With the school year back in full swing, and classmates having birthday parties again, I’ve been thinking lately about birthday party etiquette. There’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all way of doing things, but I feel like there are some general criteria we can all abide by. Here are 4 things you should know about birthday party etiquette.
1. Eat the food.
Seriously. I can assure you that whoever planned the birthday party put way more thought than necessary into what food, snacks, and cake/cupcakes they were going to serve. They spent money on it. They want you to eat it otherwise it’s going to waste. It’s LITERALLY there for you to eat. If you’re heading to a birthday party, go hungry. Or at least go willing to have a snack so that the party planner isn’t left with a bunch of leftovers your children have likely fingered with their germy hands and aren’t worth salvaging.
2. Take a party favor!
Again, whoever spent their time and hard earned money planning the birthday party likely also neatly packaged party favors for each child who attended the party. The parents spend the entire party greeting other parents, making sure everyone has what they need, and keeping children safe. The last thing on their mind is to remember to give you a party favor. If you are leaving the party and there are party favors, grab one. They are LITERALLY there for your kids. If you don’t feel comfortable just snagging one, at least grab the mom’s attention and let her know you’re leaving and kindly gesture to the favor stash to make sure it’s alright to grab one. I can assure you she will appreciate the reminder because doesn’t want 15 extra kazoos and lollipops in her home.
3. If you’re bringing a sibling, check with the party planning parent first.
Personally, if I know someone has a sibling, I’m likely just going to assume that sibling is also coming to the party and I plan accordingly. However, it’s common decency to give the parent planning the party a heads up at least if you’ll have extra mouths with you and extra hands who will want party favors.
4. RSVP
FOR THE LOVE. (And I’m speaking to myself here, because I’m terrible at remembering) Please let the parent planning the party know whether you will be there or not. It’s a lot of extra effort and again, money, not knowing exactly how many snacks, cupcakes and party favors you need. I know everyone is busy and we all forget things sometimes, but please, please try to remember to RSVP one way or the other to the party.
And all the party planners said AMEN. What did I leave off of this list??
