Birthday Party Myths: Busted!

Are you planning a birthday party or thinking about it?  While you're deciding on the details for the celebration, take a look at these popular misconceptions about birthday parties.  Here are some of the top birthday party myths and the truth behind them.

MYTH: If you add RSVP to your birthday invitations, you'll soon know exactly how many people will be coming to the party.

THE TRUTH: Many people won't bother to let you know. Maybe they don't know what RSVP actually means, or they think they only have to let you know if they will NOT be attending.  Sometimes people just get busy and forget.  You can try to add something more specific like, "please respond with either an acceptance or regret".  It may help if you add that they should let you know by a specific date.  But no matter what you do, be prepared to make some phone calls to those who haven't responded, if you need an accurate head count.

MYTH: Everyone likes surprise parties.

THE TRUTH: Some people loved to be surprised by a party in their honor. But, it might trigger a panic attack in another.  Don't assume your guest of honor will be thrilled by an unexpected party, unless you know that person very well.   Do they enjoy being the center of attention?  Or is he or she the type that would shrink underneath the table at a restaurant if a group of waiters marched over singing "happy birthday"?  If you think there's a possibility the birthday guy or girl might feel ambushed instead of flattered, you can still plan a party.  Just make sure you plan it with them.

MYTH: "Over the Hill" is a good theme for a party.

THE TRUTH: Sure, it's fun to joke with someone about their age.  And they may even seem to appreciate it.  But many people are sensitive about milestone birthdays, even if they don't show it on the surface.  It's a rare individual who doesn't ever experience anxiety over aging.  Instead of teasing the guest of honor about getting old, you can still highlight their milestone with a year you were born theme. Or have a retro party with music and decorations that reflect the years of his or her youth.

MYTH: Birthday party favors are just for kid's parties.

THE TRUTH: Everyone loves a fun giveaway at the end of the party (even grown-ups).  It's a great way to thank your guests for sharing the celebration.  Send them home with something inexpensive, thoughtful and useful.  Personalized party favors can even include a message. Though, of course, they're not necessary for a successful party, favors can be that little extra touch that tops off the celebration.

MYTH: If you want to put your guests in a party mood, add lots of confetti inside the invitations.

THE TRUTH: This may sound like a festive idea, and lots of people do it, but please don't be one of them.  Just picture it.  Your potential guest opens the envelope, pulls out the invitation and unexpectedly, a bunch of confetti spills out all over everything.  Instead of putting them in the party mood, they now have to scramble for the vacuum to clean up all the tiny little pieces of shiny mylar before the dog snacks on them.

MYTH: The more you spend, the better the party.

THE TRUTH: Just about everyone can remember a great party that was thrown together at the last minute.  Drinks were served in plastic cups and food wasn't much more than chips with dip.  But what made that party memorable were the people.  Of course, good food, lovely atmosphere and fantastic music can all add to the party.  But they're not the most important thing.  So, if you're on a budget, don't skip the birthday party. Cut corners with costs, even pare down the guest list a little, but go out there and celebrate.

MYTH: Some people don't want you to acknowledge their birthday.

THE TRUTH: Yes, there are those who feel uncomfortable if you make a big fuss over them.  But that doesn't mean that they really want you to forget them.  Birthday celebrations come in all sizes.  Find out what the special person in your life would like to do for their birthday.  They might want a big party.  Or they might rather spend a quiet night at a restaurant with close friends.  Their birthday is an opportunity for you to let them know how much they mean to you every day.

Of course, the undeniable truth is that birthday parties are fun. So go ahead and plan a big bash, a surprise party, or quiet celebration.  And guess what?  Even if you throw an over the hill party, stuff your invitations with confetti and serve nothing more than pretzels and soda, it will still be a hit, if you do it with heart.