So as I mentioned a few days back. I have been designated to host my older sisters baby shower. I have never had a shower of my own & have only been to few to be honest. What is proper etiquette as far as sending out invitations? How far in advance should I send out them out? My sister isn't due until mid May, but we have two other siblings that live out of state. We're having difficulty coordinating a time for everyone. We so far have came up with two possible dates.... March 20th, which is only 4 weekends away and April 3rd, which is the day before Easter. I'm concerned that April 3rd will be difficult for others to work around due to family obligations, travel, egg hunts, etc..... but if I were to schedule it for the 20th, does that give enough notice? What are your thoughts?
Go for the March date- most invitations get sent out 2-4 weeks ahead of time. I always tend to go for 4 weeks, but lots of people think you should do less because people forget with too much notice. But I think with people making travel arrangements, 3-4 weeks is perfect. I would not try to work around a holiday, unless everyone will be in town anyway for it.
Go with March 20th, it will probably be cheaper for your siblings to come into town unless they were planning to be there for Easter anyways. If they weren't planning on coming for Easter, be kind and go for the March date.
We are the siblings who live out of town and wish we were consulted a bit more. If you have the invites out by next weekend, you've got plenty of time.
C.
Send them out now. A month is definitly enough time to let people know. Have a wonderful shower.
it would be pushing it, but i would go with the march date. and i would get on those invitations now! send out the ones farthest away first, then if it takes you a week or so to get the local ones sent out, no big deal. also send out as many "save the date!" emails as you can (don't skip the invitation, just send those too), they're quicker and then everyone at least has a heads up. you can pull this off, no sweat :)
I usually like to send out invitations a month in advance. If you send the invitations out within the next day or two, I think that's enough notice for March 20. I'd avoid Easter weekend if I were you.
I'm always the out-of-town family person. If you have already ran it by the out-of-towners as far as the two dates, then you are set. Will they have to fly? If so, ask them which weekend they'd prefer. Even though Easter may sound more expensive, last minute tickets can also be expensive. Let them look for tickets first (set a deadline of 2 days so you can make a plan). Do they plan to attend Easter anyway? If so, ask them if they would prefer to do the family shower then.
Then send either weekends' invites out immediately. You can fill out everything else except the date while you wait. Send out an email or phone everyone that needs a longer heads up if you're worried, but don't skip the invites!
Be sure to ask any more questions you have about the shower on here. There are YEARS of experience on this forum!
I would go with Easter weekend, then maybe your family will be able to come in to town and stay to enjoy the holiday! O and either way send out invites ASAP.
