What to Put on a Party Invitation, and When to Send It
A good invitation answers the questions guests will ask before they ask them. Whether you are hosting a child’s birthday, a dinner or a holiday get-together, the same few details make an invitation easy to act on.
The essentials
- What the occasion is. A birthday, a dinner, an open house.
- Who it is for. The name of the guest of honor, and who is invited.
- The date and the start time. Add the end time for parties with children, so parents can plan.
- The place. Include the full address, and a note about parking or entry if it is not obvious.
- How to reply. A phone number or email, and a date to reply by.
Helpful extras
- Any special instructions: costume, swimsuit, outdoor shoes
- Food notes, or a request for guests to mention allergies
- Whether siblings or other guests are welcome
- Gift guidance, such as “no gifts please” or a charity idea
Wording ideas
Kids party: “Come celebrate with cake and games! Please let us know by the 10th if you can make it.”
Dinner: “We would love for you to join us for dinner. Please reply by Friday so we can plan.”
Holiday gathering: “Stop by for warm food and good company. Come and go as you like.”
Open house: “Come say hello. Drop in any time between two and five.”
When to send it
Two to three weeks ahead works for most parties. For a large event or one around a busy holiday, send it four to six weeks ahead. Send a short reminder a few days before the date.
Think about the guests
Put yourself in a guest’s shoes. Will they know how long the party lasts? Can they find the entrance? Is there anything they need to bring? For children’s parties, parents appreciate knowing whether they are expected to stay or can drop off. A few clear words on the invitation save a lot of messages later.
Keep a guest list
Write down who you invited, who replied and who is coming. It makes planning food and seating easier, and you will not have to hunt through messages on the day.
Do not forget the thank you
A short note after the party is a lovely finishing touch. Thank guests for coming, and for any gifts, and mention something specific if you can.
Printable invitations and notes
Our Party Invitations and Thank You Notes pack has 24 fill-in invitations in six designs, 8 thank you notes, a planning checklist and an RSVP tracker. Try a sample first with the free party invitation sample.
You can also browse every free sample on the Free Printables page, or see all digital downloads.
