Chuck E Cheese B-Day Invitation Wording: Siblings & Food

[maggieusa]

Wow maybe its a generation gap not sure I am 40 and when my children had Birthday parties we always had them at home more fun that way .We would buy four or five pizzas or make hotdogs and hamburgers and provide cake and ice cream. .Those were great memories and great times.

 

[JamesMom]

OP, here.

Thanks for all the replies. I have now decided to do this:

- moved the party from Thursday evening to Sunday 11am. Decided i don't want a late night event. Figures Sun am would be a less crowded time. Never a Saturday.
- I'm inviting the kids and welcoming siblings. This is a family event for us and would feel weird without siblings - esp given the timeframe. People will come after church and will probably come as families. Some might be unable to attend because of church or come late - this is fine. We go to 7:30a mass or Sat. so it works for us
The location is about 20 minutes from our house so asking kids to 'dropped off' is too much
- Stating on the invitation that siblings are welcome and food is for kids ONLY.
I'll be buying tons of pizza and adults can grub off that after the kids had their share, but I don't want it 'expected'.

Party Package- they wanted $12 per kid for basic (20 tokens - yeah, that'll go far & 2 slice pizza & drink) or $17 for the star package [adds 20 tokens, balloon & goody bags] PLUS tax per the website reservation system.
The Group rate was $7 per kid for 2 slices pizza, drink & 16 tokens. 6 kids = $42
For $30 (coupon) I can get 12 slices of pizza, 4 drinks & 100 tokens. A better deal I think since I can get extra drinks for $2. so can do the same for $34. I have 4 of these coupons plus 200 tokens for $25 if we run low.

I know some people might be offended that I am not buying food for the adults, but so be it - I don't have the money to pay for lunch for 30+ people.

As far as a home party - been there done that when the kids were younger, but with a Jan birhday and 3 snowfalls already, my house is much too small for a group of rambuncitious boys running through it that is larger than 4! lol. Home parties are lots of work and have their place. I had our Cub Scout den Halloween party with 8 kids and it was CRAZY - house is much too small and they could go outside then.

 

[hedgehog2owl]

OP, here.



- moved the party from Thursday evening to Sunday 11am. Decided i don't want a late night event. Figures Sun am would be a less crowded time. Never a Saturday.

Our CEC is always SLAMMED on Sunday. As soon as Mass is over, you can't even find a table. I think it is worse than Saturday.

 

[wendylovesdisney]

I have the worst time with parties and get very aggravated. I ALWAYS have parties for my 2 girls.

Here is what I know.

People NEVER RSVP like they should and usually not all, even though clearly stated on invite.

People always bring extra guests, I have no idea why. Generally people my child does not even know (siblings, cousins, etc)

I once had a family bring 3 grown adults and 1 extra child to a party I had to pay per person for. As it turned out, the place would not even allow extra people due to fire code and turned them away!!!!

On top of everything, usually Mom and dad both show up - again I pay per person for my parties.... really does both parents have to come??? My kid wants to see your kid but I have to pay for 2 adults? It really does end up feeling you are paying for the whole family.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I personally would just invite kids and no adults/siblings. It your child's bday party - its not a Christmas party or anything really full family related.
Even if the party is 20 mins away, I have dropped my daughter off to many parties that far from our house, and love using the time to go shopping on my own. I once even had time to go see a movie by myself.
I think people can find plenty to do.

 

[mward73]

I would make the invitations to the kids you want to invite (only them - not the parents or siblings). Have enough pizza to feed who shows up - order a couple and if you need to, get a couple more. ONLY give tokens to the kids you invited. This way, you're paying to feed the people that show up, but if the parents want to bring siblings, they can pay for their "fun" and tokens. It shouldn't cost too much that way.

 

[kmvand1]

Sorry, but I think you had better think twice about CEC all together! Moving it to Sunday??? When my kids were young, parties on Sunday were so popular, they were opening at 10 AM. And being so worried about not having enough pizza, soda, etc. you really should just have it at your house.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Have you ever had CEC pizza? I don't think many adults will want to eat I don't think you have to state that food is for the kids only, I really think that's implied...

I have always provided a bit of food for adults at ds's parties, but rarely do they eat much, if at all...ds is turning 12 in a few weeks, and we've held 6 big class parties.

Maria

 

[D&DDisney]

I personally would just invite kids and no adults/siblings. It your child's bday party - its not a Christmas party or anything really full family related.
Even if the party is 20 mins away, I have dropped my daughter off to many parties that far from our house, and love using the time to go shopping on my own. I once even had time to go see a movie by myself.
I think people can find plenty to do.

I'm with Lollipop on this one. Just invite the kids to the party and state that there will be chaperones on hand to supervise. If a parent does not feel that the supervision is adequate, or CEC is too crazy of a place, then he/she can choose NOT to send their child.

Maybe I'm missing something here, but when did it become the norm for parents to attend their child's parties??? Every party that I have had for my sons has been chaperoned by myself, DH, and friends or relatives. No parents or siblings have been invited. Too expensive!

 

[LauralF22]

OP, here.

Thanks for all the replies. I have now decided to do this:

- moved the party from Thursday evening to Sunday 11am. Decided i don't want a late night event. Figures Sun am would be a less crowded time. Never a Saturday.

I had DD5 b-day at this same time and it was wonderful... the place was empy - for the first hour. Then it was MOBBED! Still, I think this is a good choice, because the second half of the party is eating anyway.

- I'm inviting the kids and welcoming siblings. This is a family event for us and would feel weird without siblings - esp given the timeframe. People will come after church and will probably come as families. Some might be unable to attend because of church or come late - this is fine. We go to 7:30a mass or Sat. so it works for us
The location is about 20 minutes from our house so asking kids to 'dropped off' is too much

I was wondering how you would manage to exclude siblings on the E-vite anyway. I didn't see a way to specify the attendee, since I just send the invitation to an email address (usually the parent), but I can't specify the child being invited.

- Stating on the invitation that siblings are welcome and food is for kids ONLY.
I'll be buying tons of pizza and adults can grub off that after the kids had their share, but I don't want it 'expected'.

I think this is a great idea, and most parents shouldn't expect to be fed at a party place, unless that is the standard custom around your area.

-Party Package- they wanted $12 per kid for basic (20 tokens - yeah, that'll go far & 2 slice pizza & drink) or $17 for the star package [adds 20 tokens, balloon & goody bags] PLUS tax per the website reservation system.
The Group rate was $7 per kid for 2 slices pizza, drink & 16 tokens. 6 kids = $42
For $30 (coupon) I can get 12 slices of pizza, 4 drinks & 100 tokens. A better deal I think since I can get extra drinks for $2. so can do the same for $34. I have 4 of these coupons plus 200 tokens for $25 if we run low.

I did the online booking thing, which got me 20 extra tokens. Also, by registering for their online Chucky club (or whatever it's called), I just got an invitation to book my other daughter's party there - with 100 extra tokens included. (not doing it, too close together, but still a nice offer). And then they sent me a bunch of coupons online, which I used to get extra tokens (100/$10) and food for the adults. Oh, and because I registered for 18 adults (more than the kids), they included a pitcher of soda and a pizza for free. Or at least, that's how it sounded. They don't make you pay for the adults, just the kids.

Oh, and we bought the sandwich platter - which everyone raved about. I was surprised. Of course, I didn't get to try any of it...

Bottom line... it sounds like you made a good decision for your family budget and your son. And I'm sure they'll all have a good time!

 

[KirstenB]

Unless teh siblings are teens, they're going to be really cheap to feed. Little kids usually do 1 piece of pizza, kid-size drink, and then they're ready to play!!

 

[bluesaturn]

Wow maybe its a generation gap not sure I am 40 and when my children had Birthday parties we always had them at home more fun that way .We would buy four or five pizzas or make hotdogs and hamburgers and provide cake and ice cream. .Those were great memories and great times.

I have to be at least the same age as your kids if you are 40, and I had almost every birthday party at CEC. Most of my friends had parties at places like that until we were preteens. It's not a generation gap, maybe regional differences.

 

[Marshay]

My two cents:

If I'm required to stay at a party with my child, esp during mealtime, then I expect to have something to eat and drink. It doesn't matter if this is a CEC, TLG or a party at your house.

 

[mjkacmom]

I have to be at least the same age as your kids if you are 40, and I had almost every birthday party at CEC. Most of my friends had parties at places like that until we were preteens. It's not a generation gap, maybe regional differences.

I'm 42, and my kids have had ONE home party - never again! It worked out okay for ds's April birthday, but it rained an hour after the party. I don't have a big house - I have no idea what I would've done with 10 four year old boys, plus my own kids! We always have them out, because most of my kids have winter birthdays, and want to invite more than we can actually fit.

My kids must've been invited to over 100 parties over the years, and I'm guessing 95% have been out. I love it when the kids do get invited to home parties, because it's close, and I don't have to stay! The kids love them, too, because they are so rare.

 

[PrincessDreams2]

When I saw this thread I thought it was too funny since I am hosting my DD6 b-day at CEC this week Thursday night. I am expecting around 30 people (kids and adults). Only close friends and family, so the uninvited guest thing is not an issue for me. I did not purchase the package either; I can get more tokens and pizza using the coupons, and we made our own goodie bags at home, and I am bringing table decor and cupcakes. I will have to let you know how it turns out!

As far as your party goes, I would be nervous having it on a Sunday! But it sounds like it's a done deal! I am with the other PP; just address the invites to the invited child, but be prepared for whomever shows. I guess that is the risk you take when inviting classmates; at least family and close friends is a little more controlled. I personally wouldn't bring my other children, but everyone is different. My daughter's kindergarten teacher recently threw a Christmas pizza party AT HER HOUSE for the entire class. (31 kids!!!) Parents were welcomed to attend naturally, but I was horrified to see the several younger siblings come along, and one mom even brought along 2 "cousins" to the party as well! I don't know, I just wouldn't!

 

[JamesMom]

OP, again

Wow, who knew life was so difficult, lol.

Maybe I'll hint, hard, at the drop off idea and most of my issues will be solved. In past years, age 5 & 6 yr old parties, the parents stayed with their kids - at bowling alleys, little gym, CeC. But maybe 7 is where the cord is cut?
Yes, with e-vite - bulk invites go to email address & not specific people.
anyways would this work?

Come help James celebrate his 7th birthday.
This is an informal party - we'll be at regular tables.
Drop offs are welcomed.
Please RSVP by xxx.

This way I can avoid the whole who feeds who issue altogether?

And you guys are scaring me with the sunday thing. Hmm. I think I'll move it back to Thursday. My kids have a 7:30 bedtime so I just thought it would be too late to sugar them up. I'm inviting cub scouts who have our meetigns at 6:30pm becuase of work schedules. they probably couldn't make a 6:00p party across town.
Ugh Decisions.

I am tempted to invite two of his good frineds and head out on our own instead of all this hoopla and fuss! I have to decide quickly because his acutally birthday is Thursday and don't want to wait longer than a week or so after for the 'party'. But this latest idea of mine is looking better all the time...

 

[mjkacmom]

OP, I still think I like your first idea better - Thursday night, invite the child, if parents want to come and bring siblings they can fend for themselves. Buy a couple of extra pies if you want to be nice. I've had a 12:00 CEC party on Sunday, and it was MOBBED! I doubt you could find a place to sit and eat if you didn't have the party package (there was a 10:30 option as well, but a lot of people here would frown on hosting a party before noon on Sunday because of CCD).

You could have all these guests show up, and have no place to put them! As for parents dropping off, CEC is probably one of the few places I wouldn't - it's hard enough to watch a couple of kids, never mind a bunch.

 

[summerrluvv]

Our CEC is always SLAMMED on Sunday. As soon as Mass is over, you can't even find a table. I think it is worse than Saturday.

Ditto. I think you are crazy to do it on a Sunday. I had my son's party on a Sunday at the same time in January and it was elbow to elbow!

 

[summerrluvv]

My two cents:

If I'm required to stay at a party with my child, esp during mealtime, then I expect to have something to eat and drink. It doesn't matter if this is a CEC, TLG or a party at your house.

Wow, I would never "expect" to be fed at a child's birthday party. If they provide food, great, if not oh well. I always eat prior to.

 

[bluesaturn]

I'm 42, and my kids have had ONE home party - never again! It worked out okay for ds's April birthday, but it rained an hour after the party. I don't have a big house - I have no idea what I would've done with 10 four year old boys, plus my own kids! We always have them out, because most of my kids have winter birthdays, and want to invite more than we can actually fit.

My kids must've been invited to over 100 parties over the years, and I'm guessing 95% have been out. I love it when the kids do get invited to home parties, because it's close, and I don't have to stay! The kids love them, too, because they are so rare.

Yeah I'm much much older than your kids, and like I said our parties were always out. Usually Chuck E Cheese, but I think more cool stuff exists now.