Living for half of a century is certainly a cause for celebration, that’s why 50th birthday parties are such a big deal! If you are throwing a big birthday bash for your loved one or friend, it’s certainly understandable if you are a little worried about all of the small details—the biggest of which is the 50th birthday party invitation.
On this page, you will find a guide to the etiquette you should use for 50th birthday party invitations, 50th birthday invitation wording, and examples of different styles of 50th birthday invitations you can send!
Etiquette for 50th Birthday Invitations
Before you decide on what type of 50th birthday party invitations you should send, it is important to have a good idea of the etiquette that should be followed. Check out these suggestions on who you should invite, and when to send out the 50th birthday party invitations to start your party planning off on the right foot!
Who should be invited to a 50th Birthday Party?
One of the biggest dilemmas that every party thrower faces is who to invite to the party, and a 50th birthday party is no different. Typically, a big birthday means a BIG party, so a big guest list is perfectly acceptable. We suggest starting with close friends and family but feel free to expand that list to include neighbors and coworkers of the guest of honor as well.
When should the birthday party invites be sent out?
Typically invitations to a party should be sent out 3-6 weeks before the event, which holds true for 50th birthday party invitations as well. If you are sending an online invitation, the primary invitation can be sent six weeks before the event with a follow-up reminder one or two weeks before the big day. However, if you are using traditional hard copy custom invitations, be sure to allow enough time for order processing and shipping so you are not cutting it too close!
50th Birthday Invitation Basics
When creating a custom 50th birthday party invitation, there are some basic requirements that must be accounted for. After all, you wouldn’t want a guest to show up with a card for the wrong person..right?
Follow this list to make sure all of your important bases are covered.
NAME OF THE BIRTHDAY CELEBRANT
The biggest and boldest print on your invitation should be the name of the guest of honor. Without this important detail, your guests won’t know who the party is for.
DATE(S)
Unfortunately, not every birthday party can be thrown on the celebrant’s exact birthday. Therefore, you must include a date on your 50th birthday party invitation! To make sure your guests don’t arrive on a wrong day, include the day of the week, month, and date in this section.
TIME
Whether your party is an open house or a sit-down dinner, your guests need to know what time to arrive, and how long they should plan on being at the party. So, to help them out, including a time range or exact time with the schedule of events below the date on the invitation.
VENUE/ LOCATION/ ADDRESS
The venue of the party is one of the most exciting details, that coupled with the fact that guests need to know where to go is why it should be included on your 50th birthday party invitation. Just remember, if you are hosting your party at a large venue or restaurant, be sure to include any details on specific room number or location in the building your guests should look for.
HOST/RSVP
Let the guests of your 50th birthday party know who they should direct their questions and RSVP to. Include the name, phone number, and email address of the host or rsvp to cover everyone’s preferred method of communication.
PARTY THEME*
Not every party has a theme, but if it does you should let your guests know about it. Some party planners desire guests to wear special attire, so if that is you be sure to add those details to your invitation.
*Optional Information to Include
50th Birthday Party Invitations – The Do’s & Don’ts
Creating a great 50th birthday party invitation doesn’t have to be difficult! However, you don’t want to commit a total invitation faux pas. So, before you take your invitations to the post office, check out this list of dos and don’ts!
DO Coordinate your 50th birthday invites to the party theme. Think Color Scheme at the very minimum.
DO spell your guests’ names correctly!
DO Include all the important & necessary basic info (see 50th Birthday Invitation Basics above).
DON’T Mention gifts, unless only to say, “No Gifts Needed”. Gift registries and anything that gives the appearance of asking for gifts isn’t appropriate for a 50th Birthday Party.
DO Proofread your 50th Birthday Invitations before they are sent. Misprinting the date and not realizing it until people started showing up on your doorstep on a wrong day, would be a party planning catastrophe! You feel us? Lol
DO Send out the invitations at least 4 weeks in advance for an informal 50th Birthday Celebration or 8 weeks in advance if you are hosting a more formal affair.
DON’T Plan your party on a Holiday or Long Weekend, as it may affect attendance numbers.
DO Use engaging language and have fun with your 50th Birthday Party Invitations – Remember, you want each and every invited guest to want to be at this milestone event!
Example Wording for 50th Birthday Invites
A funny rhyme, a quirky saying, just the details—there are a million ways you can word an invitation. However, the most important thing is that the wording fits your guest and your party. Choose words that go along with your theme, make it casual, or sophisticated. No matter your preference, we have a few examples for 50th birthday invitation wording that will get your creative juices flowing!
Wording for Simple & Classic 50th Birthday Invitations
You can’t go wrong with a simple and classic 50th birthday invitation. Include the name of the celebrant, date, time and location and you are good to go! No need for extra fuss or rhyme, a classic invitation is just fine!
Wording Ideas for an Elegant 50th Birthday Party
Some 50th birthday parties are an extra special, elegant occasion. In this case, you need wording that is slightly more sophisticated. For an elegant invitation use proper wording and make sure to check all of your grammar! After all, you can’t be fancy with a missing comma!
50th Birthday Party Invitation Wording for a Brunch
Brunch is the perfect way to celebrate a big occasion. Get everyone to the right place at the right time with a simple, attractive invitation. Be sure to let your guests know there will be plenty of food and drinks to go around!
Wording Examples for a 50th Birthday BBQ
Birthday BBQs are the perfect solution to a laid-back celebration with friends and family. Therefore, the invitations should let them know just how much fun they will be having! Tell your guests about the food, games, and good time expected to be had!
More Wording Examples for 50th Birthday Invitations
Of course, there are a million ways you can word a 50th birthday party invitation. But, always be sure to include the important details! Check out these additional samples if none of the samples above fit your fancy.
Hard Copy vs. Electronic 50th Birthday Invitations
Sure, technology has made it easy for us to lean on social media and electronic invitations for our parties. But, is that always the best way? If you are planning a 50th birthday party, you need to think about a few things before you make your choice. Because online invites are so popular if you want to make an impression hard copy is the way to go. However, if you are running short on time or funds, then an electronic invite is probably better. Always consider the age of your audience and your guest of honor. And, if in doubt, go with what you think your birthday guy or gal would like best!
Ideas for Hard Copy 50th Birthday Invitations
Hard copy invitations can be unique and memorable if they are done correctly. Print custom copies from an online source or order them from a graphic designer. No matter the style of your party or invitations, everyone loves receiving mail! So, get those stamps ready and check the location of your nearest post office before reading these ideas!
Handwritten Invitation
A handwritten 50th birthday party invitation is personal and memorable. Take a calligraphy class or hire someone to write them to look extra special!
Computer Printout Invitation
Make your invitations on the computer and you can pick from any design you can imagine. Simple and quick, this solution is a feasible option for nearly everyone.
DIY Invitations
If you have a creative edge and some extra time DIY invitations add an extra element of fun! DIY invites are easy to match to the theme and add an extra personal touch to the party! Visit our Pinterest Board for great Ideas!
Generic Store Bought Invitation – Can be found at Dollar Store or Party Supply Store
Perhaps you aren’t creative or don’t have a lot of time. There’s nothing wrong with generic invitations from the store. These clearly laid out templates will ensure you don’t miss any details!
Custom Invitation – You can find great vendors on Etsy!
Have a very specific look you are going for? Hire someone to create the 50th birthday invite of your dreams! Find a vendor online or hire one of your talented friends. Everyone will be impressed.
Online & Electronic 50th Birthday Invitations
Does your 50th birthday honoree have a lot of tech-savvy friends? If so, choosing an online invitation or evite is perfectly acceptable! Easy and painless to put together these invites are fun for everyone! Just choose one of these sites and gather all the details…don’t forget the email addresses!
Evite
On Evite you can design your own 50th birthday party invitation. Choose a pre-styled theme that matches your party or put together one of your own. Simple and fun you will love using this site.
Minted
A site all about design and creating the perfect appearance, Minted is great for the detail oriented! Have a specific look in mind? They probably have an invite to match!
PunchBowl
Easy to edit on the desktop or your phone, PunchBowl has simple, fun invites for every occasion. Choose this site to meet all of your 50th birthday invite needs no matter the theme.
Paperless Post
One of a kind, online designs, that’s what you will find at Paperless Post. Simple and beautiful these invites will impress any guest!
SmileBox
Have a picture you want to put in your 50th birthday invitation? Look no further than SmileBox! East to customize and upload files to, this site can be used by anyone!
Sound the Party Horns!
Now that you know all about sending the best 50th birthday invitations, it’s time to get down to business. This is the first step of your party planning process, so don’t delay! Send those invites out today!pin these 50th birthday invitations for later!
