First birthday party...

[StellaLuna65]

I want to have a big first birthday party for my son. Loads of friends round to celebrate him making it to 12 months! He's amazing, but had a rocky start in life.

My question... How in advance would you send invitations if you have many people travelling from up to 250 miles away? 1 month? 4 months? I have no idea!

I would just start out saying please manage your expectations from the offset. Obviously, things may be slightly different due to him having had "a rocky start in life" but you may find people are unlikely to travel 250 miles for a first birthday party. A lot of people wouldn't do that for a wedding. Do remember, your son probably won't even be aware of what's going on which is why a lot of people may not make the effort. Don't be disappointed if they choose not to - that's a very very long journey for a one year old's birthday party which presumably won't last that long anyway.

It's his grandparents and uncles/partners who live that far away. They will definitely be there. Some people coming from London. It's a great excuse to get all the family together in one place. Thinking positively rather than negatively about this.

Anyone care to actually answer my question? 😥

I agree with PPs regarding your expectations.

But assuming people will want to attend, I'd say about 2 months if they need to book accommodation etc.

I'd give them as much noticed as possible. I have relatives who live a similar distance away who happily travelled to celebrate similar events (as do I in the other direction.)

Be unusual for Uncles to travel
250 for a nephew first birthday party. Be prepared to be disappointed.

As long as possible - I assume you are not putting them all up so they would either need to find accommodation or drive there and back in one day.

If you know the dates give them as much notice as possible. I hope they all come and you have a wonderful time!

We are putting them all up.

Give people as much advance notice as you can

They are all going to come. They have already asked when it is. They regularly travel this distance to see us so why wouldn't they on his birthday? We travel there too and it is never a problem. 250 miles isn't that bad! We are used to being dotted around and all meet up once a month anyway (at least). I find it odd that one would think an adult travelling 250 miles to stay with family on their grandson/nephews first birthday is unlikely!

If you do a big family party for adult, let them know as soon as possible. Fine to mention on the side it's for a 1 year old, but make it clear it's an adult party, not a kids one!

4 or 6 months is fine when it's family.
If you really expect them to all come, it's mean to give short notice, people have plans and at best will have to cancel theirs to make it to the party.

I like parties, I go to any of my friends and families parties as much as possible, even when they are in another country. I wouldn't bother for a child's birthday though, unless it's clear it's just an excuse for another party - which we've done lots of.

So you know they’re coming and they know when it is.
Do you really need to send invites?

It's an adults party. He'll probably be in bed by 7 😂 all first birthday parties I've been to have been adult parties in disguise 😉

As much notice as you can. Ignore the negative comments they don't know you or your family.

They don't know when it is... I don't even know when it is yet! Haven't set a date.

They are all going to come. They have already asked when it is.

I'm not sure what you're actually asking then?

Yeah I have to agree with PP's, it's a very long way to travel for a first birthday party. My dad lives 200miles away and he's missed a few important events in my kids life as it's just such a long way to travel to get us. Costs money in petrol/diesel, needs somewhere to stay, needs to book a day off work etc.
I would give as much notice as possible. Don't put any pressure or expectations on them to be there. Just say you'd love to have them there but also say you'd completely understand if they wont be able to make it.

@StellaLuna65 I agree, I come from a family who has always been spread around the country and a very similar distance. We all make effort to travel to attend family events because we live so far apart. Hope you have a lovely party x

If they're asking you then just tell them straight away when you decide the date.

When will the party be? Are there likely to be any other things happening that family members might be involved with?

Sorry, you said they’d been asking when it is. I assumed that meant you were sorted.

Well, as soon as you have most of your plans set, I would tell them then if they’re wanting to be there

Which month is the birthday? You should make arrangements now and let your family know.

If your baby is a month old, you are a bit early though.

Threads like this are funny. People picking holes in things you say and bring super negative. I just wanted to know how far in advance you would send invitations 😁 it's end of October. I can't wait!