This week we received 2 birthday party invitations, 1 for each of the girls. They both included the standard details (Who, What, When, Where), but in place of just a phone number they also included an email address.
I LOVE that more people are including email as an option to reply. If you are a busy parent like me, you often find that the second you get on the phone something needing your immediate attention happens. (or your 3 year old just keeps saying, “Mommy! Mom-meeeee! MOOOOOM-MEEEEEEE!”)
If you don’t have kids, I’m sure it’s just as hard to find time to make a phone call. Sending a text or email is SO much easier these days. I imagine some people could use twitter as well, but I’m sure this mainly works for younger or more tech savvy folks.
When I planned my 11 year old’s birthday party I used e-mail. In the past we have used and received invites from E-Vite as well.
I prefer not to send physical invitations for several reasons:
1) Cost Invitations can be quite expensive, add in stamps and you could be spending $10+ depending on how big your event is. That may not seem like a lot, but with 4 kids that is $40. I would rather spend it on party food, or gifts!
2) Save a Tree! Buying recycled is one way to avoid this, but then they cost more…
3) Losing an paper is easier than losing an email. Maybe this is just me, but I loathe paperwork, and paper often makes for clutter in most people’s homes. Having one less thing to look at on the fridge/bulletin board makes me feel more sane.
Next time you plan an event or party include an email address. I would bet that half or more of your responses come in the form of a return email.
Kelly
