Just Don't Get The Clifford Ones

Cassie T. writes:

Trying to have a party for my husband, but feel like invitations are too grade school. Not everyone has access to internet, so evites are out. Aside from calling people directly, is there a preferred way to invite people to a simple birthday bash and require an rsvp, whether it's yes or no, to get an accurate head count for food? Is there a preferred timeline for all of this?????


Take a deep breath. Hold it. Let it out. Do that again.

Feeling more calm? Like, by four question marks' worth? Yes? Then let's begin.

Invitations are the only way to get a semi-accurate headcount for the party. There's nothing juvenile about  a nice little square of cardstock that says who, what, where, and when, and asks for a response. Don't use fill-in-the-blanks or anything with clowns, race cars, or balloons on it, and you'll be fine on that front. (For our other readers: Evites are perfectly acceptable for a casual occasion, in my opinion, if all your guests are tech-savvy and have access. Otherwise, yes, go with paper.)

Most caterers will give you a date by which they need your final count and your full payment or final balance due, usually 1-2 weeks before the event. If you're cooking yourself, use the same formula. Send your invitations 3-4 weeks ahead of the date of the party, request a response 1-2 weeks before, and use that extra 1-2 weeks to follow up with people who haven't responded (and there will be at least a few, trust me.).  Nail down your absolute final count within a few days of the party, and double-check your supplies (or check with your party supply provider) no later than the day before the party. If you're doing everything yourself, make sure you have everything you'll need ready to go the day before, so that the day of, all you need to do is set up, dress up, and party down.