How far in advance should someone send out invitations?

How far in advance someone should send out invitations depends on the engagement they are inviting people to. For example, when inviting people to a Bat Mitzvah or Bar Mitzvah, it is customary to send invites out 4 weeks in advance.

Polite invitation timings include:

• Three to 6 weeks for anniversary parties.
• Four weeks for Bat Mitzvahs and Bar Mitzvahs.
• Last minute to 3 weeks for bon voyage parties.
• Same day to 2 weeks for casual parties.
• Six weeks to 3 months for charity balls.
• One month for Christmas parties.
• One to 4 weeks for cocktail parties.
• Six weeks to 3 months for debutante balls.
• Three to 6 weeks for formal dinners.
• Three weeks for a graduation party.
• A few days to 3 weeks for a housewarming party.
• A few days to 3 weeks for an informal dinner.
• A few days to 2 weeks for lunch or tea.
• Two weeks to 2 months for Thanksgiving dinner.

Important formal invitation etiquette tips include:

• Ensure all pertinent information is available on the invite. For example, what time the party starts.
• Make sure the invite is simple. Avoid using registry information when sending wedding invites out; just use the guest's name and essential information.
• When addressing someone on an invitation, use their formal titles, including Dr. if they are an MD or hold a PhD.
• Write the guests' names on the outer envelopes, especially when sending them by post.