Community Chat

[Biftu]

I am planning an 80th birthday party at a nice restaurant and I'm a bit overwhelmed.  Even though it is not until November, someone said you better reserve a room now.  I thought they were crazy until I called and the date I wanted was already booked!  Not ideal, but I was able to get the following day.  Everything is done through email.  I would rather meet with someone but guess that's how things are done now. I just nervously signed the contract.

Since many of the invited guests will be coming from out of state, how soon should I let them know so they can plan? Should I send one of those Save the Date things, and when?  Should I send them a list of hotels? 

The menu package choice is another issue but I don't have to decide that now.  I'm probably blowing this out of proportion but I never did this before and doing it by email doesn't help. Any hints would be appreciated.

[Desertdi]

I hope it's NOT a surprise party...    Some folks are kinda "touchy" about their age...     

[Biftu]

He is not touchy about his age.  Anyway those invited know how old he is, but it will not be a surprise.

[kaydee50]

Since you already know the date and November can be a busy month for many people, I don't think it's too soon to send out "save the date" notices.  I wouldn't at this point send out any other information.  That can be done with the actual invitation.  Anyway, that's how I think I would handle it. 

Good luck!

[We rescue cats]

I think I would send a save the date announcement now either via US Mail or via email, and then I would send an 'official' invitation at least 3-4 weeks before the cut off date for the restaurant, at which time the guest can let you know about meal choice.

[Janey2]

Hard to believe there was no one to talk to in person, but who knows. I hope you know what the place looks like. I would either send a save the date soon or just send the invitation in the middle of August since you have people coming from out of town. Pick one hotel in the area. Tell them you are expecting people on a certain date and they usually give you a deal on the rooms. Include a card with the invitation suggesting this hotel. Right now most invitations are sent online ( which I do not like) or you can send a printed invitation. I have recently gotten both. @Biftu 

[Sage04]

@Biftu  that's fantastic. Yes you can send out the "Save the Date" card but within at least 3 months of the party.. My nephew has a few of them stuck on his refridgerator lol.

Have you seen the venue and have they told you the amount that the room holds. About how many freinds are you inviting? Would you like them to RSVP or it does not matter? Also what age are you inviting?

I'm asking a lot of questions lol. I'm excited.

You have enough time to plan it exactly the way you would like it. Menu!! Places for the out of towners to stay, transportation, and other little stuff. Will they get to choose whether they would like fish, chicken or steak? I'm so organized that my family says I scare them. Decorations!!

Ok I'll stop for now.

[Sage04]

I believe that the "Save the Date" card should at least have the magnet stuck to the back so that it could be stuck somewhere where the person could see it daily. It's easy to forget.

[Sage04]

It would be great if the date is no where near Thansgiving.

[Mom2Dogs]

I have been helping to plan a celebration as well.  I would make food choice as soon as you can so that it can be added to the invitation, when you are ready to send them.  We used a TEXT and email address for the RSVP.

...We had to add to the invitations that if anyone needed a gluten free meal we needed to know...you might want to add that to invitation if your guests need to make a choice or if they are vegan, etc.

We are offering two meat choices which includes salad, meat, veggie and potato...we are supplying the dessert.

I was fortunate that we (friend and I) were able to meet in person with the owner of the restaurant.

Good luck, I sure the party will be a success.