how far in advance do you send out invitations?

[theQuibbler]

I'd like to have a party for DS's fifth birthday in December.

However, it's quite close to Xmas, so I'm a bit nervous about how many people in his class would be able to come.

I was thinking about having it on the Friday, after school - so between 4 and 6 pm, rather than at the weekend to make it easier? It will be with booked entertainment, etc.

Given the proximity to Xmas, would you send out the invites really early? A month, even longer? With an RSVP two weeks before the party date because I'll need to know numbers for the venue.

I've never done this before and would so like it to be a success for him and get it right!

I'm so sad, 've sent out invites for Nov last week. I want guests at ds's party!

In DS's class last year, it was the norm for invitations to be given out from anything between 5 and 7 weeks in advance. He's got a party on 13th Nov and the invite was handed out of 1st Oct so don't worry about doing it early. And yes, putting an RSVP date on the invite tends to work :)

Have had invites from between one week and 5/6 week in advance. I try to give a month's advnace warning.

My son's birthday is also close to Christmas and I had the same predicament last year. I wanted to send out the invites early so as many children could go as possible but not too early that people put them to one side to confirm nearer the date, then forget.

I sent them about 3 weeks early however this year I will be holding back a bit I think. I would also put the RSVP date if you need to confirm numbers.

Just another point, as you say it will be after school, you may wish to get an idea of how many parents work, as my DS wouldn't be able to attend a party at 4pm on a weekday, cos I don't get home til nearer 5pm.

Hope this helps.