what time for bday party

[snoopy5386]

We are getting ready to send out the invites for my DD's 3rd bday party. We are having it at our home and relatives will travel between 2-4 hours to get here. Some will stay overnight and for some it will be a day trip. The only other kid will be a 10 month old who will be coming from 2 hours away. Otherwise all adults. DD still naps most days but I'll let her skip this day. It will be on a Saturday. What time should we have the party?
1 pm - 4 pm?
2 pm-5pm?
3 pm - 6pm?
Other times?
Is there a way to word the invite so people know they are invited to come earlier and leave later if they'd like, but the "main" party activities (meal, cake presents) will be from xx-xx time?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Is most of the attendee's family?

The time I prefer is after lunch and before dinner as then you don't have an obligation to feed a large crowd but if most of your guests are coming for an overnight stay then I would choose 2-5

in the invite you could put that you are celebrating your child's birthday, please Join us on x day. Party activities are between 2-5 and we welcome you to arrive early and leave late if you like.

This way they all arrive on time and know you want them to stay longer if they wish.

 

[michael's mom]

We did DS's birthday closer to dinner time because it was all family. I ordered a whole bunch of pizzas and that was dinner for the night. I think if you have people traveling that far/long, you should do it late enough that they have time to get there, and early enough that they don't get home too late. Maybe the 2-5, 3-6?

 

[powellrj]

I think if people are driving 4 hours for a childs party, you should feed them both when they get there and before they leave.

I would vote for the 1-4. Feed them lunch when they get there and maybe light snacks before they leave.

 

[ajk912]

I think if people are driving 4 hours for a childs party, you should feed them both when they get there and before they leave.

I would vote for the 1-4. Feed them lunch when they get there and maybe light snacks before they leave.

I agree.

 

[mjkacmom]

This could be totally regional, but, for family parties, we don't do an end time. The meal (and there is always a meal) is usually served within 2 hours of start time (and snacks are on hand, hot and cold, before the meal). I can't imagine people driving 4 hours for a party, and then expecting them to leave after 3 hours. For kids parties, yes, there is always a start and end time.

 

[snoopy5386]

I totally plan on feeding everyone a meal. The timing is awkward so I'm not sure when or what to serve. Most of the folks are older so I think I am going to go with a 1 pm start time. Serve lunch at 1:30 and then everyone can still drive home in the daylight as opposed to in the dark.