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Invitation wording · Birthday party

Birthday invitation wording

Adult birthday invitations range from a quick "drinks Friday?" to a milestone dinner people plan travel around. The wording should match the size of the ask. Say who's celebrating, what kind of night it is, and what it'll cost guests if they're paying their own way.

Start with this wordingSee all 7 examples

10 free texts to try it · No app for guests · No credit card

Maya
Text message · via Text My Event
Hi Jordan! I'm turning 34 and celebrating with dinner at Lucia's on 5th on Sat, May 16 at 7:30. I'd love to have you there. Let me know by Wednesday so I can update the reservation: rsvp.example/maya
In! Can I bring Sam?
Jordan sees a private text from Maya. Replies come back to the host's inbox, not to other guests.

7 examples to copy or edit

Words in braces, like {First name} or {RSVP link}, fill in for each guest when you send from Text My Event. Sending from your own phone? Replace them first.

Dinner with friends

193 chars

Hi {First name}! I'm turning 34 and celebrating with dinner at {Venue} on {Event date} at 7:30. I'd love to have you there. Let me know by Wednesday so I can update the reservation: {RSVP link}

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Milestone 40th

181 chars

{First name}, Marcus is turning 40 and we're throwing him a proper party: {Event date}, 8pm at {Venue}. Live music, food, and an open bar until 10. Please RSVP by Oct 1: {RSVP link}

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Bar night, pay your own way

191 chars

Birthday drinks! 🍻 Come out for my 29th on {Event date} at {Venue}, from 9pm. No gifts, just come hang. Rounds are on everyone, first one's on me. RSVP so I know who to look for: {RSVP link}

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Weekend trip

189 chars

Hi {First name}! For my 30th I'm renting a cabin near Lake Tahoe, Friday–Sunday {Event date}. Split comes to about $180 a person. Can you come? I need numbers by July 1 to book: {RSVP link}

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Low-key at home

154 chars

Hey {First name}, small birthday thing at my place on {Event date}, 6pm. Tacos, cake, and board games. Bring whoever you live with. RSVP here: {RSVP link}

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Formal 50th

178 chars

You are warmly invited to celebrate Linda's 50th birthday on {Event date} at 6:30pm, {Venue}. Cocktail attire. Dinner will be served at 7:30. Kindly reply by Sept 15: {RSVP link}

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Birthday brunch

180 chars

{First name}! Birthday brunch for Tasha on {Event date} at 11am at {Venue}. Bottomless mimosas are $24 each, food is separate. RSVP by Thursday so we get the big table: {RSVP link}

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What to include

  • Whose birthday it is (and the milestone, if it's one they want mentioned)
  • Date, start time, and venue address
  • What kind of event it is: dinner, bar, at-home, or a trip
  • Cost to guests, if they're paying for their own food, drinks, or share of a rental
  • RSVP deadline and link
  • Plus-ones and dress code, when they matter
  • Gift guidance, if you want to say none

When to send

  1. 3–4 weeks before

    For dinners and parties. Restaurants want a firm count a few days ahead.

  2. 6–8 weeks before

    For trips and destination birthdays, so guests can book time off and travel.

  3. 1 week before

    Nudge anyone who hasn't answered and confirm the reservation size.

  4. Day of

    Send the table name or where you'll be standing at a busy bar.

Tips for getting it right

  • If guests pay their own way, say so up front. Surprises on the bill are the most common birthday complaint.
  • "No gifts" is fine to include. Put it near the end so it reads as a kindness, not a rule.
  • For a milestone birthday, check with the guest of honor before announcing their age.
  • Name the reservation or the table so late arrivals can find you without texting.
Free toolEvent invitation text generatorAnswer a few questions about your event and get invitation wording to edit.Send it by textBirthday party text invitationsHow Text My Event sends this to every guest individually.

Birthday party questions, answered

How do you word a birthday invitation when guests pay for themselves?

Say it directly and kindly: "Dinner is pay-your-own-way" or "Split will be about $40." Guests prefer knowing before they commit.

Is it rude to invite people to your own birthday?

No. Hosting your own birthday is common for adults. Keep the wording about getting together rather than about gifts.

How far ahead should I send a birthday invitation?

Three to four weeks for a party or dinner. Six to eight weeks if people need to travel or book time off.

Do my guests need to download an app?

No. Guests get a normal text message on the phone they already use and reply the same way. Nothing to install and no account to create.

How do guests RSVP?

Add your RSVP link to any text. Guests tap it, answer on a short form with no login, and their response is added to your headcount. Anything they text back instead lands in your replies inbox.

How are texts counted?

One message to one guest is one text, however long it is. A message to 50 guests uses 50 texts, with or without emoji or links. Texts that fail to deliver don't count.

Related wording and guides

Reviewed November 2, 2026 by Text My Event team.