A question concerning invitation etiquette...

[Cadelaide]

Seemed like a good place to post this

We're holding a 70th birthday party for my Mum and she'd like to accept donations to a charity rather than gifts.

How do we phrase it on the invitations please?

some charities will give you wording if you call them up

I work for a charity and we suggest something along the lines of: "No gifts please, but if you would like to commemorate this celebration donations can be made to xxxxxxx, in my name. Thank you".

You can then add details of how to contact the charity to do this

Is it the same as weddings, where it would be rude to say on the actual invitation?

Can we help you make up one of those terribly twee rhymes to enclose separately?

No, I thinks I'd just put it at the very bottom, like a P.S., saying "No gifts please, but donations if desired to charity"

Thanks Ruby.

How about a collection at the party itself, is that a done thing?

No no no to collection.

Ah, thanks BOF, I was struggling with the "if desired" bit.

It's something of a minefield

It's a pretty informal do, but my Dad is of the generation that like to get things right.

ooh no to collection

tacky IMO

but if you speak to the charity they may be able to give you some inserts for the invitations with Gift Aid forms which will make the donation worth even more

we do this a lot where i work - not all the guests donate (it is totally voluntary) but plenty do and we always say thanks to those that do

likes.

God, this thread is in a scarey topic.

OK, thanks rube, will ring them now.

Oh, and definitely no collection

You might want to be prepared for people bringing cheques / cash to the party though. If you want the charity to thank them individually youll need anmes and addresses etc (our charity does this but not sure bigger ones do)

GADs are good idea as pp said.

You could have a justgiving site but people may also want to donate in other ways obv.

Lovely idea though.

Yes, I thought people may enclose donations with cards and bring to party. It's not an enormous gathering, I think we can keep things secure and organised if they do.

I still want us to do a poem!

Here is my entry...

To give my birthday some edge

To my guests I earnestly pledge

That no gifts I require, but should you desire,

You may bung the Cats' Home a nice wedge

Tasteless gifts cause hilarity

So don't run the risk, instead give to charity.

A bit on the rude side, maybe?

I'm tempted...really tempted...