I just picked up my son's 4th birthday party invitations for the Cooking Academy where the party will be held. My question is, we really need/want the 7 kids invited to RSVP (their parents). My e-mail address and phone number are on the invite but I want to hand write something saying more about it. The reason it is so important is, I'm buy and personalizing aprons for each child. I will need to know about a week ahead of time who is coming. What is the least tacky way to word this info? Also how do I tell them via the invite that it is a surprise for my son?
That really helps. Thanks Ladies.
I agree with the other posters about how to word it. The party sounds super cute by the way! Love the apron idea! I just wanted to add that people who still don't RSVP, you should call before you need to put the apron order in...if they show up and don't get one the kids will be crushed and it won't be their fault, it will have been their parents. Don't punish a child for something in which they have no control.
I would say something like, "Personalized gifts will be provided to those attending, so an RSVP is essential by xyz date." Is the party itself a surprise? (not clear if it's the aprons or party) Then I would make sure you write on the invite that it's a surprise party or just add "surprise" to the beginning of what I wrote above.
CA Writer Mom has it perfect with "Personalized gifts will be provided to those attending, so an RSVP is essential by xyz date." You can add "Shhhhhh...party is a surprise for Timmy!"
Sad to say, but in this day & age you'll still probably have to do a few follow up calls.
Please RSVP by <date> as personalized favors are being created.
If you don't get an RSVP and they show up - no favor. People are horrible about responding. It's rude and infuriating. I just went through it myself. I had some extra favor bags with just candy in case anyone showed (which they didn't).
I would say......Please RSVP one week in advance, personalized party favors being made! Thanks you.
I have always just written SURPRISE at the top of the invite. I have had moms call me about parties a couple days, up to a week before the party to tell me if they were coming or not, but I've also had people say yes and not show up, and others say no and show up.
from my experience, I buy a gift for each person invited. Typically its people we see all the time so if it's something big or special I give it to them later, otherwise I just give it to my child to have.
Even if you put an eloquent RSVP hint on the invitations.. .it does not mean that all will respond promptly.
Since it is only 7 kids... I would, (if you have their phone number), call them yourself... explaining the situation. But call ONLY if certain parents did not RSVP.
ALSO, what if some parents RSVP... but then only to get the 'personalized' gift???? And then never show up?
And YES... you really need to make note that it is a "surprise" for your son.
all the best,
Susan
I would say "please RSVP and confirm the spelling of your child's name for a special gift for our guests". Unless you are 100% sure of their names and spelling....
