When you're planning your little one's first birthday party, you might be trying to coordinate with guests who live all over the country — or family members who are right down the street. And there are a gazillion ways to spread the word about the event — from homemade paper invites to quickie group texts. There's no wrong way to invite guests, but there are some things to keep in mind when making the right choice for you and your crowd. Here's what experts and moms advise when sending invitations to a first birthday fete.
Mail Paper Invitations
"I am a big fan of paper invitations, especially for a first birthday party. Once the kids get older and there are school friends to get in touch with, paper invites can be much more challenging to arrange, so this is a great time to do it and keep a few copies as a keepsake. Three to four weeks prior to the party is a good amount of time to send out invites. Anything sent earlier tends to be forgotten, and anything sent later can result in a lower guest attendance due to the last-minute nature of the invite." — Gina Wade, entertaining and lifestyle expert and special events planner, Gina Wade Creative, Los Angeles, California
Digital Invites Are Fine, but Give Plenty of Time
"There are a lot of websites that have really cute 'evites,' and a first birthday party is a perfect opportunity to utilize them! Send the invites out four to six weeks in advance to make sure your guests have plenty of notice. For people who will be traveling from out of town, give them a verbal heads-up even earlier." — Kristen Koly Blanks, owner of PartyEase, Columbus, Ohio
Mail Postcards With a Baby's Photo
"I think sending invitations four to six weeks ahead is good. We mailed postcards with a recent picture of the baby, and some people include a newborn picture on the card as well. E-cards like Evite and Paperless Post are also great ways to make things easier on you during a likely hectic time!"
Email Works for a Family Party
"We kept the first birthday family only, so we sent a group email instead of a formal invite. If you're having a big bash, go for the regular party invites, and give everyone a few weeks' notice like you would with any party."
Consider Giving Extra Long Notice
"I sent actual invitations that I made about two months before the party."
Feel Free to Text
"If you're keeping it small, a group text works! No need to stress yourself out with anything formal or labor-intensive."
*Disclaimer: The advice on Cafemom is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
