Practical party planning guide
What Should I Put on a Party Invitation?
A complete invitation should answer the practical questions first: who is being celebrated, what the event is, when it happens, where it is and how to reply.
The essential details
- Name of the person or reason for the celebration.
- Date.
- Clear start time and, where useful, finish/pick-up time.
- Full location or instructions needed to find it.
- How to RSVP and a useful reply deadline.
Children's party details
Parents may also need to know whether they should stay, the collection time, food arrangements, what clothing/equipment is needed and how to share allergy or dietary information.
Surprise-party details
Make the surprise instruction difficult to miss, and give guests an arrival window that does not collide with the guest of honour.
Optional information
Dress code, no-gifts preference, parking, accessibility notes or what to bring can be useful when they genuinely affect the guest. Do not overload the invitation with decoration-themed wording at the expense of practical information.