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Keeping a Balance Between Discretion and Humor in Choosing Birthday Invitation Wording

Birthday invitation wording is as important as the art design. These words express what the celebrant means to his guests and can even be about what the celebrant himself feels about his guests. In some cases, words in invitations are merely to tell guests where and when the birthday celebration will take place.

Regardless of the function by which birthday invitation wording is used, there are certain protocols that should be followed in composing them.

Humor in words
If you want to use humor in your invitation words, make sure that it is funny and not offensive. The problem with humor is that we all have a different interpretation of it; what could be humorous to one, can be silly or offensive to another. Should you decide to be humorous, make sure that you know the celebrant very well. The best thing to do is not to use whatever humorous words you've thought of directly to the person celebrating the birthday, but rather, make it a general joke that everyone else can appreciate.

Poems and verses
For a more serious type of invitation, poems, rhymes and verses are often used to describe the celebrant. This is a very touching way to pay tribute to the birthday girl or boy and if you are good at it can bring much joy to the person concerned. It doesn't need to be your own composition (although it is much better if it is), you can lift phrases or stanzas from songs and poems or even from books that best describe what you love about the person celebrating his or her birthday. Just remember to focus on the good things and not use the words to criticize or express whatever hidden negative feelings you have for the celebrant.

Informative words
Sometimes, words in birthday invitations are as basic as providing information. The where, the when and the how of the party constitute such invitation wording. If the party has a theme, instructions on what to wear and even how to find the venue are often included. The key is to be as precise and as brief as possible. If info about the party is all you want to reveal, don't be too wordy about it or the information will get lost in all the excessive expressions. Leave your sentiments for another day or for another occasion.

Birthday invitation wording varies in tone, format, purpose and phrasing. Whatever form you've chosen, make sure that you keep a balance between discretion and purpose.