Too soon for host to send out shower invitations?

MrsRahl · February 2014

Hi ladies, my mother and MIL are hosting my baby shower and my mom is wanting to send out the invites right away. The shower isn't until April 27th, the RSVP date is 3 weeks ahead of that (that is mostly because she is making all the food, cookies, cupcakes, and favors... I know that's a lot to do). She was wanting to send them out at the beginning of March, which would be almost 8 weeks, but I'm thinking 6 is better, but is that still too far removed? Just to note though, my family and friends seem to always have very hectic schedules with their own kids and events planned far in advance. What are your thoughts?

BMaidPlanner · February 2014

At the beginning of February my friends were already booking things in April. I wish I was joking. Lot's of people have multiple jobs and vacations coming up. In my case I'd send them out yesterday if I could. Sigh.

sjn00 · February 2014

My host is sending mine out the 10th of March. Giving a month to RSVP (we have over 100 being sent out and need a head count for food and favors) and my shower is May 3rd. We did this only because of Easter and spring break in my area is right in that time. We wanted to give people a heads up before they make too many plans. It all depends on your situation I think.

wtfisup · February 2014

Mine are going out now (!!), which is a month to RSVP.

hubbs173 · February 2014

My mom is throwing my shower on April 6th and she sent out the invites about 2 weeks ago. So I wouldn't see a problem sending them out 8weeks before. Plus April can be a busy month for people due to vacations/spring break and Easter!

ElTrain5 · February 2014

I don't think it's a big deal. I personally would appreciate the extra notice.

izzetoot · February 2014

Because my sister and SIL cant seem to get their shit together, I just ordered my invitations and am sending them out next week for April 13th shower. I am anxious to get them in the mail because I don't want ppls sched to get too busy around Easter. I say send 'em!

MrsRahl · February 2014

@BMaidPlanner This seems to be my friends and family. I'm really surprised everyone is voting for the early send date! I'm all for sending them early, just didn't want people getting them to be like WTH lol

mjdavies · February 2014

I like early too because it also gives people time to get and send a present if they can't attend (or more time to get a present if they can). I say let em have at it.

temursgirl · February 2014

It does seem a little early to me, but if your hostess needs extra time it's not rude. One potential problem is that sometimes people put aside invitations that are too far out and forget to RSVP.

My aunt is hosting one for me on May 3rd and is planning to send the invitations out a month ahead. She has, however, sent out a save-the-date already since people have to travel here and in general make their plans way ahead of time. So that's also an option.

katekat8721 · February 2014

Mine are going out this weekend (March 1st) and the shower is the 29th, so not a whole lot of time! I think two months is too long. They may forget ya know?

b48kate · February 2014

Where I work our schedule is set well in advance (now working on April-May schedule) and I can't tell you how many showers, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. celebrations I've had to miss because of insufficient notice. On behalf of those who work weekends everywhere....please send out notices as soon as you settle a date!

colllydon · February 2014

My mom is throwing mine and she wants them to go out a month ahead of time. I think 6 weeks is socially acceptable though and if I was making all of the food I could see how 8 weeks is reasonable.

sjn00 · February 2014

Being sent out early also allows for those random "oops invites" to be sent back in case of a missprint on an address or whatever else reason there is a return to sender from the post office.

PressLove · February 2014

Temurlang1 said:
It does seem a little early to me, but if your hostess needs extra time it's not rude. One potential problem is that sometimes people put aside invitations that are too far out and forget to RSVP.

My aunt is hosting one for me on May 3rd and is planning to send the invitations out a month ahead. She has, however, sent out a save-the-date already since people have to travel here and in general make their plans way ahead of time. So that's also an option.

The STD idea is a great way to give people a heads up, but not send out a formal invitation. Early invites do get pushed aside. This is a great alternative.

b48kate · February 2014

I can't believe this is a shower related thread where the word "tacky" has not appeared once. Someone, quick, drop a "t-bomb"!

babygabe614 · February 2014

I think my mom is planning to send mine out in a couple weeks for my shower on May 17. we have a couple people coming from out of state so I think the earlier the better. If I were a recipient, I'd be happy for the extra notice.

SarahSmile01 · February 2014

I was just having this conversation with my best friend! My shower is May 4th (we are doing a whole nerdy 'May the Fourth be with you' Star Wars thing. I posted the pic we doctored for the invite on FB, see below, and since have been getting calls and emails asking if they aren't invited cause they haven't received their invite yet and would still like to send a gift. I wasn't planning to send the invites till much later but ended up putting them in the mail today after the 6th inquiry. Also, to be fair, my husbands whole family lives on the other side of the country and are booking flights out so they do need advanced warning. I just didn't realize everyone would be on the lookout for their invite so early.

kibean · February 2014

My aunt and mom are throwing my shower on April 5th and they are sending out the invites next week. Honestly, I think anywhere from 4-8 weeks seems reasonable. Maybe more towards the 8 week mark or longer if people are coming from further away?

ashquack · February 2014

Mine just went out for my shower April 12 which was 6-7 weeks in advance... My friends are planners so they will appreciate the extra notice. Everyone is different but that's a crazy busy month for most people. I think you are good to send them out 4-6 weeks before:)

Mom&nurse · February 2014

Mine did a save the date on FB so people could plan.

jenn72178 · February 2014

I agree with many before. I am currently booked solid for the next month plus...any additional notice is so appreciated and events go right into the planner. I'm hosting my best friends shower April 6 the weekend before my own April 13 and I know invites for both are going out this weekend.

kbellizio3 · February 2014

My shower isn't until May 17, my sister is hosting it and she's still in college and is getting the invites printed up next week, don't know when she's going to send them but she mentioned beginning of April because a lot of people are coming from out of state or will have to travel. I don't think it's an issue. When I did my husbands surprise party I sent them 8 weeks in advance and got almost all my RSVPs within two weeks.