How Far In Advance Should You Plan A Birthday Party?
Short answer: start four to six weeks ahead for most parties, and two to three months ahead for milestone birthdays, venue hire on a Saturday or anything with travelling guests.
Here's when each job should happen. View guide
Shop the cards that go with these
Browse birthday cards Pin badges How to plan a birthday party Birthday party planning checklist
Cards and decorations for the party
Birthday cards designed in house and printed in the UK, plus decorations to dress the room.
You Old Bastard (Funny Birthday Card)
£3.87
Happy Birthday Papa (Happy Birthday Card) (Multiple designs)
£3.87
Happy Birthday Bab (Happy Birthday Card) (Multiple designs)
£3.87
Yoda Best Multi-Occasion Greeting Card
£3.87
Happy Birthday Handsome (Happy Birthday Card) (Multiple designs)
£3.87
Fifty & Even More Fabulous Than Ever (50th Birthday Card)
£3.87
By type of party
- Small party at home: 2-3 weeks
- Children's party: 4-6 weeks (soft play and entertainers book up)
- Adult party with venue hire: 6-8 weeks
- Milestone birthday (18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th and up): 2-3 months
- Surprise party: 4-6 weeks, but tell guests later
When to do each job
- Book the venue: 6-8 weeks
- Send invitations: 3-4 weeks (6-8 for milestones)
- Order the cake: 2 weeks
- Order personalised decorations: 3 weeks
- Buy the card: 1 week
Found your words? Now find the card
Browse birthday cards Pin badges How to plan a birthday party Birthday party planning checklist
Never miss the birthday again
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Party decorations
Banners, balloons and bunting to finish the room.
Daisy Flower Happy Birthday Cake Topper
£3.15
Rose Gold Happy Birthday Cake Topper
£3.30
Wooden Happy Birthday Cake Topper
£3.15
Wild One Children's Birthday Cake Topper
£3.00
Rainbow Happy Birthday Banner
£4.95
Gold And Pink Happy Birthday Banner
£3.30
Pastel Daisy Happy Birthday Banner
£3.30
Gold And White Happy Birthday Banner
£3.30
How to write it so it lands
- Book the venue first; everything else depends on it.
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We make cards, pin badges, prints and party bits in house. These are from other shops we rate, and buying through the link costs you nothing extra.
Family Guy Party Supplies - Birthday Cake Topper, Balloons, Banner & Decorations
Funny Socks for Women "If You Can Read This Bring Me Wine" Socks
Where to shop next
- How to plan a birthday party
- Birthday party planning checklist
- Birthday party on a budget
- Party supplies
- All birthday cards
- All guides
- Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
- Birthday badges & party pins
- How to make a balloon arch
- Photo booth prop ideas
- Party bag ideas for adults
- How much helium do you need for balloons?
- Birthday cards for kids
- Good luck cards
- Pin badges
Frequently asked questions
How early should you send birthday party invites?
Three to four weeks before the party, or six to eight weeks for milestone birthdays.
Is two weeks enough to plan a birthday party?
Yes for a small party at home; it's tight for venue hire or entertainers.
What is a good example of how far in advance to plan a birthday party?
"Small party at home: 2-3 weeks" is one of 10 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.
Can I copy these messages word for word?
Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.