Child's birthday party- Is this tacky?

[Kimberle]

Do parents still stay at a 9yo's party? I would think that would be a bit "old". Even at my dd's 5th party, a couple of the parents did not stay.

I'd word it drop off time: xxxx
pick up time: xxxx

then at the bottem I'd add:

(Parents and siblings are welcome to stay, tickets are $7 each, please indicate in your RSVP.)

I think at 9, I'd be expecting to drop Brittany off, but if I saw a note like this, I might stay as well. I wouldn't mind paying the extra cause the party really is for the kids.

 

[shatzjsl]

Not tacky at all. I recently took my Girl Scout troop to Six-Flags and in the note that I sent home told the parents that other family members were welcome but they would need to pay thier own way. Had no problems.

 

[Beth76]

The only thing that concerns me is that parents might drop off siblings too and then leave. If that's not a problem for you, then I think the suggestions are fine. If you really don't want parents and siblings there, I wouldn't put it on the invitation. I know you're just trying to cover your bases though. Maybe you could have an usher with a list of invited guests, like the one poster said. Then, if a parent really wants to come in, they'll have to pay.

I just don't understand why people can't just send the invited child to the party. We shouldn't have to be having this discussion on how to word an invitation, so that siblings are paid for if they're left. They shouldn't be there in the first place!!!

 

[Kewz1]

I don't think it's tacky to include that. What is tacky is when people bring siblings along and expect that they are to be part of the party. This happened to us a few years ago. DS had a Rescue Heroes themed party and we had lots of cute things for the kids to take home. I felt bad telling the siblings no but I only had enough for the kids invited to the party. All those extra kids really made us go over the budget too. I wish I had said something then. Don't make the same mistake!!

Have fun!

Kristen

Edited to add: Like the other posters I wouldn't stay for a 9 yo party either but Shrek is such a popular movie that you might have some who decide to take you up on your "offer."

 

[disneychrista]

I had my DD party at the movies one year (not a private screening though) and had no problems with "extras." One of the girls grandpa did stay but it was no problem, he paid for his own ticket (on his own).

 

[clutter]

We just did a movie theatre party, and were limited to 20 people, so extras would have been an issue. Guess I know polite people, since the only sib was invited. Anyway, I love the "admit one" idea for the invite, combined with the drop-off and pick-up time. They don't have to bring it with them, but it gets the point across. That is, if you only want invited guests. If you don't care, as long as the others' pay their way, then the parents & sibs welcome at $7 each would work just fine. The price can't be beat, especially with the popcorn and drinks, you'll get plenty of takers. However, you may want to make one change to "parents and supervised siblings welcome..." Otherwise you may get a bunch of 4 year olds dropped off!

 

[clh2]

The "admit 1" ticket is a great idea.

Mentioning that additional tickets are available for $7 each is also fine.

I would also make the clarification that no other siblings can be dropped off unsupervised.