Invite etiquette for getting guests to leave!

[HollyBollyBooBoo]

Having a 'vintage tea-party' theme for DDs 1st B'day party. It will be a 12.30pm start and will do the traditional sarnies/cupcake/tea/traditional lemonade etc.

As it is mostly family and adults that are coming I want to put an end time on the invite so people are clear that this is just a few hours to celebrate DDs b'day and there is no evening meal or entertainment.

Is that incredibly rude of me or necessary so that people know where they stand?

Not rude. Include an end time and everyone will appreciate knowing how long they have to can stay for, and whether they need to plan an evening meal for themselves etc.

For a child's party it is (afaik) perfectly acceptable and generally the done thing to put a start and finish time.

Call it a lunch party rather than a tea party to make it even clearer. I perceive tea time to be nearer 4 or 5pm than 12.30 tbh.

Brilliant advise both (love the 'have to!), many thanks!

Advice even...