How do you text a birthday invitation?

Sending birthday invitations via text message has become increasingly popular in recent years. Texting an invite is quick, easy, and ensures your guests receive the information right away. However, there are some best practices to follow when texting a birthday invitation to make sure it is polite, clear, and successful.

Should you text a birthday invitation?

Texting a birthday invitation can be appropriate in many situations. Here are some of the benefits of using text messages for party invites:

It’s fast and convenient. Your guests will get the message right away.

It’s casual. For informal parties with close friends, a text invite sets the relaxed tone.
It’s easy to manage. You can easily track who has responded just by looking through your messages.
It’s inexpensive. There are no paper supplies or postage costs like mailed invites.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Make sure your guests are texters. Avoid older guests or those you know don’t use texting regularly.
It may seem impersonal for big, formal parties. Printed invites may be better for milestone birthdays.

Texts get lost. Follow up to make sure your guest received the text invite.

Overall, for casual parties with close friends who are frequent texters, sending the birthday invitation info via text is perfectly acceptable!

How to format a text birthday invitation

When texting a birthday party invitation, follow these formatting tips:

Put the important info upfront. Lead with the key details – the name of the birthday person, date, time, location. Get right to the point.
Follow a template. Use a structure like “You’re invited to [Name]’s birthday party on [Date] at [Time] at [Location].” This makes it clear it’s an invite.
Add some personality. While you want to be clear, don’t be afraid to let the birthday person’s personality shine through with fun wording or emojis.

Give context if needed. If it’s not obvious whose birthday it is or other details, provide a bit of explanatory context.
Highlight important info. Bold or underline key details like dates and locations so they are easy to find.
Use exclamation points. Sprinkle in exclamation points to add enthusiasm, but don’t overdo it.

Ask for a response. Close with a call for the guest to RSVP or let you know if they can make it.

Following a template and drawing attention to the key details will make sure your text birthday invite is easy to parse and understand.

What to include in a text birthday invite

A birthday party text invite should include these key details:

Name of the birthday person
Date of the party (include day of week and date)
Time of the party (include start and end times)

Location of the party (with address if needed)
Any other key info like dress code, theme, etc.
A request to RSVP

Your name as the sender

Optional extras you may want to include:

A note if gifts are discouraged or the party is adults only

Parking or transit info if the location has limited parking
A link to an online invitation with more details
Instructions to notify you of any food restrictions or allergies

However, keep in mind that with text invites brevity is best. Keep to the basics so your message doesn’t become a dense block of text.

Birthday Text Invite Wording Examples

Here are some text message wording examples for casual or formal birthday invites:

Casual:

Hey friends! Let’s celebrate [Name]’s 30th birthday this Saturday, March 14 at 8pm at Sam’s Bar. Text me if you can make it!
[Name] is turning 21 on Friday! Party at my place at 8pm. Bring your dancin’ shoes 🙂 Let me know if you’re coming!
It’s birthday time! [Name]’s party is March 16 at 7pm at Pinball Palace. Bowling, arcade games, and pizza…you know you wanna come!

Formal:

You are cordially invited to celebrate Susan’s 50th birthday on Saturday April 4 at 6:30pm at Luigi’s Restaurant. Please RSVP to 555-1234 by March 28. Hors d’oeuvres and cake will be served.
Join us for Maria’s 40th birthday gala on Friday, May 15 at 8pm at Magnolia Manor. Cocktail attire required. Please respond to confirm your attendance by April 30.

You are invited to Zachary’s 30th Masquerade Ball on June 6 at 7pm at the Parseville Hotel. Costumes encouraged! Kindly respond with your attendance status by May 15.

Tailor the wording to the formality of the event, but remember – a text invite by nature is more casual. A printed invite may be better for very formal parties.

When to send the text birthday invitation

Timing is important when sending out your text birthday invites. Here are some guidelines on when to send:

Casual parties – 1-2 weeks before the party
Formal parties – 3-6 weeks before the party
Major milestone birthdays – 8 weeks before the party

Destinations parties – 3-5 months before the party

The more formal the event, the earlier you’ll want to give guests a heads up to save the date. For casual gatherings with close friends, 1-2 weeks is plenty of notice.

If possible, avoid sending the text invite invitation less than 1 week out – guests likely won’t be able to adjust their plans last minute. And send destination party invites as far in advance as you can to give ample travel planning time.

How to politely request an RSVP

It’s important to request an RSVP in your birthday text invite so you get a headcount for the party. Here are some polite ways to prompt guests to respond:

Can you make it? Let me know!
Hope to see you there! Just text me yes or no.

Please RSVP by [date] so I can finalize plans.
Text me to confirm you’re coming – hope you can make it!
Respond with your attendance status at your earliest convenience.

Avoid demanding RSVPs – keep it casual and conversational. And always include a specific and early RSVP due date so guests don’t delay responding.

Text Reminders and Follow Up

To make sure you get responses from all your guests, do a gentle reminder text a few days before the RSVP deadline. And if the deadline passes with no word from a guest, follow up asking if they got your invite.

Some polite reminder text examples:

Hi friends! Just a reminder to RSVP for [Name]’s party by Friday if you haven’t already.
Wanted to ping you about [Name]’s birthday this Saturday – let me know if you can make it! Looking forward to celebrating.
Hey! Checking if you got my text about [Name]’s party. Let me know if you can come, need to finalize numbers!

Following up shows guests you really want them there rather than just assuming they’re coming. It gives them another chance to respond.

Tips for Texting a Group Invite

If you’re texting a group of friends, follow these tips:

Use a group text – Text everyone at once rather than individual texts to save time.

Customize each text – Personalize each text by addressing the recipient’s name.
Give instructions – Note if replies should be sent to you individually rather than replying to the group.
Check responses – Keep track of who has and hasn’t replied to your group message.

Follow up individually – If needed, text people separately if they haven’t responded to the group.

A group text is an easy way to get the invites out but may need individual follow up to get complete responses.

What to Do if Someone Can’t Attend

Even with proper notice, some guests inevitably won’t be able to attend. If someone declines your text invite, here are some gracious replies:

Thanks for letting me know, and sorry you can’t make it!
No problem, we’ll miss seeing you. Hope we can celebrate another time.
I understand, hope we can catch up soon under better circumstances.

We’ll be sad not to have you there, but I hope you enjoy your other plans.

Be understanding rather than upset. Thank them for responding promptly, and convey that you look forward to seeing them again soon.

Birthday Text Invitation Etiquette

While texting a party invite is more casual than a printed invite, you should still follow proper etiquette. Here are some top tips:

Proofread for typos – Reread your text to fix any errors before sending.
Don’t use emojis excessively – They’re fun but don’t overdo it.
Personalize each text – Even in a group message, address each recipient individually.

Be prompt with reminders – Don’t let RSVP deadlines pass without following up.
Reply graciously to declines – Be understanding if someone can’t attend.
Confirm attendance – Follow up with a thank you text once someone RSVPs yes.

With proper spelling, good manners, and attention to detail, your text birthday invite will make a great impression!

Conclusion

Texting a birthday party invitation can be a convenient, eco-friendly way to get the word out. With a structured template that highlights key details, fun and friendly wording, and polite follow up, your text invite is sure to get responses. Use proper etiquette, give guests ample notice to respond, and your birthday text invitations will be a success!