I want to give my husband a surprise 50th birthday party in the fellowship hall of our church. There is limited seating area and so I want to tell people not to bring their children. How should I go about doing this without stepping on toes? There's simple not enough room for all the adults and their children. (not to mention they are a distraction) I do not want to have to plan [seating, food, and intertainment] for a bunch of kids.
What should I do?
2006-10-31 00:56:59 · 27 answers · asked by HazelEyes 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Its your party, you are paying for it so you can set the rules. I think the invitation should read ADULTS ONLY PLEASE and that is all. You can explain later at the party should you be questioned why you did it that way. Adults need a break too.
2006-10-31 01:06:53 · answer #1 · answered by antiekmama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There should never be anyone offended by your decision on how you conduct a party.
Be sure to address the envelopes to the names of the adults and include in the invitation that you have an "age" limit. Therefore, the party can be taylored more towards "adult themes" that would or could be considered inappropriate for children. Whether or not you make your party with adult slurs or not should make no difference to the party goers. Even though you're having the party at the church hall, some people will still have some gifts that would be inappropriate in front of children.
Be sure to put on the RSVP the question "how many adults?"
If you know of people with small children who'd want to attend, you could ascertain if there is a couple of reliable teenagers who'd babysit and include their names and numbers with the invitations. Then you'd be giving them a definite "adult only" invitation where they'd wouldn't be able to misconstrue your intentions for the party.
Good Luck with the party and have a good time.
2006-10-31 09:56:11 · answer #2 · answered by vegoutCPA 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contrary to popular opinion, if you address an invitation to a couple, they are the only ones invited. There is absolutely nothing wrong with limiting your occasion to adults.
The later in the evening you hold the event, the easier it will be for people to get away without their kids. However, the surprise aspect could be foiled if the whole church is calling each other looking for babysitters. But I'm sure it will be a lovely occasion regardless of whether your secret is fully successful.
2006-10-31 09:08:20 · answer #3 · answered by Millie M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I would not be offended, just explain to the parents that this is a 50th party for the adults only :-) anyway what are kids going to do at a 50th party?
2006-10-31 09:05:15 · answer #4 · answered by tay_jen1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why can't you put on the invitation some thing like,A night to let your hair down without the children.But if you don't want ,or can't have children their,you should have the invitations given to people a couples of weeks in advance,so that they can organise baby sitters.Hope your Husbands birthday is a blast.Take care.
2006-10-31 16:51:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think most people would be offended at all - heckles, I think most people would be rejoicing the fact that they get a one night break from their kids! Just write 'due to limited seating, adults only please, any questions, please contact me' - that way if they are confused, they can feel free to call to get an explanation. You know what, I bet if you ask someone, they'd volunteer to take the kids (who's parents don't have anywhere for them to go) to the nearby park or restaurant like Chucky Cheeses, that way those parents can still go and have a fun time. Good luck.
2006-10-31 09:31:11 · answer #6 · answered by Cookie On My Mind 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a mother of three I have recieved many of invitations like this, some being to weddings some to birthdays etc... Just state on the invite your reasons why. Formal dinner, alcohol present, limited spacing, no children please. Whatever you choose to say of course. Just be aware though just as you are asking if people would be insulted, be aware not to be insulted if those with children find it hard to attend in the same regard. I dont think it will be a problem, have fun enjoy....:)
2006-10-31 09:03:36 · answer #7 · answered by Oscar T Clown 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't at all be offended, most people won't - this is a very common practice. Just clearly state on the invitation that it's adults only, no children please.
Also, if you really feel bad, then you can offer a list of names or places that provide baby sitting services - you can make it easier for your guests to arrange for a sitter.
Good luck, and Happy Birthday to your husband.
2006-10-31 09:07:17 · answer #8 · answered by baz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the invitation at the bottom, just write No children, please. We have very limited seating. Thank you! That's it! My friend is getting married and they are having a wedding with no children. Too bad for me because I have a 1 year old! But it's her decision, she's the one paying. Don't worry about it, people should be ok with that as long as they have time to get a babysitter!
2006-10-31 09:00:56 · answer #9 · answered by tmac 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If having the children there is a problem, see if you can find a volunteer or two to babysit in one of the other rooms available for Sunday school. Maybe someone you invite has two high school students that would love to do this for you. This way people could be near their children if they didn't want to leave them alone, and the kids would have a better time playing with eachother.
2006-10-31 09:06:07 · answer #10 · answered by Daphne 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋