Sending Out Invites -- When to Do It??

[gailz2]

For those of you who have the hosts send out the invitations, how soon ahead of the party do you have them mail them? Or even if you do the mailing, what is the optimal time??

 

[babywings76]

I'm doing mine 2 weeks in advance. But I have had a couple shows where it was just one week. I've heard others suggest 10 days. Either way, following up with each guest is crucial, so either my host touches base with every guest, or I offer to make reminder phone calls a day or two before the show.

 

[tlag1986]

I agree with the follow-up. I send out my invites and I use the mini-catalogs as the invites. I usually like at least 2 weeks prior to the party, but will go with less if need be. The follow-up is the key to a great show.

 

[gailz2]

And do you think 3 weeks is too far in advance?

 

[babywings76]

I had a host who loves to e-mail her friends, so she on her own decided to send out an e-mail telling them to "save the date", then I'm mailing out her invitations 2 weeks in advance. I think 3 weeks might be too early, they might put it to the side thinking they have a lot of time to RSVP and see what their calendar looks like, and then end up forgetting about it. Although, now we are approaching the holiday/party/shopping season, so people might appreciate the heads up. This is just my first year, so maybe someone who has had experience with shows during Nov-Jan might have some statistics or stories to share.