What to write on a circus birthday invitation

The card already reads “You’re invited to a Circus Party!” and has blanks for For, Date, Time, Where and RSVP. For the back of the card, the text you send with it or a digital invite, here are three ways to word it — swap in the bracketed details. Nothing special to wear — but mention the midway games, so guests know there are prizes to win.

Classic

Step right up!
[Name] is turning [age] — join us for a circus party under the big top.
[date], [time] to [end time]
[address]
Popcorn, ring toss and a prize for every guest.
RSVP to [your name] at [phone] by [RSVP date]

Playful

The ringmaster requests your presence!
[Name] turns [age] — one day only, center ring.
[date] · [time] to [end time] · [address]
Clowning around strongly encouraged.
RSVP by [RSVP date]: text [phone]

Drop-off or at a venue

Carnival day for [Name]
[Name] is [age]! Drop off at [venue name], [address]
[date], [time]; pickup at [end time]
Games, popcorn and a prize at every booth.
RSVP to [your name] by [RSVP date] — call or text [phone]

Planning the whole circus party? See the games, food and decor ideas that go with it.

When to send it, and how

When to send them
2–6 weeks before the party. Two weeks is the floor for a casual party at home (L.A. Parent; PBS KIDS for Parents says 2–3 weeks). Paperless Post suggests a month, Evite says most parents send 4–6 weeks out, and for a party at a venue Paperless Post advises at least six weeks.
The RSVP date
At least five days before. Ask for replies at least five days before the party, and sooner if a venue needs a final head count (L.A. Parent). Two or three days out, call or text anyone who hasn’t answered (PBS KIDS for Parents).
Printing it
Half-letter or 5×7. The card is a 3:4 portrait (1,200 × 1,600 pixels). Print it half-letter, two to a US Letter sheet cut down the middle: each half is 5½ × 8½ inches, the card fills about 5½ × 7⅓, and it fits an A9 envelope. Or print one on 5×7 cardstock, where it fills about 5 × 6⅔ inches with a slim border and slips into an A7 envelope.

Class-list etiquette, how many to invite and what every invitation needs

Sources: L.A. Parent, PBS KIDS for Parents, Paperless Post, Evite, Emily Post Institute, Girl Scouts of the USA, Wikipedia, Shutterfly. Card sizes are measured from the printable itself.

Frequently asked questions

What should a circus birthday invitation say?
Open with a line that sets the scene — “The ringmaster requests your presence!” — then give the essentials: your child’s name and age, the date, a start and an end time, the full address, and who to RSVP to by when. The printable already reads “You’re invited to a Circus Party!” across the top, with blanks for For, Date, Time, Where and RSVP, so a longer message fits on the back of the card or in the text you send with it.
When should I send circus party invitations?
2–6 weeks before the party. Two weeks is the floor for a casual party at home (L.A. Parent; PBS KIDS for Parents says 2–3 weeks). Paperless Post suggests a month, Evite says most parents send 4–6 weeks out, and for a party at a venue Paperless Post advises at least six weeks. Set the RSVP date at least five days before the party (L.A. Parent).
What should guests wear or bring to a circus party?
Nothing special to wear — but mention the midway games, so guests know there are prizes to win. Naming the theme on the invitation tells families how to dress and what to bring (L.A. Parent). If it’s a drop-off party, say so plainly — “drop-off preferred” is the polite way to put it.
Can I send the circus invitation by text?
Yes. The circus invitation downloads as a picture, so it drops straight into a group text or an email — the same channels Paperless Post and Evite use for digital invitations. Type the date, time and address into the message too, so parents can copy them into a calendar. If you’re not inviting the whole class, send it to each family directly rather than posting it in the class-parent chat (Emily Post Institute; Girl Scouts of the USA).
What size should I print the circus invitation?
Half-letter or 5×7. The card is a 3:4 portrait (1,200 × 1,600 pixels). Print it half-letter, two to a US Letter sheet cut down the middle: each half is 5½ × 8½ inches, the card fills about 5½ × 7⅓, and it fits an A9 envelope. Or print one on 5×7 cardstock, where it fills about 5 × 6⅔ inches with a slim border and slips into an A7 envelope. Ordinary printer paper works; cardstock holds up better in a backpack.