Guide To Sending Wedding Invites: Timing And Etiquette

Sending out wedding invitations is an important part of wedding planning. The invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, and the RSVP deadline should be around one month before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. It is also possible to send out save-the-date cards in advance of the invitations, especially if the wedding is taking place on a holiday weekend or in a destination that requires travel. Save-the-date cards can be sent out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if it is a destination wedding. When sending out wedding invitations, it is important to include key details such as the full names of the couple, the date, time, and address of the wedding, and any RSVP information.

Timing: 6-8 weeks before the wedding is the standard, but 3-4 months for destination weddings

The timing of sending out wedding invitations is crucial. Send them too early, and your wedding might not be at the top of your guests' minds as the day approaches. Send them too late, and you risk not giving your guests enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

The general rule of thumb is to send out your wedding invitations around six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeframe 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 guest count with your caterers and other vendors.

However, if you're planning a destination wedding or have a significant number of international guests, it's advisable to send out invitations earlier, around three to four months in advance. This gives your guests ample time to sort out their travel plans and accommodations. Sending invitations early is also considerate if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend, as people often have prior plans or need to request time off work.

If you're only inviting a few international guests, it's still best to send their invitations along with the others but give them a heads-up via call, text, or email so they can start making travel arrangements.

RSVPs: Ask for these no later than 1 month before the wedding

When it comes to wedding invitations, the RSVP deadline is a crucial component. This is the date by which your guests need to confirm their attendance, allowing you to finalise numbers for your vendors and complete tasks like the seating chart and menu selection.

Timing is Key

It is recommended that you ask for RSVPs no later than one month before your wedding date. This timing offers a delicate balance: it gives your guests a brief window to receive the invitation and make their decision, while also providing you and your vendors with ample time to prepare. Asking for RSVPs one month in advance also helps to account for any stragglers who may not respond by the deadline.

Be Clear and Concise

When creating your wedding invitations, be sure to include a clear and prominent RSVP deadline. Phrases like "Kindly reply by [insert date]" or "Please respond by [insert date]" are common and ensure that your guests are aware of the date. This information should be easy to find and understand to avoid any confusion.

Online or Physical RSVPs

With the rise of technology, many couples are opting for digital RSVPs through their wedding websites or via email or text. Others prefer the traditional route of mailed responses. Whichever method you choose, be sure to indicate the preferred way to respond on your invitations. If you opt for mailed responses, include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope to make it convenient for your guests.

Reminders are Helpful

Consider sending out a friendly reminder to your guests about a week before the RSVP deadline. This can be done in person, over the phone, or online. A gentle reminder can help improve response rates and ensure that you receive most, if not all, of your RSVPs on time.

Plan for Unexpected Changes

Life is full of surprises, and it's possible that some guests' plans may change after they have responded. It is helpful to account for a small percentage of last-minute changes or no-shows when finalising numbers with your vendors. This will ensure that you have enough food, drinks, and other supplies, even if a few guests' plans change unexpectedly.

Early Birds are Welcome

While setting a clear deadline is essential, don't be surprised if some guests respond well in advance. Some guests, especially those with busy schedules or those who need to make travel arrangements, may respond as soon as they receive the invitation. This is completely fine and helps you get a head start on your planning!

In conclusion, when it comes to wedding invitations, asking for RSVPs no later than one month before your wedding date is ideal. This allows you to finalise details and ensure that your big day runs smoothly. By setting a clear deadline, providing convenient response options, and sending friendly reminders, you can improve response rates and make the planning process a little less stressful.

Save-the-Dates: Send these 4-6 months before the wedding

Save-the-dates are an essential part of wedding planning. They are a fun and practical way to ensure your guests will be able to attend your wedding. These pre-invitations should be sent out 4-6 months before the wedding, or even earlier if you're planning a destination wedding or getting married over a holiday weekend. Sending them out early ensures your guests have enough time to book travel and accommodations and request days off work.

Save-the-dates are especially helpful when many of your guests have to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near the wedding site are limited. They also give your guests a chance to say "no" to other commitments and ensure they don't accidentally double-book. It's a chance to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location and confirm that they are, indeed, on the guest list.

However, sending save-the-dates does have some drawbacks. They can be time-consuming and expensive, and they require you to finalize your guest list early in the planning process. Additionally, you'll want to make sure they are not sent out too early—under a year in advance is recommended—as your wedding may be too far away to stay on your guests' radars.

International guests: Send invites 9-10 weeks in advance

When it comes to international guests, it's important to give them a little more notice than your local attendees. While wedding invitations are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, it's a good idea to send invitations to international guests nine to ten weeks in advance. This gives them ample time to make travel arrangements and accommodations.

If you're sending out save-the-dates, which are especially helpful for destination weddings or weddings where most guests will be travelling, send these out nine to twelve months ahead of time. This will ensure your guests can book time off work and make any necessary travel plans. It's also a good idea to include travel details with your save-the-dates, so your international guests have plenty of time to prepare.

When sending out your invitations, be sure to include an RSVP-by date that gives you enough time to chase down any stragglers. Aim for a deadline of two to four weeks before the wedding. This will allow you to finalise numbers with your vendors and complete your seating plan.

If you're concerned about the environmental impact of paper invitations, digital invites are an option. However, it's still wise to stick to the traditional timeline and send out your invitations nine to ten weeks before the wedding. This will give your international guests enough time to plan their trip and make it a commitment in their calendar.

To make things easier for your international guests, consider giving them a heads-up before they receive their formal invitation. A quick call or email with the wedding details and information about booking accommodations will allow them to start making travel arrangements.

If half of your guest list is international, consider bumping up the timeline for everyone. Start designing your invitations a few weeks early and aim to send them out a minimum of twelve weeks in advance. This will ensure that all your guests, regardless of location, have plenty of time to plan their trip and RSVP.

Be sure to follow up promptly with anyone you haven't heard from, especially your international guests, to ensure they have enough time to book their travel. It's also a good idea to have all the wedding information available on your wedding website as soon as save-the-dates go out. This includes hotel room blocks and transportation details, so your international guests can access all the information they need in one place.

Digital vs. physical: Digital is acceptable, but some see physical invites as more formal

Wedding invitations are one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning as they give guests a first impression of the event and set the tone for the type of wedding you're having.

The choice between digital and physical invitations often comes down to formality. While digital invitations are more affordable, eco-friendly, and convenient, physical invitations are considered more traditional and formal.

Digital invitations are a modern and cost-effective option, especially for couples on a budget or those who want to invest their money elsewhere. They are also more environmentally friendly, reducing unnecessary paper waste. Additionally, digital invites can be easily tracked, and RSVPs are simpler for guests.

However, digital invites may not be suitable for all guests, especially older generations who may not be tech-savvy or have email access. Some guests may also view digital invitations as less elegant or formal, preferring the timeless tradition of receiving a physical invitation in the mail. Physical invitations also provide a tangible keepsake for guests and the couple, which can be cherished long after the wedding.

The decision ultimately depends on the couple's preferences, guest list, and the desired level of formality for the wedding. Some couples choose a hybrid approach, sending digital save-the-dates and following up with physical invitations, or sending physical invitations to older guests while using digital invites for younger ones.

Frequently asked questions