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!

Lol at my house that youve never seen not being big enough for a party 😂

Thanks @beebezed :) that means a lot!

StellaLuna65

you are the one who had to describe your house as a 5bed, if you felt the need to do so, then people are allowed to reply?

Message the family members ASAP. Just look at the calendar now and choose a date. Then send invites out to the others around August time I reckon x

OP, I’m travelling 250 miles for a child’s birthday party this weekend and got about six weeks notice which was fine.

As soon as you plan the party and book the venue or whatever you plan to do then phone them all and let them know, I don’t think paper invites would be necessary in this situation, maybe email details and reminders nearer the time though

I don't know why people are being so weird!

I did a party a couple of weeks ago for my 3yo and set up a fb event for it in January!!

Anytime now for October to me especially if people are already asking. They may need plenty of notice for travel and work etc.

Have a lovely day OP! Glad your baby is safe and healthy

It sounds really positive that you are in a place where you can celebrate, well done to you both for what sounds like a rough year.

I have family across the country and I ideally like two months notice so I can try and make events.
I have to give my place of work at least a months notice of holiday and working in retail weekends often involve me negotiating to swap shifts. So as much notice as possible.

I would travel for my niece or nephews first birthday, and I would be quite upset if I couldn't make it.
I had my aunts, uncles and cousins travel 120 miles each way on the same day to come see my DD on her 1st birthday

I have always attended my nephew's birthday parties. My sister lives at the other end of the country. We are very close though, I guess not everyone is the same.

Due to the distances that will need to be travelled, I would send invitations as soon as you pick a date. Don’t feel like it may be too early.

I loved planning my daughter’s first birthday. It’s such a special occasion. Enjoy every minute.

I would send out texts now to all those invited, and then send out official invites 6 weeks in advance

@StellaLuna65

I am sorry you have received so many negative responses. I do not know how some people can possibly think they will know about how your family will respond to travelling far for a party.

Anyways, I would invite people at least 3-4 months in advance and it gives people enough time to request and get approved for annual leave. I would then remind people 1 month in advance of the party by saying we are looking forward to having you 1 month from today etc to celebrate the little one's birthday.

However, if these people are family, just tell them when the party is individually now and then formally invite within the 3-4 months before hand.

I'd pick your date and tell them now. If it's end of October that could clash with half term either starts or end. Most people I know have already booked their half term holidays and leave. Ok to would be a shame for people to miss the party by already being a way or unable to get time off because others have already taken holiday over that time