Timing for birthday party invites?

[Caneel]

We have now picked a date for DS's first "real" birthday party. How far in advance should I give the invites?

I have zero experience in this area so I have no clue!

[isaoma]

I believe 2 weeks in customary. If you think the bday party might coincide with other events, you can send a "save the date" email.

HTH

[GuildJenn]

In my circle a month would be good, if you're hoping most people will come.

We did a save the date waaaay early for a late-Aug summer birthday. The year before we invited 8 kids and only 1 could make it, and this year we invited about 18 families and about 15 made it. So that was a pleasant success. I do think it gets more complicated as the kids get older.

[Shenjall]

I say 2 weeks. Unless its a summer bday, then yes, a month at least.

[busymama77]

We've always sent out the invites for DS's bday one month in advance. That gives everyone plenty of time to respond and schedule accordingly.

[Drummer's Wife]

I think 2 weeks in advance is good - it's not too far away that they'll forget, and not too soon where they have other plans.

[CarrieMF]

1 to 1 1/2 weeks tops. Longer than that & people forget, even if they have RSVP'd.

[MAMom]

I try to do at least 3 weeks, sometimes 4 with RSVP about a week before the actual party. I definitely need that much advance notice to fit something into our schedule.

[sept04mama]

I do 10-12 days in advance, but that's often too early for people around here, they forget if it's more that a week in advance. (which I think is flaky and ridiculous!)

[ThisCat]

3 weeks is customary around here. Most people do evites and send a reminder closer to the party.

[number572]

Also maybe add to the invites, or even a secondary to those who have not responed:

"Hello, "whomever" Its so very exciting to "name of your child" to know who will be at his/her party, that even if you even think you may not be able to make that date, to please let me know, as I would feel so bad if he/she thinks that your child may be coming, then to find out on his/her big day, that you're not here! If you cannot or do not want to make the date for any reason, we are not offended in any way, but it means a great deal for us to be able to tell him/her. So, again, please just drop a quick text, email or note that you will not or will be attending. Thanks again and hope to see you on (whichever date)!. All the best for your family!"

I have no problem responding with rsvp's, but it seems like many people just don't rsvp... sorry, its a fact that many don't bother.

Hope he and also you, have a great bday party for him!

[eepster]

3 weeks

[Caneel]

Thanks all!

[sarahr]

I think it depends on how many people you're inviting and how much you care if they come.

For my dd's upcoming birthday, we're inviting 4 close friends. Since it's just 4 people, we really care that they come. So I sent a save the date email a month ahead of time, and then will follow with real invites to the kids a couple weeks ahead of time. For a bigger party, though, I wouldn't have bothered with the email.