Wedding Invite Etiquette: Two Months In Advance?

Sending out wedding invites is a crucial part of the wedding planning process. The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This gives guests enough time to plan travel arrangements and respond to the invite. However, some sources suggest that sending invites out three months in advance is also acceptable, especially if a large number of guests are travelling internationally. Sending invites out too early or too late can be considered inconsiderate and may hurt guest attendance.

It's standard to send invites 2 months in advance

Sending out wedding invites is one of the most exciting steps in the planning journey. It's standard to send out invites two months in advance, and this timeline is consistent across the US and the UK. This gives your guests enough time to receive the invitation, clear their schedules, and make any necessary travel arrangements.

If you send the invites too early, there's a chance your guests won't know their schedule yet, and they may even forget about the invite altogether. On the other hand, sending the invites too late will cause your guests to scramble to arrange their plans. Two months is the sweet spot that gives your guests enough time to respond with less chance of unexpected things coming up.

It's worth noting that if you're planning a destination wedding or have guests travelling from abroad, it's best to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim to send your invites around three months in advance to give your guests ample time to sort out their travel plans.

If you're concerned about giving your guests enough notice, you can always send out "save the date" cards in advance. These are usually sent around six to eight months before the wedding and are a fun way to get your guests to mark their calendars. They are especially helpful when many of your guests have to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near the wedding site are limited.

Invites can be sent earlier for destination weddings

Wedding planning can be a stressful time, and there's a lot to consider when it comes to sending out invites. While it's standard to send out invites two months before the wedding, this timeframe can vary depending on circumstances and location. For example, if you're having a destination wedding, it's a good idea to give your guests more notice.

Destination weddings often require guests to make travel plans and accommodations, so it's considerate to send out invites three to four months in advance. This earlier timeline ensures that your guests have ample time to book their trips and arrange any necessary days off work. It's also a good idea to send out "save the date" cards six to twelve months before the wedding, so your guests can start planning. This is especially important if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is in a far-off location.

If you're inviting international guests, it's best to add even more time to this timeline. Aim to send out invites around twelve weeks before the wedding and give them a heads-up via call, text, or email so they can start making travel arrangements. The extra time is crucial because international mailing can take longer, and you want to ensure your guests have enough time to RSVP.

When it comes to destination weddings, giving your guests as much notice as possible is essential. This allows them to sort out their travel plans and ensures that your special day is a memorable event for everyone involved.

Save-the-dates are usually sent 4-6 months before

While save-the-dates are not a requirement, they are a fun way to get your guests excited about your wedding and are very helpful for those who need to make travel arrangements. Sending save-the-dates also allows you to get a rough idea of how many guests will be able to attend, which is particularly important for destination weddings. This will help you communicate a more accurate number of guests to your wedding venue and prepare welcome packs for your guests.

If you are planning to send out save-the-dates, it is recommended that you do so 4-6 months in advance of your wedding date. This is the perfect amount of time to ensure your guests have enough time to plan, without being too early that they forget about the date altogether. It is also considerate to your guests, especially those who need to book travel or accommodations.

If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is at a far-off destination, it is advisable to send out your save-the-dates even earlier, such as 6 to 12 months before the wedding. This will give your guests ample time to make the necessary arrangements and ensure they don't clash with other holiday plans.

In summary, sending save-the-dates 4-6 months before your wedding is a great way to give your guests a timely heads-up and ensure they have enough time to plan their attendance. This is especially important for destination weddings or if your guests need to make travel arrangements. Sending save-the-dates early will also help you get a better idea of the number of guests to expect, allowing you to make the necessary preparations for your big day.

RSVPs are due 1 month before the wedding

It is generally recommended that wedding invitations be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, with some sources suggesting that two months in advance is the "sweet spot". This gives guests enough time to plan and respond, while also allowing the host to get a final headcount and complete their seating chart.

However, if you are planning a destination wedding or have a large number of international guests, it is advisable to send invitations earlier, with sources suggesting a timeline of three to six months or even 12 weeks in advance. This is to accommodate the additional time needed for travel arrangements and lengthier mailing times for international guests.

Regardless of the wedding type or guest list composition, it is recommended that RSVPs be due one month before the wedding. This provides a brief window for guests to receive the invitation and make their decision while also giving the host and vendors ample time to prepare. Setting the RSVP deadline at one month allows for a brief buffer for any stragglers who do not respond on time.

• Send invitations early enough to give guests sufficient planning time, especially if they need to arrange travel.
• The RSVP deadline of one month provides a balance between giving guests enough time to respond and allowing you to finalise details with vendors.
• Consider sending save-the-date cards, especially for destination weddings, to give guests a heads-up and mark their calendars.
• Include all necessary information in your invitations, such as the date, time, venue address, dress code, and your wedding website.
• Provide a way for guests to respond, such as an RSVP card and pre-addressed envelope or an online RSVP option through your wedding website.
• Be mindful of cultural and regional differences, as some countries, like Sweden, send out invitations much earlier, up to a year in advance.
• If you have a mix of local and international guests, you can send their invitations at different times, giving international guests a heads-up beforehand.

Sending invites too early can lead to inaccurate guest counts

The sweet spot for sending out wedding invitations is generally considered to be around two months before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to respond and make any necessary arrangements without increasing the likelihood of unexpected changes. Sending invites too late can also lead to issues, as guests may not have enough time to plan and make travel arrangements.

To ensure your guests have enough notice, it is recommended to send out "Save the Date" cards in advance of the official invitations. These can be sent out 4-6 months or even 6-12 months before the wedding, especially if your wedding is a destination wedding or falls on a holiday weekend. Save the Date cards give your guests a heads-up to mark their calendars and make any necessary travel plans.

When it comes to the official invitations, it's important to find the right balance. While you want to give your guests enough time to respond, sending invites too early can lead to changes in plans and an inaccurate guest count. Aim for the 6-8 week timeframe before your wedding, with a deadline for RSVPs of around one month before the big day. This will allow you to finalize your plans and ensure an accurate headcount for your vendors.

In some cases, you may need to adjust this timeline. For example, if a large percentage of your guest list is international, you may want to send invites 12 weeks in advance. On the other hand, if you have a shorter engagement, you may need to send invites out 2-3 months before the wedding. Ultimately, the key is to give your guests enough notice without sending invites so early that plans may change.

Frequently asked questions