The Perfect Timing For Wedding Invites: Etiquette Guide

Sending out wedding invitations is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. But how far in advance is too far? Send them too early and your guests might forget; send them too late and your guests might not be able to clear their schedules. So, what's the best time to send out wedding invites?

Sources suggest that the ideal time frame is between six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests ample time to respond and make any necessary arrangements, while still keeping the event fresh in their minds.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you're having a destination wedding, it's recommended to send out invitations two to three months in advance to allow guests extra time for travel planning. Similarly, if you haven't sent out save-the-date cards, it's a good idea to send invitations three to four months before the wedding to give your guests adequate notice.

So, while there's no one-size-fits-all answer, sending out invitations around two months before the wedding is generally considered the sweet spot.

Invites for destination weddings

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but sending out invitations at the right time can make the process a lot smoother. Here are some tips and advice for sending out invites for destination weddings:

Timing is Key:

It is recommended to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to make travel arrangements and ensures that you receive RSVPs sooner, making it easier to manage your guest list and seating charts. If your wedding falls on a major holiday, consider sending invitations earlier, as people may need more time to plan.

Save-the-Dates:

For destination weddings, it is a good idea to send out save-the-date cards. These should be sent four to six months in advance, or even earlier if extensive travel arrangements are required. Save-the-dates are a fun way to get guests excited and help them plan their calendars and travel plans.

The Invitation Suite:

A traditional wedding invitation suite typically includes the main invitation, a response card, and enclosure cards with additional information. This is where you can include details such as accommodation options, venue maps, dress codes, and any other relevant information for your guests.

International Guests:

If you have guests coming from overseas, it is recommended to send their invitations at least twelve weeks in advance. This gives them ample time to arrange travel and accommodations. It is also a good idea to follow up with them to ensure they have enough time to book their flights.

RSVP Timeline:

Set the RSVP date for about one month before the wedding. This will allow you to get a final headcount and make any necessary adjustments. If you have guests travelling from far, consider giving them the option to RSVP digitally to expedite the process.

Creative and Themed Invitations:

Destination weddings offer a great opportunity to get creative with your invitations. You can incorporate elements of your chosen locale, such as colour palettes, illustrations, or maps. For example, if you're getting married on a beach, you could use bold teal colours or include palm leaf imprints.

Practical Considerations:

In addition to the aesthetic aspects, ensure your invitations include all the necessary practical information. This includes the time, date, location, and any other relevant details. You can also direct guests to your wedding website for more comprehensive information on accommodations, travel, and the wedding itinerary.

Early Birds:

While it is generally recommended to send invitations within the six-to-eight-week window, some couples choose to send them earlier, especially if they have a high number of out-of-town guests. This can be helpful for guests who need to make extensive travel plans, but be prepared to do some follow-up closer to the wedding, as plans may change.

Sending out invitations for a destination wedding can be a fun and creative process. Use this opportunity to showcase your chosen locale and provide your guests with all the necessary information to make their travel plans and attendance a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Invites for hometown weddings

When it comes to hometown weddings, there are a few things to keep in mind when sending out invitations. Firstly, it's important to give your guests enough notice, especially if they need to travel or make accommodation arrangements. While the general rule for wedding invitations is to send them out six to eight weeks before the wedding, there may be circumstances where you might want to give your guests a little more time to plan. This is especially true if you're having a hometown wedding, as most people you know will likely expect an invitation.

If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, it's a good idea to send invitations around eight weeks before the wedding. This will give them enough time to make travel arrangements and book accommodations. You may also want to consider sending out Save the Dates earlier, so your guests can start planning ahead. Including a wedding website on your Save the Dates or invitations can also be helpful, as it allows guests to access all the information they need in one place.

Another thing to consider when planning a hometown wedding is the size of your guest list. If you're inviting a large number of people, you may need to send out invitations a little earlier to ensure you have an accurate headcount for your venue and vendors. It's also important to give your guests enough time to respond, as there may be last-minute changes or unexpected circumstances that come up.

Finally, don't forget to enjoy the process! Sending out invitations is an exciting step in your wedding planning journey. Whether you choose to go with a traditional invitation suite or a more casual approach, make sure it reflects your style and the theme of your wedding.

Save-the-date cards

Timing:

It is recommended to send out save-the-date cards six to eight months before your wedding, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or getting married during peak season. This advanced notice gives your guests, especially those travelling from out of town, ample time to make travel and accommodation arrangements. If you're planning a destination wedding or getting married during a holiday, consider sending them out even earlier, say 8 to 12 months in advance.

Recipient List:

However, if you're still refining your guest list and prefer not to commit to everyone just yet, you can send them to close family members and friends first or focus on those who will need to make travel plans. Keep in mind, though, that once you send a save-the-date card, you are essentially issuing a wedding invitation, so be sure you're comfortable with your guest list before sending them out.

Content:

In addition to the wedding date and location, your save-the-date cards can include other helpful information for your guests:

• Names of the couple getting married
• Wedding website or social media page
• City and state of the wedding venue
• An indication that a formal invitation will follow
• Travel and accommodation details, including hotel room block information and transportation options
• Your wedding hashtag, if applicable

Keep the content simple and concise while providing sufficient details to assist your guests in their planning.

Design:

Remember, sending out save-the-date cards is an excellent opportunity to build excitement for your wedding and ensure that your guests can share this memorable day with you.

RSVP deadlines

The RSVP deadline is an important part of wedding planning. It helps your to-do list move along in the final weeks before your wedding. While waiting for responses can be a rite of passage for couples, having a plan to ensure everyone responds on time is key.

The "RSVP by" date should fall between two and four weeks before your wedding. This gives you enough time to organize your final guest list and chase up any missing responses. It also gives you time to finalize your seating plan and share your final guest count with your wedding caterer, venue, and other vendors.

Guests should generally have a window of about one month to RSVP. This is enough time for them to make travel arrangements if necessary, without being too early that guests forget to respond. It's also not too late that their plans might change.

If your wedding RSVP deadline has passed, wait about one week before sending follow-ups to guests who haven't responded. A friendly phone call or text will politely nudge them. If anyone's RSVP is incomplete, now is the time to follow up about those details too.

There are several steps you can take to ensure most guests RSVP on time:

• Include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope within your invitation
• Give guests options for RSVPing, such as digitally via your wedding website
• Choose clear wording such as, "The favor of your reply is requested by [insert date]"
• Ask for song requests or favorite memories of the couple on the response card

Rehearsal dinner invites

The wedding invitation timeline is a crucial aspect of planning your big day. Sending out invitations too early or too late can lead to complications and affect your guest count. So, when is the right time to send out rehearsal dinner invites?

Timing is Everything

It is recommended that rehearsal dinner invitations be sent out three to six weeks in advance. This is a shorter timeframe compared to wedding invitations, which are typically sent six to eight weeks before the wedding. Sending rehearsal dinner invites three to four weeks ahead strikes a balance between giving your guests enough notice and maintaining a sense of excitement for the upcoming event.

Who Should Be Invited?

The rehearsal dinner guest list usually includes close family members and anyone participating in the wedding ceremony, including the officiant and their spouses or dates. It is also considerate to invite out-of-town guests as a gesture of appreciation for their travel.

The rehearsal dinner invitations should include essential details such as the couple's names (usually first names are sufficient), the date, time, and location of the dinner. Including the host's names is also customary. The invitation may also mention the wedding ceremony rehearsal if all invitees are expected to attend.

Printed or Digital Invites?

Traditionally, printed rehearsal dinner invitations are sent out. However, email invitations are also acceptable, especially if you're on a tight budget. Just be prepared to send follow-up reminders to ensure your guests don't miss the memo.

Separate or Combined Invites?

Rehearsal dinner invitations can be included as an insert with the wedding invitation, especially if the guest lists overlap significantly. However, if your rehearsal dinner guest list differs, sending separate invitations is more appropriate. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures a clear understanding of who is invited to each event.

RSVP Details

Rehearsal dinner RSVPs are typically handled more informally than wedding invitations. Guests can respond via email, phone call, or text to a designated point person, usually the event's host. Be sure to include an RSVP deadline in your invitation to help with planning and final headcounts.

Frequently asked questions