to ask you to proof read this invite

[thebumblebearbee]

I'm worried of offending especially the transport issue as the party is somewhat out of time. Is this wording okay? The parents who I know don't drive all live in walking distance of Generic Road.

Also, is it obvious what the activity is without the kids working it out? Some are 9/10 y.o. so will be able to read but I thought if I stick it on the back and hand the invite direct to parent they will not notice?

You're invited to Bumble Bear Junior's 5th birthday party!

Please join us at VENUE for a soft play session and birthday meal on DATE at 2pm

The party begins at 2pm and ends at 4:45-5pm. If you and your child are happy to do so, feel free to drop them off and pick up later on. Please provide us with your contact details should we need to get in touch with you. Between parents, grandparents, aunts etc, there will be plenty of responsible adults keeping their eyes on them. Though you are more than welcome to stay if you prefer.

If your child can't attend, even if they wake up sick on the day, please let us know so Bumble can invite another friend. We don't want her to have an empty birthday table!

VENUE Address

The 111 bus from Generic Road stops almost right outside the venue (2 minutes walking) and runs every 10 minutes. If you are considering declining due to transport issues, please let us know so we can arrange pick ups/drop offs if you are happy with this.

Back of invite:
Name:
Yes - I'd love to come
No - Sorry I can't come
Parent name and contact number:
Psssttt....parents! There will also be a surprise activity on the day, without giving too many details away it will involve running round in the dark and bright flashing lights, if this isn't suitable for your child please let us know in advance, but please don't tell them about it - even Bumble doesn't know that there will be a surprise😉

Having been part of the PTA many moons ago and knowing people barely read anything I prefer just basic information.....

What? Bumbles party
Where? Venue
When? Date and time
Why? 5th birthday
How? Bus details

Plus basic notes to include no siblings......

Yes to the 16.13 version, your initial essay is insane!

Oh, I love the Bumble Bear book!

I hope you all have a lovely time.

I'd suggest sticking to a definite pick up time. 4.45-5pm is a bit vague and you run the risk of faffing about with parents turning up and some children leaving and others staying for another 15-20 minutes at the end.
Ideally you want them all getting shoes on, party bag and out the door at around the same time.

Make it as easy for yourself as possible. Theses sorts of parties are bloody stressful enough for you (the host) anyway.

scampimom
DD loves it. I think it just happened to be in front of me when I signed up

Paddington68
Thank you

Wayyyy too much going on there OP. All you need is the date, time, venue details and your phone number/email.

If people have questions about whether or not they can stay/can siblings attend/etc, they can just contact you and ask.

Don't bother giving bus details etc and to be honest, I think you're really making a rod for your own back offering lifts. There are plenty people that will take advantage of that, eg: dump the kids off and expect you to mind them for the day and then drop them home as well afterwards.
If people want their kids to go, then they'll find ways of getting them there and back.

At the end of the day it's about your DC, it's their party. Worry about them and not about anyone else.

It's a bit PFB-ish but I get you just want everything to be right. Some would appreciate all the extra info, but most wont.

The whole thing about stay or go, if it's a 5 year old it doesn't matter what you say if they want to stay they will and if they want to go, normal etiquette is to ask the host parents if they mind. I would always ask at 5 if they are fine going to loo themselves. Cos that is a ball-ache going constantly to toilet and bum wiping etc. Speaking from personal experience...!

I mean I wouldn't ask in invite - id ask in person at drop off.

If your child can't attend please let us know so Bumble can invite another friend. We don't want her to have an empty birthday table!

That part is a bit cringey. It goes without saying really. From bitter experience, loads of parents won't RSVP anyway, whatever you say on the invite.

You sound very jolly and nice though. Hope it all goes to plan, as much as these things can.

Agree with the texting re Laserquest rather than putting it on, given that you have 6,7 plus aged kids who will read it and work it out. I’d be a tad worried about older kids being a bit rough (but that’s just me being a bit of a pansy!). I think it sounds very thoughtful. Am just off to write the invites for dd party (and I’m also prone to using lots of words!!)...