Suggestions for what to include on your birthday party invitations. 

Before you finalize the wording on those birthday invitations, look them over again. Did you leave anything out? Here are seven things your guests really want to know and you might forget to tell them.

1. Jennifer Who?

Don't just say, "you're invited to Jennifer's birthday party". Always include the last name of the guest of honor somewhere on the invitation. Chances are those who receive the invitations may know two or three Jennifers, Bobs or Kathys. Let them know that this celebration is for Jennifer Martin.

2. What is the deadline to RSVP?

Don't just ask people to let you know whether they will be attending without giving them a cut off date. They may keep putting it off and never get around to responding. Unless you're having an open house, you will need to have a head count, so you can make proper plans.

3. What time will the party be over?

Your birthday invitation will obviously include a start time for the big event. But you might not have considered adding the time you expect the celebration to end. This information can be valuable to your guests. It can help them make advance plans, including how long they will need a babysitter's services. It will also encourage your guests to be on time. For example, if you add that things will be winding down by 11 p.m., you won't have people showing up at 10:30, thinking the festivities are only getting started.

4. What's on the menu?

Your guests may be too polite to ask you, but this is something they really want to know. If you're just serving dessert, then they should eat dinner before coming to the party. If it's going to be a full dinner, then you wouldn't want them to stop for a burger on the way. It doesn't take much to add "join us for birthday cake and coffee" or "you're invited to celebrate with us at a dinner in Jennifer Martin's honor". A simple statement about what kind of food they can expect will be really appreciated.

5. Am I overdressed?

You don't have to include the dress code on your birthday party invitations. But if you do, your guests will be relieved. If the celebration will be at a backyard barbecue or dining and dancing at the local country club, then they already have a clue. But if the big event will take place in a home, hall or restaurant, your guests may not know whether to dress up or wear jeans. A line such as casual clothes, business casual or dress to impress will give them enough information to choose appropriate clothing.

6. Who can I call if I have a question?

Some invitations include fancy response cards that indicate whether they will or will not attend. Other times, an email address or a phone number is given for that purpose. No matter what method you use for guests to respond, you should always also include your phone number. That way they will be able to talk with you directly in case they need additional information about the party.

7. What else aren't you telling me?

If the guest of honor doesn't want gifts, then add a line such as "no gifts please, your presence is her present." Or you may want this event to be a family-oriented festivity, so you could say "children welcome"; or mention "adults only" if you want to cater to the grown-ups. And if you're creating a memory book in honor of the celebrant, you could insert a request that guests bring a photo to put in the album. Even though very formal invitations rarely include such details, more and more people are bending the strict old-fashioned guidelines and sharing clear, personalized information.

Of course, you could leave most of these things off your birthday invitations and your guests will still get the message that they are invited to the party. But it doesn't take much effort to expand your wording just a little to include the details they really want to know. They will appreciate your consideration, as they anticipate a great celebration.

About the Author

You can find great birthday quotes, birthday trivia, party recipes, free printables and more at Linda Kling's website www.photo-party-favors.com. Her company has specialized in unique photo favors and invitations since 1992, including personalized Year You Were Born photo birthday favors, featuring your photo and fun facts from the year of your birth.