Birthday invite timing and etiquette for kids’ parties: What to Say and When to Say It
It starts innocently enough. Your child, now on the cusp of six, declares that they want a “superhero science dinosaur pizza disco party.” You look up from your computer and nod distractedly. Well, you try not to but you do. And then, as the days get closer, the quiet anxiety begins: What do I tell the other parents? What do I say? And most importantly, when do I let them know?
If you’ve ever stood at the edge of Cubbon Park watching your child chase pigeons, wondering if it’s too soon—or too late—to send a birthday invite, this one’s for you.
The Bangalore Birthday Ballet
In our corner of the world, birthday etiquette dances between tradition and modernity. Some families still send gold-edged paper cards. Others WhatsApp PDFs into oblivion. And increasingly, many are turning to clean, clickable digital invites that won’t get buried beneath seventy-two “Good Morning” GIFs.
I’m firmly in Camp Send It Sooner. Because here’s the thing—kids’ weekends fill up fast. There’s dance class, coding class, tuitions, cousins’ engagements. If your child’s party is going to compete with all that, you need to give people time.
How Early is Too Early?
For most Bangalore parents, the sweet spot is ten to fourteen days before the party. Soon enough to be fresh in everyone’s minds, early enough for calendars to be rearranged.
If it’s a destination party—PlayArena on Sarjapur Road, the Aquarium Cafe in Jayanagar—bump it up to three weeks. For smaller in-apartment affairs? A week’s notice is fine, if you follow up gently.
What to Include (Beyond the Obvious)
Every invite needs date and time, location with Google Maps link, child’s name and age, RSVP contact.
But in today’s world, that’s just the starter. Thoughtful hosts also include:
Food details. “Pizza and fries, eggless cake” is often all people need to know.
Drop-off or stay? Especially helpful for younger kids or new classmates who don’t know you yet.
Gifting preferences. Some gently add “No gifts, please” or a wish list link. Both are perfectly acceptable in Bangalore circles now.
The RSVP Reality
Let’s be honest. RSVP-ing is an endangered art. You will get replies like “We’ll try and come” or “Adding to calendar, will confirm” or complete silence until they show up at your door.
That’s why I appreciate what Zapigo does—a smart RSVP system that lets guests respond with a tap, choose dietary preferences, even change their mind closer to the date. No chasing. No confusion.
One Thing I’ve Learned
If you’re worried about sounding awkward in your message, just keep it simple and warm.
Here’s one I sent last week:
“Hi, we’re having a small party for Ria—turning 7—at home next Saturday. Pizza, balloons, chaos guaranteed. Hope you can come!”
They came. They brought their kids. One even brought a bottle of wine. Bless her.
So When Should You Send It?
Apartment party with known friends: seven to ten days before.
Outdoor or venue party: two to three weeks before.
Inviting school friends: as early as possible, with a follow-up closer to the date.
Pro tip: If you’re still unsure, make the invite now and schedule it to send later. Zapigo’s builder makes it easy—even lets you set auto-reminders.
Because the earlier you send it, the sooner your child will begin the countdown. And that joy—circling dates on the calendar with crayon—is what birthdays are really about.
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