Wedding Etiquette: Sending Yourself A Wedding Invite?

Sending out wedding invites is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. But when is the right time to send them? The general rule of thumb is to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount for your vendors. However, if you're planning a destination wedding or have a lot of international guests, it's a good idea to send out invitations earlier, around three months in advance. This gives overseas guests enough time to plan their travel and accommodation.

Timing: Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding, or 3 months for destination weddings

Sending out wedding invites at the right time is an important part of wedding planning. It's exciting to share the details of your big day with your loved ones, but it's also a logistical part of your wedding that requires careful consideration.

Timing:

It is recommended that you send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. Sending invites within this timeframe also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to finalise your seating chart and share the final headcount with your caterer.

However, if you're planning a destination wedding, it's best to give your guests more time to plan their travels. In this case, it is recommended that you send out invitations three months in advance. This will ensure your guests have ample time to book flights and accommodation.

Save-the-Dates:

Before sending out the official invitations, it is common to send save-the-date cards to your guests. These are usually sent out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if your wedding requires extensive travel arrangements. Save-the-dates are a fun way to give your guests a heads-up and ensure they mark their calendars. They are especially helpful when many of your guests will be travelling or if accommodations near the wedding venue are limited.

RSVP Timing:

When sending out your wedding invitations, it's important to indicate an RSVP deadline. This is typically set for one month before the wedding. This timeframe allows your guests to receive the invitation and make their decision while also giving your wedding vendors enough notice to prepare.

RSVP deadline: Give guests a deadline of around 1 month before the wedding

Setting an RSVP deadline is an important part of wedding planning. It helps your to-do list move along in the final weeks of planning. While it is exciting to send out invites, it is also crucial to give your guests enough time to respond.

The general rule of thumb is to set an RSVP deadline of at least four weeks before the wedding, and no later than two weeks prior. This gives you, the host, enough time to finalise the guest list and figure out who has not responded. It also allows you to organise your seating chart and share the final headcount with your caterer, venue and other vendors.

If you are sending out invitations between six and ten weeks before the wedding, setting an RSVP deadline of around a month in advance is a good idea. This gives your guests enough time to make travel arrangements if necessary, without being too early and risking them forgetting to respond.

It is also a good idea to send out a friendly reminder about a week before the RSVP deadline. This can be done via a phone call, text, or email, and it will politely nudge your guests to respond.

If you are having a destination wedding, it is a good idea to give your guests even more time to respond. In this case, you may want to send out invitations three months in advance and set an RSVP deadline of around six weeks before the wedding.

Remember, it is important to stick to your RSVP deadline and start following up with guests who have not responded shortly after. This will help you finalise all the necessary details and ensure a smooth planning process in the lead-up to your big day.

Save-the-date: Send these 4-6 months before the wedding, or earlier for destination weddings

Save-the-date cards 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.

• Send them four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if you're planning a destination wedding that may require more extensive travel arrangements.
• Send save-the-date cards to everyone on your guest list, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or during peak travel season.
• Finalize your guest list before sending save-the-date cards to avoid any confusion or miscommunication.
• Include other relevant information on the save-the-date card, such as the names of the engaged couple, the wedding website, the city and state of the wedding venue, an indication that a formal invitation will follow, travel and accommodation information, and your wedding hashtag.

Format: Digital invites are acceptable, but traditional invites are preferable

When it comes to wedding invites, there are many options to choose from. Digital invites are a more modern approach and are often chosen by couples who want to plan an eco-friendly wedding. However, traditional paper invites are still the preferred option for many. Here are some advantages and considerations for both formats:

Digital Invites

Digital wedding invitations are a convenient and cost-effective option. They are delivered electronically, usually via email or a dedicated wedding website, and can be a good choice if you are mindful of your environmental impact. They also allow for quicker responses, as guests can RSVP digitally without the need for postage. This can be especially useful if you have guests attending from overseas, as it saves time and international postage costs.

However, it is important to consider that not all guests may be tech-savvy, so it is advisable to offer a paper RSVP option as well. Additionally, digital invites may not be as memorable or tangible as traditional invitations, which some guests may prefer to keep as a memento.

Traditional Invites

Traditional paper wedding invitations are the classic choice and are often seen as more formal and elegant. They offer a wide range of customisation options, from fonts and colours to paper type and envelope selection. They can also include additional enclosure cards with details such as reception information, travel arrangements, and accommodation suggestions.

Sending paper invites by mail gives your guests a physical reminder of your wedding and can create a sense of anticipation and excitement. They can also be personalised with monograms, wedding logos, or other unique design elements. However, traditional invites may be more costly, especially if you opt for premium printing services or customised designs.

Both digital and traditional wedding invites are acceptable options, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference and the style of your wedding. While digital invites offer convenience and a more eco-friendly approach, traditional paper invites are still the preferred choice for many couples, especially for formal weddings. Consider your guest list and choose an option that aligns with your values and wedding theme.

Guest list: Send invites to everyone on your guest list

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many details to consider, and one of the most important is the guest list. Once you have decided on your guest list, it is time to send out the invitations.

It is recommended that you send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding date. This timeline is considered standard etiquette and gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. It also allows you to request RSVPs sooner, which is crucial for getting a final headcount and creating a seating chart.

However, if you are planning a destination wedding or have a large number of international guests, it is advisable to send out invitations earlier, around three months in advance. This will give your guests ample time to plan their travels and make any necessary accommodations.

When creating your guest list, it is essential to be mindful and intentional. Inviting someone to your wedding is a special gesture, and it is important to consider the impact of your guest list on your overall budget and wedding vision. Be thoughtful in your selections, and don't be afraid to have open conversations with those who may not make the list.

Once you have finalized your guest list and sent out your invitations, you can focus on other aspects of your wedding, such as choosing a theme, selecting a caterer, or planning any pre-wedding events. Remember, the guest list is a crucial aspect of your wedding planning process, and sending invitations to everyone on your list in a timely manner will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests.

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