The essentials
Every birthday invitation needs the same core facts. Get these right and the wording can be as playful as you like:
- Whose birthday it is (and the age, if it’s welcome news)
- Date, start time and, if it matters, an end time
- Where: venue name and full address
- What kind of party it is: dinner, drinks, backyard, surprise
- Anything guests should bring or wear
- When and how to reply
Adult birthday wording
Come celebrate Maya’s birthday! Drinks, snacks and good company Saturday, March 13 · 7 pm The Rooftop at Lantern Hall
Another trip around the sun. Join me for dinner and too much dessert. Friday, April 9 · 8 pm Osteria Verde
It’s my birthday and I’ll eat tacos if I want to. Taco night at my place · Saturday, May 15 · 7 pm
Birthday brunch! Bottomless coffee, good friends and pancakes. Sunday, June 13 · 11 am
No big fuss, just my favorite people. Backyard drinks for my birthday Saturday, July 17 · from 5 pm
Milestone birthdays
For a 30th, 40th, 50th or beyond, the invitation can be a little grander, and it’s worth sending earlier: guests may need to travel or book a sitter.
Goodbye twenties, hello thirties. Join us for a night out in honor of Sam’s 30th. Saturday, February 20 · 9 pm
Fabulous at forty. Please join us for cocktails and dancing to celebrate Elena’s 40th birthday.
Fifty years young. Come celebrate half a century of Mark with dinner, stories and a few old photos.
Please join us for a dinner in celebration of David’s 60th birthday Friday, June 4 at seven o’clock
Eighty years of love and laughter. Join our family for an afternoon tea honoring Grandma Rose’s 80th birthday.
Surprise party wording
Be explicit about two things: that it’s a surprise, and what time guests must arrive. Sharing a private link with guests rather than posting in a group the guest of honor can see also helps.
Shh, it’s a surprise! Help us celebrate Jordan’s 40th. Please arrive by 6:30 pm. Jordan walks in at 7.
Can you keep a secret? We’re throwing Alex a surprise birthday dinner. Saturday, May 8 · 7 pm sharp
Surprise! (Well, not yet.) Join us to surprise Priya on her 30th. Parking is around the back, so she won’t spot your car.
Keep it hush-hush! A surprise 60th for Dad Sunday, August 22 · arrive by 2 pm
Don’t breathe a word… We’re surprising Lena with a birthday picnic. Saturday, June 26 · meet at the park gates at noon
Kids’ birthday wording
Parents need practical details: a pickup time, whether to stay, and whether siblings can come. Put those in plain words below the fun headline.
Leo is turning 6! Join us for cake, games and a bouncy castle. Sunday, May 2 · 2 to 4 pm Maple Park, Pavilion B
Calling all astronauts! Ava’s 7th birthday mission launches at 11 am. Space suits optional. Snacks guaranteed.
Roar! Theo is turning 4. Dino dig and birthday cake Saturday, March 20 · 10 am to noon
Make a splash! Pool party for Mila’s 8th birthday Bring a swimsuit and a towel.
Our princess is turning 5! Tea party, tiaras and cupcakes Sunday, April 25 · 3 to 5 pm Siblings welcome.
Drop-off party for Noah’s 9th! Pizza, a movie and too much popcorn. Pickup by 8, please.
Tip: Add a custom RSVP question like “Any allergies?” Answers arrive with each reply, so you won’t need to text every parent.
First birthday wording
Our little one is turning one! Join us to celebrate Mia’s first birthday Saturday, August 7 · 10 am to noon
Wild one alert! Oliver has survived a whole year of us. Come celebrate with cake he’ll mostly wear.
A year of firsts, and you were part of it. Please join us for Ella’s first birthday.
One sweet year. Cake, cuddles and a very small crown for Leo’s first birthday
Mark your calendars: Zara is turning ONE! Pancake brunch for family and friends Sunday, October 18 · 10 am
How to say “no gifts” politely
Your presence is the only present we need.
No gifts, please. Just bring your appetite.
In lieu of gifts, a donation to the city animal shelter would make her day.
Instead of a gift, bring a favorite book to swap.
We have everything we need, except you there to celebrate.
RSVP lines
Please reply by March 6 so we can book the table.
Let us know you’re coming by May 1. Tap the link to reply.
Kindly reply by June 1 with how many in your party.
Can’t make it? Leave a birthday note when you reply. We’ll read it out!
Funny one-liners
I’m not old, I’m vintage.
Help me eat my body weight in birthday cake.
Forty, but make it fashion.
Birthday rules: no talk of age, only cake.
My birthday wish is to see you there (and maybe a pony).
When to send birthday invitations
- Adult birthday: 3 to 4 weeks ahead
- Milestone birthday or out-of-town guests: 6 to 8 weeks ahead
- Kids’ birthday: 2 to 3 weeks ahead
- Surprise party: 3 to 4 weeks ahead, with a clear “don’t tell” line
Ready to make one? Browse birthday invitations, kids’ birthday invitations or first birthday designs, add your wording, and share the link.