Wedding Invitations: To Send Or Not To Send?

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process, providing guests with crucial details such as accommodation booking information, dress code, and whether it's an adults-only event. The timing of sending out wedding invitations is crucial, as it ensures that your loved ones have enough time to plan their attendance, especially if they need to make travel arrangements.

Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, allowing guests ample time to clear their schedules and make any necessary preparations. This timeline also enables couples to receive RSVPs sooner, facilitating the final headcount and seating chart arrangements.

Save-the-date cards, typically sent out four to six months in advance, are also a considerate gesture, giving guests a timely heads-up to mark their calendars, especially for destination weddings or events during busy seasons.

The wedding invitation itself should include essential details such as the full names of the couple, hosts, time, date, address, and RSVP information. The invitation suite may also incorporate other details like attire suggestions, maps, accommodation options, and wedding-related activities.

With proper planning and timely communication, couples can ensure their guests are well-informed and excited to celebrate their special day.

Timing: Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations at the right time is crucial. Etiquette experts advise that invites should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This is the ideal timeframe as it gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to finalise your seating chart and share the details with your vendors.

If you're having a destination wedding or most of your guests are international, it's recommended to send out invites a little earlier, around 12 weeks in advance. This is to account for the extra time needed for shipping and travel arrangements. It's also a good idea to give these guests a heads-up via email or phone call so they can start planning their trip.

On the other hand, if your wedding falls around a major holiday, consider sending out invites a little earlier than the typical six-to-eight-week timeline. This ensures your guests have ample time to plan during a busy holiday season.

It's important to note that sending invites too early or too late can be inconsiderate and may affect guest attendance. Sending invites too early might cause your wedding to slip your guests' minds as the day approaches. Conversely, sending them out too late may not give your loved ones enough time to make necessary arrangements such as booking time off work or accommodation.

Therefore, sticking to the recommended timeline of six to eight weeks is generally the best course of action. This ensures your guests have enough time to plan and you have enough time to finalise the details for your big day.

Save-the-date: Send 4-6 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are not mandatory, but they are a fun way to get your guests excited about your wedding and are especially useful if many of your guests will need to travel or if accommodation near the wedding venue is limited. They are also crucial if you are having a destination wedding.

Save-the-date cards should be sent out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if you are planning a destination wedding that may require more extensive travel arrangements. If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend, it is recommended to send them out six to twelve months in advance. This gives your guests ample time to prepare and change their plans if necessary. It also allows them to block off the date on their calendars and make any necessary travel or accommodation arrangements. Sending your save-the-date cards early is a good idea, especially if there are lots of weddings happening around the same time as yours.

Save-the-date cards are typically sent only to those who are invited to the whole wedding day. It is not customary to send them to guests who are only invited to the evening reception, as this can be misleading.

When sending save-the-date cards, it is important to include the full names of you and your fiancé, as well as the hosts if you are using formal phrasing. The date, month, year, and time of the wedding should also be clearly listed, along with the full address of the venue. You may also include other details such as the dress code, a map to the venue, and accommodation options.

RSVPs: Request responses by 2-3 weeks before the wedding

When it comes to wedding invitations, timing is crucial. Sending out your invites at the right time is one of the most exciting steps in your planning journey. It is recommended that wedding invitations be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. Most couples also send out save-the-date cards so that guests can hold the day in their calendar before receiving the full details. Save-the-dates are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding but can be mailed up to a year in advance if you have your details finalized.

Now, let's talk about RSVPs. It's important to set an RSVP deadline and stick to it. The general rule of thumb is to request responses at least two to four weeks before the wedding, with the sweet spot being around three to four weeks. This allows enough time to organize your final guest list, chase any stragglers, and figure out who (if anyone) hasn't responded yet. It's also important for catering purposes, as caterers typically need a final headcount one to two weeks before the wedding. By setting an RSVP deadline of two to three weeks before the wedding, you'll have ample time to finalize your seating chart and share the final guest count with your vendors.

If you haven't heard back from some guests by the deadline, give them a quick call or text as a friendly reminder. It's a good idea to follow up with all non-respondents at least two weeks before the wedding. While it may feel awkward, it's crucial to get an accurate headcount to finalize the details with your vendors. Remember to express your enthusiasm for their attendance, and once you have verbal confirmation, ask them to submit their RSVP online or by mail.

To make it easier for your guests to respond, consider including multiple response options. Along with a physical RSVP card, you can set up online RSVPs through your wedding website. This allows guests to respond at their convenience and makes it easier for you to track responses and manage your guest list.

In summary, sending out your wedding invitations and setting an RSVP deadline are important steps in the wedding planning process. By following the recommended timelines, you'll give your guests enough time to plan and ensure you have all the information you need to finalize the details for your big day.

Format: Paperless invites are acceptable

While digital invitations are a break from tradition, they are a great option for couples who want to plan an eco-friendly wedding. Paperless invites are also a convenient way to share the details of your wedding with your guests, and there are many customisable options available.

Design

There are many online companies that offer digital wedding invitations with customisable features. You can choose from a range of design styles, including classic, floral, modern, rustic, and destination-themed. You can also add personal touches, such as photos, monogram designs, and colour schemes that match your wedding theme.

Information to Include

The information you include in a digital invitation is the same as what you would include in a paper invitation. This covers the basics, such as:

• Date and time
• Reception information (including addresses if there are multiple locations)
• Dress code
• Whether children are invited
• Plus-one policy

You can also include details about travel and accommodation, as well as a link to your wedding website and/or registry.

Timing

The timing for sending digital wedding invitations is the same as for paper invitations. It is recommended to send them out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. If you are planning a destination wedding or your wedding requires significant travel, it is a good idea to send the invitations four to six months in advance.

Content: Include who, when, and where

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to include all the necessary information for your guests. Here are some tips and suggestions for the content of your wedding invitations, focusing on the "who, when, and where":

Who

• The first line of a wedding invitation typically includes the names of the hosts, usually the people paying for the event. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, this line can be omitted.
• Include the names of the couple getting married. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name typically comes first, but you can order the names however you prefer. For LGBTQIA+ couples, consider listing names alphabetically, by age, or in another meaningful way.
• If the parents' names are included, it is customary to use their first and middle names. However, you can also consider the formality level of your wedding. For a black-tie event, use full names, while a casual beach ceremony might call for just first names.
• If one or both sets of parents are hosting, include their names as well.
• If multiple parties are chipping in, you can write "together with their parents" or "together with their families" on the invites.

When

• Include the date and time of the ceremony. It is recommended to write out the time rather than using numerals for formal invitations (e.g., "four o'clock in the afternoon").
• Consider stating an earlier time than the actual ceremony start time to account for any potential delays and to ensure the ceremony starts on time.
• If there are other events throughout the wedding weekend, such as a welcome party or brunch, include separate details cards outlining the timeline.

Where

• Provide the name and full address of the wedding venue, including the state and zip code. If the wedding is abroad, include the country as well.
• If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can simply add "Reception to follow", "Celebration to follow", or "Dinner and dancing to follow."
• If the reception is at a different venue, include a separate reception card with the start time and address.
• Include any extra information about the venue, such as parking instructions or a custom map, especially if it is a unique or unfamiliar location.

Remember, while it's important to include all the necessary details, you also want to avoid overcrowding your invitations with too much text. Consider including insert cards or directing guests to your wedding website for additional information.

Frequently asked questions