While there are many great advantages to using pictures for your 1st birthday invitations, there are some pitfalls you should be aware of.

Don’t pick an inappropriate snapshot. That picture of your teenager as a baby bathing in the kitchen sink is adorable, but it will embarrass your birthday kid. Save that for another occasion. It bears repeating: this is your child’s party and the wrong picture on the birthday invitation could spell disaster.

While a photo invitation is a great and unique idea, there may be some apprehension about sending out a picture of your child in the mail. In this case, an envelope is a must. Make sure your invitation comes with an envelope so the photo and date of the party is only seen by the intended recipient. For additional safety, take your invitations directly to the post office. This will give you additional piece of mind that your invitations will be delivered properly.

You should also try to avoid an e-invitation with your child’s image. Many, many people have access to the internet and you don’t want any unsavory characters to get a hold of your photo invitation. This many not ever be an issue for parents, but this precaution can give you some piece of mind while you’re planning your child’s birthday party.