Whether you’re trying to organize your little one’s first birthday party or an all-adult shindig, there are some important etiquette rules that you must understand. These can go from things you can ask attendees to do to the time when you should send them out. There are also ways that you can facilitate the guest list and invitation process and make sure that guests understand some of the invitation choices you’ve made. Here are some rules you should follow when sending out invitations.
The Guest List
This is the trickiest part. Who do you invite to the party? If it’s for a small child for instance, you don’t have to have their whole class there. As a matter of fact, there might be people your child doesn’t get along with. You should also consider how many people you can and want to invite.
Just ask them who their friends are and who they want there. Then, you can invite kids and parents you know. Also, try to bring in kids from the neighborhood as well so they can build a bond. Making friends with people in the community will make sure that they get involved, and a child with a richer social life will usually grow up to be a more well-rounded adult.
What to Include on Invitations
Next, you have to think about designing, sending out, and what should be included in invitations. The easiest way to go is eCards. You can find tons of free eCard templates for cards and invitations out there that are easily customizable. Then, you’ll have to decide what you will be putting on there. Things like the date, address, RSVP instructions, dress code, what should be brought, and who the party is for should all be included. Also, make sure to let them know if it’s a surprise party.
Timing
Common invitation etiquette dictates that invitations should be sent up to 8 weeks in advance. While this might make sense for important events like a wedding, you don’t need to go this early for a birthday party. But, invites for a birthday party should be sent at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance. This will be more than enough for people to start scheduling and get prepared for the event.
RSVPs
RSVPs are very important if you want to have a better grasp of the logistics. This will allow you to plan for rentals, food, entertainment, or the type of party you’re going to have. If you notice that a lot less people than expected are coming, it’s always better to downsize than have a big empty party.
Ideally, you should give guests multiple methods for RSVPs, whether it’s through phone, email, or text. You could also ask for “regrets only” to respond exclusively. This will facilitate the whole thing for you and everybody. And, it’s perfectly fine to follow up with anybody who hasn’t RSVP’d yet just to make sure.
These simple etiquette rules will make sure that everyone you want at the party has a chance to be there and will facilitate the planning for you. They will also make sure that your guests have the time necessary to get ready.
