Wording library

Kids' birthday
wording.

Written for a child, read entirely by adults — and judged by whether it answers the four questions every parent has.

How do you word a children's party invitation?

Name the child and the age, then answer the four questions every parent has: what time it ends, whether they should stay or drop off, whether food is provided, and who to contact. A children's invitation is judged on how completely it answers those, not on how charming it is.

The wording.

The invitation

Matilda is six!Come and celebrateon Saturday the fourteenth of June

Short, in the child's world. Everything practical goes beneath, in a different voice.

The parent block

Two until four o'clockDrop-off party — please collect at fourTea will be providedAny questions: Marion, 07700 900123

This block is the whole job. "Drop-off" versus "parents welcome to stay" is the single most important line on the card.

Allergies

Please let us know about any allergieswhen you reply.

Ask on the invitation rather than discovering it at the table. One line, and it prevents the most stressful moment of a children's party.

Common questions

Drop-off or stay — how do we say it?

Explicitly, in those words. "Drop-off party" or "parents are very welcome to stay". Ambiguity here produces either a room full of unexpected adults or a parent who left when they should not have.

Can we say no gifts?

Yes, and it is increasingly common. "No presents please — just come and play" is warm and clear. Expect a few anyway.

How far ahead?

Two to three weeks. Any earlier and it is lost; any later and weekends are gone.

Designed properly, even at six.

A children's party is still an event with an identity — invitation, table pieces, favour tags and signage that belong together.

See kids' birthday design

The wording.

Common questions

Designed properly, even at six.

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