Birthday Party Etiquite.

Okay, my kids are older but when did it become okay to automatically assume that sibling were included at a party? I would send out the invitations with each child's name on it. If the mother assumes that siblings are also included, I would nicely say that the sibling's name was not on the invitation. You are not in the wrong, the other mother is! I do not like this at all.

I was recently invited to this type of party. The way the mom did it was very tactful. The outside envelope had the name of the child that was invited and when opened the invitation, it stated AGAIN, only the name of the child who was invited..."ISAAC, you are invited...."

I got the hint, and I thought it was a nice way to make Isaac feel special...my hubby took my other too boys to McD's for some daddy time :)

Hi J..

How about making the invitation look like a movie ticket that says ADMIT ONE and put only the invitee's name on it. Check out Birthday Party Express or Oriental Trading for "movie theme" invitations.

Hi J.-

My daughter was invited to a Pump It Up Party and the invitation simply said "unfortunately we are unable to accomodate siblings." I thought it was fine.

If you are ok with siblings attending but wish for them to purchase their own tickets you could simply say something like "tickets for additional siblings may be purchased at the ticket counter before the show." This gets the point across without specifically saying they cannot come.

Good luck,
K.

"One guest per invitation, please".

Just say, siblings and parents welcome at parents expense.

I would combine the response(s) from Jeannie M: Get "One Admission" or Movie ticket invitations. Example: http://www.hooverwebdesign.com/printable-movie-ticket-par...

Include what Sarah T responded "Add'l tickets for parents/siblings can be purchased at the ticket booth" and end with a footnote from Heather P response "*one guest per invitation".

"Please drop _________" off at __:__.
The movie is over at __:__, please pick him/her up then!

Good luck!

I just did a party like this for my daughter, and on the invite I put that an RSVP was required in order to get tickets in advance. That way when they call, you can let each person know that additional sibling or even the parents will need to purchase their own ticket. You will be surprised at how easy it is and how many people already assume that is the case. Have fun!!

I am never shy about letting people if I can not afford anything.
So, this is what I would do, tell the parents that you are paying for the invited child, however, if you want to come and bring your other kids they are welcome, but you will have to pay for them, because of the budget.
Any parent should not have to be told this. Buy your show tickets in advance and that way you already have the tickets for the kids invited, and if someone one extra shows up they will be forced to go and get their on ticket. Also, do not allow the extra kids to come with out their parents to baby sit them in the threater (your choice on that one).

I won't allow a child to attend a party that her siblings are not invited to, mainly because they are so close in age. However, I am completely ok with an invitation saying "Additional tickets for siblings can be purchased at the ticket booth."

S., mom to 4 girls ages 2, 4,5,6.

I am a special events coordinator and it is never ok to assume siblings are invited.

Weddings,Birthday celebrations, dinner parties, showers are only for the people who have their names on the envelopes. It is considered very presumptuous to assume you can bring others.

If others are invited, you will include, "siblings welcome". The name and the name of the guest or number of guests also allowed will let you know if you can bring others.

Gift bags, meals, prizes, space, transportation all take careful planning and money.

If you have a problem getting your child to an event because of your other children, you may want to ask the host or hostess if their are others who may be able to give your child a ride.

There may be times your child just cannot attend. Children need to learn they are not invited to every event just because one of their siblings is invited. This is a chance for your child to attend on their own. They need to learn independence. It also will allow you some alone time without a child to concentrate on the other children. This is not a snub. Do not take it personally.

I have several friends with several children each. We would not want to leave anyone out. When we go to events we all pay for our own family's admission. The only excepton is when we offer to take the children with out the parents. Then we pay for all the kids that we take. But due to limited room we often do not invite sibblings. Also I have seen it done were there is a cost for going. You could word it something like please bring $5 for each admission sugar and popcorn provided. My cousin lives in Oklahoma and the parties are all extravigant and expensive and paid for by the parent of the birthday or boy. We could not afford to do that, so I like the way we do it down here. The parents are just out the money for tons of cupcakes and etc. Miss Manners might not agree with this but it works for us.

If I understand your email, you don't want to pay for the movie admission of siblings, but aren't totally against them coming along. Some families attend birthday parties as a family event, not sure why, they just do.
(my cousin does this and takes all 7 kids to every party any member of the family is invited to. yikes!)
Excluding people would upset some, but you sure don't have to pay for all of them.

I would say / word something such as, "Invited guests come as our treat to the movie. Siblings and parents can certainly stay--Dutch treat."

You can put on the invitation, "Sorry, no siblings, please," but I can almost guarantee you you'll have some moms asking if they can bring a sibling because they don't have babysitting. If the kid is close in age, I would politely say it's fine. If the child is much younger, say yes, but that the mom has to stay to keep an eye on him.

"bobby" is invited to .... then on the bottom I would make a note that states " sibblings welcome must pay there own tickets/refreshments."

Hi J.
Just simply say "admission and treats" paid for birthday guest only- all others responsible for own admission and treats.
I don;t think anyone would be offended by this......
sounds like fun
good luck and blessings

Some people may not be able to come w/o siblings so I would say somethimg like siblings welcome but will only be covereing the invitee.

In response to your question, Stacey, myself and a lot of my friends are stay-at-home moms. Consequently, we have had many birthday parties in the last year that are during the week in the middle of the day. Of course, we wouldn't have anyone else to watch the other siblings so it's assumed that everyone is invited (especially because many of the siblings are babies/toddlers). However, I would think this would change as they get older and also if you have the party on a weekend, etc. Just a thought!

Maybe just say:" we would love for eveyone to be able to attend, however our budget only allows for this many.... this year.We have purchased the party favors for this number of guests. I hope your son can come enjoy the party . Hopefully we can include more guests next year. THank you for your understanding.

We have a big group here in our neighborhood and the same thing happens... we just tell the parents that siblings are welcome, but they will need to pay for them. Everyone understands especially these days. It may not be the most PC thing, but it has worked for us. Have fun at the party!

I didn't read all the replies - but Regal Cinamas has free movies, One PG and one G this summer... you might want to check that out also. My sister in long island just had her boys birthday parties there - they met for the movie, she gave everyone a goodie bag with popcorn, etc.. then they went back to her house. Just a thought!

I haven't seen this "if one comes, we all come" situation before. How does the party planner plan for a 6 yr old party if 2's and 3's come? and vice versa? Under 5 probably shouldn't be going to the movies at all.
Being independent of one's sibs is one way of growing up.

If cost is the issue, I might be inclined to invite kids to see a short (30 min) video at home and then act out some parts of it in games. That allows something for the antsy as well as the patient.
Vote with Stacy on this, just send the one invited. If he/she is school age, mom doesn't need to stay so sibs don't need to come. If younger than school age, rethink the venue.

K.