Ladies, thank you so much for responding and sharing all your great ideas. To update, the party was held on the 20th, and it was a well attended, casual affair. (roughly 65 people, nicely spaced out over 4 hours) I used regular blank invitations, and wrote that my sister and myself were hosting a party for their (70th!) and (75th!) birthdays on such and such date, time and place, as well as letting them know it was "come and go". I gave people my email address and my sister's phone number to contact if they needed specific directions. Then I enclosed a second note that said "We hope to see you there, but if you are unable to attend we know R--- and S--- would enjoy hearing from you with a card or note." (pretty much what Texas Red Head suggested.) Keeping in mind lindac's suggestion that "no gifts" implies you expected one in the first place, I didn't write "no gifts", but that also worked out well, as almost everyone brought a card instead. Actually, the only people who brought gifts were a few of my mother's oldest friends (her traveling buddies) who arrived in a group toward the end of the day. In fact, by the time Mom opened her gifts they were the only other people there besides family, so it worked out fine. I also took to heart what sherrman wrote and made surethey waited to open cards until after we'd cleaned up and were having coffee. Considering they had roughly 60+ cards to open, that was a geat idea. We'd made a video/DVD thing of old family pictures of both of them, and had contacted relatives some time ago looking for pictures. They've been married for the last ten years, and there were pictures of each other that neither had seen, so it was a great surprise. FWIW, we mixed them all up, his and hers, and nothing was in chronological order; we didn't want it to come across as one of those "This was your life" slide shows that are so popular at funerals. The little DVD was about 12 to 15 minutes long on a continuous loop, and yes, people stood around watching, and laughing and saying "I remember that!" it was terrific ice breaker. As guests were leaving, I had them stop briefly out front so T could take a quick picture. Everyone received a print of themselves looking relaxed and happy, and Mom and her husband got pictures of all their guests without annoying anyone during the party by having them stop and pose. It was just a very nice party, and again, I can't thank you all enough for your insight and advice. You're (all) the best. Melody

How about a Fiesta theme. Mexican Food You could center it around a tortilla maker (I think you can rent those) Margarita machines (we did two at my daughter's grad party -- one of the real-deal ones and one a virgin pina colida type for the non-alcohol drinkers -- rental ones are great) Pinatas for the younger kids Cascarones (fun, but messy) That's for starters. Fiesta is celebrated here (SanAntonio)in the spring, so if your party was in June, Fiesta themed decorations, etc. would be abundant. If you go this route and need more ideas or anything from SA, let me know. Brenda

I'm having a graduation pool party for my daughter, i'm making the invitations and need ideas on the wording. I want them to know its a pool party and to bring a swimsuit and towel. the decorations are not pool party related, she wants hot pink and zebra any help would be appreciated

Hey you can write like this: Ready for fun and splash "You all are invited for graduation pool party" Timings venue and other details Do not forget to bring your swim suit and towel! Use some interesting pool image in the background.