A birthday party question

[mouse1]

Do you put a time limit on you childs birthday party and put it in the invitations? And if your having the party at your house would you do it for 2 or 3 hours long? I can't decide what to do. The party is for my 8 year old.

Thanks for any advice

 

[Christine]

First, ALWAYS put a time limit on the invite. That way, parents are very clear prior to the party when they need to pick their kids up.

For an 8 year old party, I would probably do a 3-hour party. Two hours seems to go by really quick but it depends on what you are doing.

Another thing that I always do (and have appreciated as a guest) is indicated if lunch or some other food will be served. People have many different lunch and dinner schedules so, sometimes it's hard to know whether your kid needs to be fed lunch before a party. My son went to a noon party one time and I kind of assumed there would be some food served (besides cake). There wasn't. No big deal, but I would have given him lunch prior to the party. Most parties we go to do serve the kids lunch (or dinner if it's in the evening). If it's a 2:00 p.m., then it's not necessary. But, bottom line, it's just always nice to know.

 

[Katerbug]

Yes, definately put a time limit on the invitation. We had 2 hrs for our daughters 8 yr old birthday party. This was plenty. We had it at a local pizza place, I didn't want to worry about anything happening at the house. We had 10 kids show up and everyone had a good time.

 

[mommytotwo]

Yes, I usually keep it to a 3-4 hour party. That doesn't mean that it will end at that time since people usually stay till late during the night, but for kids being younger and getting tired easier it is easier to set a time limit.
I'm sure you will be happy that it is over as well.

 

[SC Minnie]

The number of hours depends on what activities/games you have planned. But I agree put the time on the invite-- Party is from 2:00 - 4:00 for example. At 8 most of the kids would probably be dropped so the parents need to know when to pick them up.

 

[mouse1]

Thanks everyone! Yes, I do plan on writing on the invitation that lunch will be served. I think I will make it for 11am to 2pm. Most of the parents will be staying for the party only because they are all my neighbors and I know them well. I will order enough pizza for everyone.

Thanks again