How much notice do you give for a birthday party: - Page 2

[sunnmama]

Originally Posted by ProtoLawyer

Meanwhile, her mom cannot afford any of these places--she can afford to invite 6-8 kids to her house for pizza and cake, so that is what she does. The kids have a good time, but SD does notice that her parties aren't nearly as lavish.

These are all opportunities for great life lessons, imo.

This year, dd has been to multiple roller rink and a bounce house parties (those are the two biggies here). She's also been to a couple "house" parties, in huge, expensive homes.

My dd just turned 9. Her birthday party was yesterday: 7 invited guests, at our apt, with pizza and cake She described it as the "best birthday party EVA!" I know for a fact that my dd understands the monetary aspect of our choices (we discuss it, and she is pretty wise in the ways of money). It is all about focusing on what you can have, and she's learned to really appreciate her reality. eta--she has the mom who will throw on a wig from the dress-up box and join in the dance competition! That's way better than a bounce house party

[Peony]

At least 2 weeks, I think 3 is ideal. Often our weekends are booked out at least 2 weeks in advance so I need/like to know ahead of time. Anytime it has been less, it has ended up screwing up all the plans for the weekend.

[JL83]

I've never gotten an invite more than 2 weeks in advance. We'd forget about a party if we got an invite earlier than that. I would say that most invites we get are between 1 and 2 weeks out.

[Jessy1019]

We give about a month's notice. I WANT people to come, and I want to maximize the chances that my kids' friends will be free to attend. Isn't that the point?

My partner's family gives about a week's notice. We almost always manage to go anyway, but it would be nice to have more notice. School friends seem to give anywhere from 2-3 weeks notice on average, which is fine.

[Alyantavid]

We typically mostly do family parties and I still give 2 weeks. For people I didn't know well, I'd definitely give longer than that.

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

I aim for 2 weeks, which seems to be about the norm. This year I completely lost track of time and did an email to the parents about 12 days before the party and then did invites later that week. I'm still trying to chase down RSVPs and the party place needs a count today. I really wish people would RSVP promptly!

In terms of siblings and parents, if the invitation didn't say anything about siblings being invited, or list them by name, then they aren't. This is always the rule for any type of invitation. I generally try to say something about parents since DD is in the "in between age" where parents aren't sure if they need to stay or not. But for 10 YO DS, the assumption is "parents not necessary". And given the popular party spots, I'm generally glad I don't have to go!

[Ellien C]

I aim for 2 weeks, but it's looking more like this party will be 10 days. The party is the 21st but I haven't mailed the invites yet.