Is 9:30 Too Early for a Bday Party?

I am going to do my son's 2nd bday party from 10am-12pm. Main reason I don't have the money to serve everyone lunch. Plus I have been to several bday parties lately and the kids are so busy playing that they don't want to eat
lunch and the food goes to waste.

I am going to serve fruit salad, chips and some snacks for the kids plus cake.

I also wrote on the invitation that everone was invited to have a fun morning of games and cake so that people would understand that lucnh will not be served.

It seems a great time to me because it will not be as hot, people can still have the rest of there day to do stuff and its before nap time.

Good Luck!!!

If it was a birthday party BRUNCH at 930 (pancakes are super super cheap -one giant box of bisquick, one bottle of lemon juice, water, 5 bucks-, and so is whipped cream...you can even make the pancakes ahead of time and keep them warming in tinfoil in the oven), with coffee, and even a PJ party (aka all the kids come in PJ's)... I'd be there in a heart beat with a groggy grin on my face.

If however, it were an ACTUAL party (with the expectation of being dressed, awake, with my party face on, ready to referee my child for the next 2 hours in a group of strangers)...I would beg off. Would beg off FAST.

Brunches (even birthday brunches) have waaaaaay different expectations attached to them than a 'birthday party' regardless of the hour.

I actually LOVE birthday brunches, especially for littler kids...but I am soooo not a morning person. Everyone showered, fed, dressed & presentable at 930am...unlikely to happen. The other things that start that early (school, sports games, etc., even work) only ONE of us has to be presentable.

:)

Good Luck!

Hello K., I never in my life have ever been invited or heard of a birthday so early before 12pm. I can understand because of the nap thing and all but a two year old on her birthday is NOT going to sleep until everyone leaves anyways. But I would shoot for the 11-1 and do finger food, like chicken strips . Either way Im sure your birthday party for your little girl will be fabulous just because she gets to celebrate her DAY!! good luck and have fun.

I think it's definitely too early. I would try 11:00, but if money is a problem, why not use the little money you can and take the toddler for a birthday outing with immediate family only, and at the baby's schedule? This way you avoid a cranky baby, and avoid making guests uncomfortable because of an unhappy baby.

The donut idea below is a cute one, however may be better suited for older kids that have a say in who will be invited.

9:30 seems a little early for us. But, we are not morning people. Maybe 10:30? I like the other idea with the bagels.

when i was little my mom did doughnut parties. we loved these. all our friends in the neighborhood would come over about 9am or 9:30. She would put a candle in the doughnut (no need for cake) a couple of fun games and gifts the whole thing was done and cleaned up by around 11:30.
A variation of this for a brunch or a light early lunch could be fun too. I love early parties because your little one will not be too tired and your guests have the rest of the day left. Also the party doesn't have to be 2 hours it can be from 10-11:30 if your worried 9:30 is too early. I don't think serving a big lunch is necessary.

We've had a 10:30AM birthday and served bagels, fruit, cheeses, pb&j... It worked well for us. I'm not sure 9:30 would work unless your guests live close.