Thanks both of you for your help - Do I need to put a note on the back of the envelope, or in the corner asking for them to hold it until the date the person arrives, or is that not necessary?

Phoebe

It really depends how far away you live from the venue. Let's say if you're sending from New York City to Atlantic City, maybe send about 3 days before the show. I usually write on the envelope "*Postmaster - Please deliver by ____. Thanks.*" But if they're doing a weeks worth of show at the same time, you should probably send about 3 days before the first show, just in case.

For my VV requests, I send around five days before the show, and it should get there for two or three days before, depending on what postage I've used.
The venues probably would hold on for the band until they play for a reasonable time. I'd suggest no more than five days before they play there.

Qwerty

Sorry if this has been posted before, I had a look around but found nothing that answered my questions.
Firstly, I was wondering, someone I would like to write to is doing a weeks worth of shows at a venue:
How long before the show arrives should I aim to send my letter,
And, on the outside of my envelope do I have to write something like 'Please hold for ........... until whatever date?'

Thanks so much!

Phoebe