How Soon in Advance Do I Send Birthday Invitations?

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A few weeks gives attendees enough time to add your party to their schedules.
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Planning a birthday party invariably involves plenty of last-minute running around. Unless you're vigilant about distributing the invitations well in advance of the event, you might be blowing out your candles alone.

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The time at which you send birthday invitations depends on the nature of the party, but getting them to your guests with enough notice increases your chance of having a full turnout.

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Distributing With Enough Time

"Parents" magazine recommends distributing birthday invitations between two and four weeks before a child's party. Less than two weeks is inadequate notice, while more than four weeks puts you at risk of an invitee forgetting to attend.

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For adult parties, the nature of the event dictates how early you should distribute the invitations. For formal get-togethers, three to six weeks is suitable; for informal events, two weeks or less is acceptable.

Communicating with your party guests doesn't just involve inviting them; send thank-you notes no later than three days after the party.

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