AboutPatty Sachs Expertise Anything about planning parties for weddings, showers, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations,retirements, bar/bat mitzvahs, business promotions, fund raisers, and civic events. If I cannot answer I will direct you to the answer.
I am not an expert in children or teen parties. There are hundreds of sites that specialize in that information if you google "kids parties" you will find an amazing amount of bright ideas. We do have a page on our site that leads to al the different kid's party themes, however. http://www.partyplansplus.com/themes.htm
Not for those seeking information about party/event planning as a career. That information is found on the internet under "event planning careers" or at our site www.partyplansplus.com/started.htm
Experience My complete bio is at http://www.pattysachs.com/bio.html
Question Is it appropriate to write on a 40th birthday invitation to bring a gift? If so, what wording should be used?
Answer Dear Cy:
According to the top experts in etiquette you should never mention gifts on an invitation other than a shower invite. Most people do bring gifts, but it is said that an invitation is not an "invoice"...so a gift is not required--even for a wedding. Many guests would be very offended if you required a gift at a birthday party.
In other words, you accept all gifts graciously as a plus, but when not receiving a gift it is not a minus...just status quo.
They also say it is not polite to say "No gifts, please"...like I said, no mention of gifts on the invitation is the only proper way.
Just send you invitation and let things take the natural course.
I hope this has been helpful. I give you credit for wanting to do the right thing.
