Photo booth at Kids party

I know I need a model release for minors. I'm thinking of taking pictures for my little cousin 2nd birthday party next month, should I have the client send my model release with the party invitations or have the parents sign the release at the party? I'm sure some parents will forget to bring the release, and will just drop their kids off and leave. I do want to post these online and don't want to have a few or no images I can't use online.

Are you sure you need a model release for this? I've done many children's parties over the years. In each case the host parent sends a note (provided by me) with the invitation, to say that I'll be doing a photo session at the party, the children will each receive a print to bring home, and additional images will be available to view in a dedicated online gallery after the party.

Note that I'm in Canada, though. Maybe things work differently in the US.

A Model Release is only needed if you intend on selling the photos to be used in a Commercial Venture (think advertisement). A portrait photographer does NOT need a Model Release to take photos of a customer and provide/sell said photos to the customer.

I think a simple announcement of the photography with an option to opt-out is all that is required.

John