Let’s be real – organizing a kid’s birthday party can be a daunting task. With so many moving parts to consider, it’s easy to overlook important details. One of those key details? Invitations! So just how far in advance to send out kids’ birthday party invitations?
The answer may surprise you!
Planning Ahead – The First Step to a Fun Birthday Party!
First things first – you want to give yourself ample time to plan the party. That means selecting a date and theme that work well for both you and your child, brainstorming ideas for snacks and games, and inviting any guests that you’d like to attend. All of these things take time, so it’s important to get an early start.
But how early is too early? And what happens if you wait too long?
If you’re a proactive, organized parent (no judgment if you’re not!), you may want to start thinking about your child’s birthday party a few months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to come up with ideas, make a guest list, and send out invitations.
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How far in advance to send out kids’ birthday party invitations?
So, just how far in advance to send out kids’ birthday party invitations? Well ideally, three weeks before the party date. If it is party during a busy travel or holiday season, you may want to consider sending out the invitations a little earlier and give your guests around four to six weeks notice. For major milestone birthdays (first birthday, sweet sixteen), you will want to make sure that the certain key people in your child’s life are given longer advance notice.
Are You a Procrastinator?
On the other hand, if you’re more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of parent, you may be scrambling to throw together a last-minute party just a few weeks before the big day. In that case, you’ll want to send out invitations as soon as possible.
Ain’t nobody got time for fancy invite designs when you’ve got balloon animals to make and goodie bags to stuff. Keep it simple, silly! Why stress over addressing envelopes and perfect penmanship? Enlist the help of your reluctant spouse or uncooperative children, and make a not-so-fun task a team effort.
The Rule of Three Weeks: Why This Timing Works Best
Why three weeks, you ask? It’s simple – it gives your guests enough time to respond with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’, and it also gives you time to plan accordingly. If you send out the invitation too early, people may forget. If you wait until just a few days before the party to send out invites, you may not get a clear picture of who’s coming, and you could end up with too many or too few favors, snacks, or other party supplies.
Unexpected Hitches: How to Stay Flexible and Adapt
Of course, there’s always the chance that something unexpected could come up – maybe the venue you want to book is already reserved for your desired date, for example. In those cases, it’s best to be flexible and adaptable. Don’t be afraid to change the party date or venue, or to adjust your guest list as needed.
At the End of the Day: Prioritizing Fun Over Perfect Planning
At the end of the day, sending out kids’ birthday party invitations is all about finding the sweet spot between preparedness and flexibility. So take a deep breath, pour yourself a glass of wine (or a juice box, we don’t judge), and get ready to throw the party of the year – no matter how early or late those invites may actually be sent out!
Just remember to send them out at least three weeks before the party date. You don’t want to be that parent that forgets!
Before you go... All set to start planning your party? If you're having trouble deciding on a theme, check out the coolest themes we have curated for kids birthday parties! Related: Toddler Birthday Party Ideas: 20 Themes for an Unique Celebration Adorable 3 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas for Toddlers: Guaranteed! 6th Birthday Party Ideas: The Coolest Ideas for a Special Day 10 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas That Will Make Them Feel Special 13th Birthday Party Ideas for an Epic Milestone Birthday