More Birthday Party Invitation Etiquette for Kids

Wow! The response to my last article about etiquette for kids’ birthday party invitations was so overwhelming that I’ve decided to make a Part 2 and address a couple of other issues I didn’t have space to mention before.

Do We Send Birthday Invitations to the Whole Class?

For children in pre-school or elementary school, their whole social lives revolve mainly around a single group of kids every year. Although kids tend to be close to only a few of their peers at one time, they may also have a bond with the rest of the students in their class and may want to invite them to the party. The question is should you invite the whole class.

If your budget (and your patience) can afford such a large party for your child, then go for it. Sending birthday invitations, such as the Cupcake Invitations which can be personalized with your child’s name in the cupcakes, to every member of the class is a great way to make all of the kids feel good.

The problem comes in when your son or daughter wants to invite everyone, except a couple of students he or she isn’t particularly fond of. Should you agree to their wishes? Etiquette rules would say no. If your child doesn’t want to invite everyone, then allow him or her to choose five or ten from the class only.

When to Send Birthday Invitations for Children Parties

Like most parties, the rule of all birthday parties is to give guests enough time to make plans and to send in a response. For children’s parties that time frame is usually one to two weeks. Because these parties are more casual, you don’t need a mailed RSVP just ask parents to phone or email you. Most of the easy-to-prepare fill-in invitations, such as the Pink Cake Invitations or the Truck Die Cut Invitations, have a spot for RSVP information.

Now there are some times when you may need to send out advanced warning. For example, if your child’s birthday party will be held during the summer, spring break, of over Christmas break then parents may need extra notice so they don’t inadvertently plan another activity on the day of your party. You might even want to consider sending out save the date cards, such as the Save the date Post Card Announcements which basically let you circle the appropriate date, enter the last two digits of the year, then drop them in the mail.

While save the date cards are generally for weddings, if you’re having a big party for your son or daughter that you don’t want ruined by missing guests it might be worth sending out extra notice two to three months before the actual party date.