute way so the parents don't think I'm a complete control nut?
We'll be making art and playing at the park
So wear clothes for the grime and shoes that can climb.
It's not perfect but if you think about it a little you can probably improve the rhyme.
Just say something like "Be prepared for art projects and outdoor play"...the rest is up to the parents.
I like the idea of buying t-shirts from the thrift store to use as smocks.
I wouldn't tell parents what their children should wear. I'd tell them what the activities are and let the parent decide.
I do like Dana's suggest, tho, because it rhymes and is fun. It doesn't sound like you're trying to tell them what to wear. I would consider using that.
I would make smocks for the kids out of old T-shirts or button downs - also the doc exam paper "dress" works well for that.
As far as shoe requests, you could add "Park Play - Park Apparral"
One thing to remember is you can not control other homes/families only make suggestions.
Say exactly what you are thinking b/c I would rather know that "junk clothes" and "sneakers" are the expected attire and have my little one dressed appropriately than have him show up in "party clothes" and have them come home ruined!
You don't need to find "cute language", but you could say something about "Dress for a mess!"
Maybe:
"We'll be messin' around with some art so please make sure you come dressed to create!"
I would never mention anything about shoes on an invitation. Parents take kids to the park all the time so I'm sure they know what works for their kid. If a parent decides to let their kid wear flip flops then they'll have to pay the price when the kid injures themselves.
I would have suggested ignoring the shoe issue--parents are familiar with what is appropriate for a park setting. And if they don't care about it, you suggesting something isn't going to change that. Mentioning the art/mess I would do.
Having read Dana's response, I'd go with that. I like it because it is rhyme-y and it helps keep the "old clothes" explanation short and simple.
Love what Dana said! Have a lovely time and happy birthday to your daughter!!
Dana K. is SPOT ON!
My son's party is going to be a sports party later this month. On his invitations, I put:
*Come dressed to play active sports and games*
You should definitely let them know that they need to dress appropriately, or you're going to have some very upset moms when the girls ruin their dresses. Why don't you write:
*Come dressed to make art projects and play at the playground*
Just put a line that says tennis shoes and play clothes we are going to be running and doing art stuff
I wouldn't mention the shoe choice. Could u provide smocks?
" we will be doing art projects and getting messy"
