Siblings at Birthday Parties is always going to be a challenge and a difficult (sometimes awkward subject) to broach. Well let me start by saying I am one of four children with two years between each of us. When we were growing up I remember saying to my mum “Mum we don’t get invited to a lot of weddings or parties”, It is only now as an adult that I understand the reasons behind (or what I like to think are the reasons behind) the lack of invitations.

Parties are stressful events, there is the venue to sort, the invitations, the food, the entertainment, party bags, cake – I could go on, but what is even more stressful is if you design all of the above for a certain number and then someone turns up with three extra from their house all ready to join in.

Here are my top five tips to avoid the awkwardness of siblings and the birthday party.

 

Siblings at Birthday Parties

Tip One

• Be clear on the invitations – ensure you state that you have a set number you have to adhere to for the party and don’t be afraid to put “only” or “just class friends” or even “no siblings”. If you are concerned about this you can always put an option of “If you brothers or sisters will be present please do bring them a snack and they are welcome to join us at the party table”. Also check with your entertainment companies policy on additional children- we for instance cater for 30 in each package so are always more than happy to include siblings if we are under 30 children.

Tip Two

• People will not be offended if siblings aren’t invited they will have their own parties and parents are probably glad of the break sometimes – so don’t feel guilty. Also don’t worry about providing party bags for siblings unless they are invited.

Tip Three

• If they are close friends or family friends make the invite out to all of them, state everyone who you would like to invite to the party, that way confusion can be avoided.

Tip Four

• Keep party numbers smaller. Parents are less likely to bring additional children if there are under 20 children invited however over 20 children people don’t tend to think it matters as much.

Tip Five

• If there are little siblings there (under two’s) make a separate area in the party room or a seperate table space for these little ones to keep them separate from the big ones – state this on the invitation along with “If you wish to bring toys along”. This way parents can bring snacks and toys for very little ones without you having to include them in the party numbers.

Always remember to not feel guilty and likewise if you are a parent with lots of little ones, like my mum, make it clear to the party parent that you don’t expect them to be invited and that it is no problem!

Tags: Advice, Birthday Parties, Siblings