Pay for Yourself Invitation Wording

We had my son's first birthday party at the lake. I rented out a pavillion, but there was still a fee per car to enter the park. I don't know if it was PC or not, but I just put a small footnote on the invite (they were the print it yourself kind, not the fill in the blank) the amount per car. It was our family and close friends, so I knew they wouldn't care if it was "proper etiquette" or not. We had already paid for all the food, the pavillion fee, and decorations, so we didn't have the money to pay for everyone's vehicles. They all understood and were just happy to be part of my son's big day!

I don't think you can do it politely.

Your daughter is only 2. So just invite her and 2 friends and pick them up and take them yourself. If she has lots of friends, just tell them you opted out of the big party thing this year and just decided to keep it easy for you to handle and enjoy.

OR if you must let everyone know you're going there to celebrate, then say exactly that..... "We are taking ___ and two of her friends to Life's a Beach to celebrate. Feel free to drop by and wish her a happy b-day."

Then if someone calls (and I wouldn't put RSVP on there, becuase that implies you've invited them) explain that you reserved a table for 6 and that everyone is on their own but you'd be glad to see them that the restaurant is a fun place and the food is reasonably priced.

Great responses that I didn't think of. But one I did think of is say something like "in lieu of gifts there will be a park entrance fee." But I think most people will know it costs and it shouldn't be a big deal if it is not too expensive. The carpool idea is good too.

You could say, "Join us for cake and fun in the sand. We will provide snacks but will not a meal."

FYI, I heard that there was a problem with sand mites at Life's a Beach. Be careful, I don't want your daughter and her friends to have an itchy party. : )