It's preferred that only adults attend this 50th birthday party, however, the host doesn't want people to not come because of childcare issues. He's asked that I figure out a way to word the invitations to make it clear that IF children are brought, it's important that they be closely monitored. I need a cute and/or funny way to include this on the invitation.
2007-01-15 05:22:57 · 16 answers · asked by carleenmarcorelle 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
To "Mr and Mrs. John Doe"
We would like cordially invite you to the 50th Birthday party of Mr. White. We will make it a fun night for all adults attending the party, helping him celebrate being an old man. However, if you are unable to find a sitter for your children, let us know, perhaps we can help find one for other kids at another location too.
Hope to hear from you soon!
2007-01-15 05:34:19 · answer #1 · answered by daff73 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on how well you know the group of people being invited. If you know that they're generally a well-mannered group, then addressing the invitations to Mr. and Mrs. John Doe should do the trick. Adults will know they are the only ones being invited and will make arrangements accordingly. If there are adults who have issues with childcare or last minute problems, then they will call the host or hostess to let them know they would like to attend but have had problems with childcare. And you can put out the word at that time regarding "if they are closely monitored" then it is okay for their well-behaved children to attend the party also.
Otherwise, if you're inviting people who aren't well-mannered enough to take the hint, then the only way to go is to prepare ahead of time for a sitter (possibly close-by but off-site) for those who bring their children, and to politely insist as parents arrive that the children be left with the provided caretakers.
2007-01-16 01:16:11 · answer #2 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to announce any of this on the invitation. As long as you are providing food and seating for your guests, then you don't need to give them advance notice of anything else. The only time you would notate the type of reception on the invitation would be if you weren't serving a full meal. That way, people would be aware that they should make plans to eat beforehand/afterward so that they're not famished. The time of day would clue them into the fact that there won't be lunch or dinner (example, a reception at 11 p.m., 2 p.m., or 9 p.m. would call for snacky-type foods rather than a meal, since those are not traditional mealtimes), but you would also write "Light refreshments to follow" (something like cheese, fruit, and cake) or "Cocktail reception to follow" (hors d'oeuvres only) or "Dessert reception to follow" (fruit and sweets/cake) so that people know not to expect a meal. Your invitation could say something like: Jane Anne Smith and Paul Ryan Jones request the pleasure of your company as they exchange marriage vows Thursday, the thirty-first of October two thousand thirteen five o'clock in the evening Reception to follow *** Side note: You're really expecting people to attend a Thursday wedding? Be prepared for a lot of declines.
2016-05-24 06:57:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with miss m, if the invitation is for Mr. and Mrs. John Smithe, it is for Mr. and Mrs., not for little Becky and Bill, the family parrot or the iguana, or the niece of a friend who just happens to be visiting from out of town. And it is not your responsibility to invite any one except who you want to, and not your responsibility to find a babysitter for the iguana or the kid.
Having said both those things, it would be nice to have a babysitter, or an offsite or onsite party for the kids. It is difficult to find good childcare these days. But if can't, or do not want to, that is fine. Again, not your resposibility.
According to The Miss Manners columns, it is rude to say in the invite, no kids. But that was for a kinder, gentler time, when everyone knew that you did not bring the kids unless their names were on the invitation., [and they cared enough about their manners not to bring them]. Now I think it is perfectly acceptable, and even necessary, to say, no kids, however politly you say it.
You could use the birthday boys health as a reason to exclude the kids, like we are sorry, but due to Don's poor health, we are not inviting children. You could use the subject matter as a reason, "due to subject matter, Don is over the hill now and due to the potential for offcolor remarks or gifts, and the presence of alcohol, we are asking that you find other arrangements for your children, and not bring them to the party.."
Try humorous: The party will be x-rated, for adult audiences only. please leave the little "g" and "pg" rateds at home.
Or, Don is on the downslope of the hill of life now, , please leave the ones who are just beginning to climb the hill of life at home with a sitter..
You might want to call and warn people that they will be expected to find a sitter for the eve. Or make sure the invitations are sent out in plenty of time for them to make arrangements.
2007-01-15 09:38:50 · answer #4 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wish there was a way to insure that people who bring their children will keep them in tow...but there just isn't. And there's really no way to request they be monitored without offending those with children because they will naturally assume you mean THEM and THEIR children. They won't see it as a general request and you run the risk of offending them more than you would with the simple "Adults Only" request.
I think you are just going to have to leave at "Adults Only". Besides, maybe the guests that have children would WELCOME a night out without the kids. Without the "adults only" stipulation, they might assume that they're expected to bring the kids (if they're family).
2007-01-15 09:42:34 · answer #5 · answered by LolaCorolla 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Invitations are issued to people by name. If the name isn't on the invitation, then they are not invited. Full stop.
Of course there will always be those imbeciles who believe that that an invitation reading "Mr. and Mrs. Philip Jones" means their children, grandchildren, Mrs. Jones' step-father's last mistress and the neighbour's dog are all included in the invitation. When people make such an error it's not rude of you to set them right on the matter, in fact it's your duty.
2007-01-15 05:50:19 · answer #6 · answered by castle h 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you considered offering a "close to site" kids party? You could hire some helpers (young relatives of the guests of honor or trustworthy care providers) and throw together a suare' for the young ones. Then you could drop the hint that the party is for mature guests by stating "there will be an entertainment event for children of guests nearby at ......". Hope this helps.
2007-01-15 05:37:25 · answer #7 · answered by flisagrose 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Now that our guest of honor is ancient, let's not torture him with unruly children.
If there are a few people might need babysitting, you might jsut arrange to have a neighbor kid to babysit in a back room or at their house. It sounds expensive but we've found that it's never anywhere near as much as we spend on beer, and it lets our guests have much more fun. That and those who might not come becuase of childcare usually do come, and do find their own childcare.
2007-01-15 05:28:40 · answer #8 · answered by John 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Just say that the event is for adults only. Its not your responsibility to find appropriate daycare for someone elses children. Its part of being a parent.
2007-01-15 07:11:25 · answer #9 · answered by miss m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the invitation is only written out to "Mr & Mrs White" that means the invitation are only for those two. If the invite is written out to "Mr & Mrs. White & family", then they are all invited. This is the simplest way.
2007-01-15 05:27:41 · answer #10 · answered by Jfranc1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋