Wedding Invitations: When To Send Them Out?

Sending out wedding invitations too early or too late can be inconsiderate and may hurt your guest attendance. So, when is the right time to send out wedding invites?

In the US and UK, it is normal to send out wedding invitations at least two months before the wedding. However, some people send out their invitations three to six months in advance, especially if they have a lot of international guests or are planning a destination wedding.

According to wedding etiquette, save-the-date cards should be sent four to six months before the wedding, and invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed.

Invitations for international guests

If you're inviting international guests to your wedding, it's a good idea to give them a little more notice than your local guests. While it's customary to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, international guests should receive their invites around nine to ten weeks in advance to allow for extended shipping and delivery times. If half of your guest list is made up of international guests, it's advisable to send out all of the invitations at least 12 weeks in advance.

If you're only inviting a few international guests, it's perfectly fine to send their formal invitations at the same time as everyone else's, but be sure to give them a heads-up about the wedding details in advance via phone call, text, or email so that they have ample time to make their travel arrangements.

It's also a good idea to follow up with your international guests if you haven't heard from them, to ensure they have enough time to book their travel. You can also give them the option to RSVP digitally, so you don't have to wait for their responses to arrive by mail.

When sending paper invitations to international guests, remember to include postage on the outer envelope, but not on the inner envelope, as it would be pointless unless it's in the currency of the country you're mailing it to.

Save-the-date cards

Timing:

It is recommended to send out save-the-date cards around four to six months before your wedding. This timing gives your guests enough notice to make the necessary travel arrangements and accommodations, especially if your wedding is a destination wedding or during a busy travel season. If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is taking place in a far-off location, consider sending your save-the-dates even earlier, anywhere from six to twelve months in advance.

Recipients:

However, if you're still finalising your guest list, you can send save-the-dates to close family members and friends first, or to those who need to make travel arrangements. Keep in mind that sending a save-the-date card is essentially an indication that a formal invitation will follow, so ensure you're comfortable with your guest list before sending them out.

Content:

In addition to the wedding date and location, you can include other relevant information to help your guests plan:

• 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 information, including hotel details and transportation options
• Your wedding hashtag

Keep the save-the-date card simple and concise, providing enough information for your guests to plan accordingly.

After sending out your save-the-dates, the next step is to send your official wedding invitations. Typically, wedding invitations are sent six to eight weeks before the wedding, giving your guests plenty of time to respond and make any necessary arrangements.

Invitations for out-of-town guests

If you're inviting out-of-town or out-of-state guests, it's customary to send out wedding invitations around eight weeks before the big day. It's advisable to send all of your invites at the same time, regardless of how many guests live out of town. This means sending invitations eight weeks before the wedding is still the typical timing.

If you have guests coming from outside the US, it's an exception to the rule. In this case, it's a good idea to mail invitations nine to ten weeks in advance to allow for extended shipping and delivery times. Wedding etiquette expert Diane Gottsman says you can even send these invitations up to a year in advance.

If you're only inviting a few international guests, it's fine to send their formal invitations at the same time as other guests. However, it's a good idea to give them a heads-up about the wedding details ahead of time by calling, texting, or emailing. This will allow them enough time to prepare their travel arrangements.

It's also a good idea to follow up promptly with anyone you haven't heard from, to ensure they have enough time to book their travel. Having all the information available on your wedding website as soon as possible will also help out-of-town guests. This includes details such as hotel room blocks and transportation information.

Sending Save-the-Date cards is another way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date. These are usually sent four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if it's a destination wedding.

RSVP deadline

The RSVP deadline is an important aspect of wedding planning, as it helps you finalise the guest list and make necessary arrangements. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for setting an RSVP deadline:

Timing:

It is recommended that the RSVP deadline be set at least four weeks before the wedding, and ideally three to four weeks before. This timing gives you enough time to finalise the guest list, create a seating chart, and share the final guest count with your caterer, venue, and other vendors. It also allows you to follow up with guests who have not yet responded. If you are having a destination wedding, it is advisable to set the RSVP deadline two months in advance to account for travel arrangements.

Communication:

Clearly communicate the RSVP deadline on your invitations and wedding website. You can also send friendly reminders about a week before the deadline to increase response rates.

Response Options:

Provide multiple response options for your guests, such as mail-in cards, digital submissions through your wedding website, or even a phone call. This ensures that everyone can respond in a way that is convenient for them.

Wording:

Consider using clear and direct wording on your invitations, such as "The favour of your reply is requested by [date]" instead of just "RSVP." This ensures that guests understand a response is needed, even if they are declining the invitation.

Follow-up:

If you haven't heard from some guests by the deadline, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call. It's important to get a final confirmation to finalise your plans accurately.

Early Responses:

Encourage guests to respond as soon as they know whether they can attend. This helps you get an early idea of the final guest count and reduces the need for follow-ups closer to the deadline.

Remember, the key to a successful RSVP process is clear communication, providing multiple response options, and setting a deadline that gives you enough time to finalise all the necessary arrangements for your big day.

Choosing your invitations

Choosing your wedding invitations is an important step in the wedding planning process. They are the first hint guests will receive of your special day's style and are designed to make your loved ones want to attend. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding invitations:

Price Point

The cost of wedding invitations can vary widely, from a few cents per invite to upwards of $50 per invite. Consider your budget and the number of invitations you will need before making a decision.

Theme and Color Scheme

If you have a particular theme or color scheme for your wedding, you can select invitations that match. This is a fun way to give guests a sneak peek of what to expect on your big day.

Inserts

Most wedding invitation suites can be customized to include RSVP cards, direction cards, dietary restriction cards, and more. Decide on the type of cards you will need before placing your order.

Style and Formality

The style of your invitation hints at the formality of your wedding. Before shopping for invitations, have an idea of the type of event you are throwing, whether classic and elegant, casual and relaxed, or glam and modern. Browse stationers' websites and other couples' wedding invitations to gather inspiration.

Colors and Fonts

Consider incorporating your wedding colors and fonts into your invitations. While ivory, cream, or white card stock with black or gold font is the classic choice for formal invitations, you can also use colorful or metallic fonts, paper stock, envelopes, and liners. Just be sure to choose a combination that is easy to read. Avoid light ink on light backgrounds and dark ink on dark backgrounds.

Information to Include

List only the key points on your invitation, such as the ceremony time and location, the hosts, the couple's full names, the dress code (if applicable), and RSVP information. Avoid crowding the card with too much information. Details about directions and post-wedding activities can be included on your wedding website or printed on separate enclosure cards.

Timing

Ideally, wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements. Sending invitations too early or too late can be inconsiderate and may hurt your guest attendance.

Frequently asked questions