How Early Should You Send Out Shower Invitations?

Two to Four Weeks in Advance

Sending invitations two to four weeks before the baby or bridal shower gives guests enough time to RSVP and affords the party planner enough time to plan for space and catering needs. Less formal events require less preparation time according to both Emily Post at EmilyPost.com and TinyPrints.com's Etiquette page.

Six to Eight Weeks in Advance

Formal events, destination events and events in which guests will travel long distances require more time between invitations and the affair. Six to eight weeks' notice is usually enough time for guests to make plans and purchase gifts. Emily Post suggests up to two months for formal affairs.

Bottom Line

Most baby shower invitations should be sent at least four weeks in advance, which means they should arrive neither too early or too late. According to Emily Post "send an invitation too late and the guest may already be booked; send it too early and it might be misplaced or forgotten."

References

• Tiny Prints: Party Invitation Etiquette
• Emily Post: Invitation Etiquette
• The Emily Post Institute: Etipedia