Party invites - how early to send?

[purplemunkey]

We’re having a 5th birthday party for DC. Just started reception last month and we’re inviting whole class. Obviously early days school wise so don’t know any other parents yet so will be putting invites in book bags via the teacher.

I was wondering what the norm is in terms of how early you invite? Party is 4-5 weeks away. Is it wise to get invites out now do it’s in peoples diaries? Or will it get forgotten about by the time it comes around?

We’ve always done small family gatherings before, this will be our first proper party. Any words of advice on this, and anything else kids party related, would be greatly appreciated!

In same boat but party will be in Feb was planning to send them out 2 weeks before with a RSVP by.... date and family that are a distant a way 3 weeks before hope this helps x

Thanks Glitter.

We’ve had a few invites from classmates already, one with 2 weeks notice and one a whole month. Hard to tell what the norm is, or if there is one!

I've just had a party invite for DD, with 3 weeks notice which is the norm.
I've had less than a weeks notice in some occasions & it does send me into a bit of a flap as I'm never organised enough to have birthday presents/cards in ready to go.

Don't ask me about the one with 2 HOURS notice

2-3 weeks is the norm here - DD is in year 2, so we've had a good number of parties to spot the pattern!

Thanks MissCalamity.

I think I’ll get them out towards the of of this week as that will be about 4 weeks notice. I’ll see if I can get DC to remind her friends the week of - I’m sure there won’t be much encouragement required!

Ah, ok bath. We’ve just booked the hall so I guess I’m keen to get the date out and in peoples diaries/on family calendars. Hope it’s not too early.

I had a bit of a panic as the first few things we tried to organise were all fully booked - made me wonder how far ahead people plan this stuff. All new to me!

4 weeks is fine. There might be clashes with other parties, people need to make plans, etc.
Do you need to know numbers for certain date? If so, it’s better to put RSVP date a bit earlier to have some time for chasing people. Also if RSVP date is just before holidays and the party straight after it’s not good as you won’t have time for chasing people for reply. Basically you do a lot of chasing for the whole class party in reception year but it’s great experience!

Thanks green, that was my thinking. No, don’t really need to know numbers - hall hire with bouncy castle & music. Would be good to have an idea for food etc but we’re not confirming a head count for anything.

Half term is between now and party but they’ll have been back at school for a week so hopefully I’ll/DC can remind people.

Thanks for advice. Hoping we get a decent turn out.