Birthday parties are fun for kids and adults of all ages. Writing an invitation is an important step in the planning process, as it ensures that guests are aware of the event. But if you've never written an invitation in your life, the first time around can be difficult to do without a guide, especially if you have blank cards or have to prepare everything from scratch. The first thing to do is to indicate to the guests all the most important information, for example where and when the party will be held. It is therefore essential to know how to structure it so that it is complete. Once you understand how to make a basic invitation format and have gathered all the relevant information, you can start experimenting to add a touch of originality and creativity.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Enter Key Information
Step 1. The guests must first know who is the guest of honor and who is organizing the party
A respectable invitation has four main elements: who, what, when and where. The first to indicate is precisely the who, because the guests must know who the birthday boy is.
- First, indicate the name of the birthday boy. You can simply write: "It's Maria's birthday!".
- In most cases, the people invited to a birthday party are close friends and family, so the first name is all you need to introduce the birthday boy.
- You must also introduce the person who organizes the party if it does not coincide with the birthday boy. If not known to all the guests, you can add information such as the last name or the relationship they have with the guest of honor.
- For example, you can write: "You are invited to attend Maria's birthday party, organized by her sister Sabrina."
Step 2. Explain the reason for the invitation
After saying who the birthday boy is, you need to explain what kind of celebration it is. In most cases, it's a simple birthday party, so you don't need to give too many details.
- Don't be afraid to add details like the birthday of the birthday boy, especially if it is an important age.
- For example, you can write: "Mary is about to turn 40!".
Step 3. Indicate the date of the party
It's a fundamental element, so you need to be specific. You can't say it's Saturday, because obviously the guests won't know which Saturday you're talking about. Indicates a precise date and time.
- If the party has a start time and a scheduled end time, indicate this on the invitation.
- For example, you can write: "The party will be held on Sunday 29 February from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm".
Step 4. Remember to indicate the address
Whether the party is being held at someone's home, in a restaurant, in a club or elsewhere, you need to write down the full address. Never assume that guests know where the host's house or a certain restaurant is located.
If the party will be held at Maria's house, write: "The party will be held at Maria's house, in Piazza Dante 20"
Step 5. Ask invitees to confirm if they will attend
If you need to know how many people will come to the party, at the end of the invitation you should urge the recipients to respond and tell the organizer if they will be there.
- Originally the confirmations were sent by post, but today it is often preferred to reply by phone or e-mail. Make sure you specify how to do this.
- You can do it in a simple and concise way: "Please call Maria to confirm your participation. The phone number is…".
Part 2 of 3: Additional and Delicate Information
Step 1. Indicate the required clothing
For both children's and adult parties, there may be a specific theme or clothing. You should point this out to the recipients. Typically, additional and sensitive information can be entered before urging invitees to confirm their attendance. Here are some examples of clothing:
- If the party will be held in an elegant restaurant or an exclusive venue, the guests will have to dress up for the evening.
- If the party is in costume, indicate the theme.
- If the party is being held in someone's home, the style can be casual.
Step 2. Ask invitees to pay attention to special instructions
Certain types of celebrations require certain preparations. The invitation should specify this. Here are some examples:
- In the case of a pool party, guests should have bathing suits and towels.
- In the case of a sleepover, guests may bring pillows and blankets.
- For excursions, guests may need tents, sleeping bags, food and other equipment.
- In the case of parties dedicated to particular hobbies, the guests may need old clothes, brushes and other items to do manual work.
Step 3. Indicate if it is possible to have a companion
Sometimes it is an acceptable option, sometimes it is not. If you don't want guests to bring other people (such as friends, brothers, sisters, or boyfriends), be sure to indicate this on the invitation. For example, you can write:
- "The pajama party is reserved only for Maria's friends, so the guests are asked not to bring any brothers or sisters with them".
- "Please remember that there is no room for any accompanying persons".
- "You are invited to an intimate and exclusive party". You can put this information in the part of the invitation where you describe the event.
Step 4. Give all the necessary information about refreshments
This is especially important if invitees are expected to make a contribution. You can also indicate whether you're going to serve a full meal, appetizers, or just drinks, so they know whether to go to the party on an empty stomach, with a light appetite, or full.
You can take advantage of this section to encourage guests to inform you in case of allergies or special dietary needs. They can do this when they confirm their participation
Step 5. Specify if the parents should leave or stay at the party
If it's a child's birthday, parents may stay or leave their children and go away. If you don't want them to stay, you can write: "Please pick up the child at 5pm". If you prefer parents to be present, you can write:
- "Parents are welcome to stay".
- "Separate refreshments will be served for adult guests."
Step 6. Indicate if this is a surprise party
If the birthday boy is unaware of this, this is extremely important information to include in the invitation. You certainly don't want to ruin all the work and planning because you forgot to tell the guests it's a surprise party. Here's how you can do it:
- "It will be a surprise that will surely leave Maria speechless!".
- "Please remember this is a surprise party!".
- "Please arrive on time: let's try not to spoil the surprise!".
Part 3 of 3: Making Creative Invitations
Step 1. Enter a quote
Whether you want to create a serious, formal, funny or ironic invitation, adding a quote is always an ideal way to personalize it. Quotes, poems, and other creative customizations can be placed wherever you like on the invitation, but are generally great for introduction or closing. Here are some famous phrases about the passing of the years:
- "You know you're getting old when the candles cost more than the cake" - Bob Hope.
- "Age is the mind that marks the matter. It is a dream of the mind, it is not a serious thing" - Mark Twain.
- "Wrinkles should only indicate where the smiles have been" - Mark Twain.
Step 2. Write a poem
It can convey any mood or tone you prefer (for example, funny or serious). It can herald the mood or theme of the party and help you give some important information to the guests. Here are some examples of poems.
- Funny: "The surprise is this one / Maria is already of a certain age. On the third of April you will shout it out loud / But first remember not to mention it!".
- Serious: "Another year has passed / I am undoubtedly grateful. My party will be held in the pub / To celebrate my deeds / We will have fun like never before / I hope you will arrive soon."
- Tender: "I'm about to turn one year / Many things will change. My cake is waiting for you / You'll see it's better than a porridge!".
Step 3. Write a witty or funny sentence
Everyone likes to have a laugh, so this can be especially useful for those people who don't like birthdays as much. You can insert a quote, a poem, a joke or a humorous phrase. Here are some ideas:
- "Maria is about to turn 39 … Yes, again!".
- "Age doesn't matter, unless you're a cheese" - Helen Hayes.
- "Everyone has one. It always goes up and never goes down. What is it? Age!".
