Don't Delay, Send Wedding Invites Early

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of wedding planning. It is important to send out invitations with enough time to allow guests to make travel arrangements, but not too early that they forget about the event. The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks in advance. This gives guests enough time to respond and also allows the couple to get a final headcount and complete their seating chart. If the wedding is around a major holiday, it is recommended to send out invitations earlier. For international guests, it is advisable to send invitations at least nine to twelve weeks in advance to account for shipping and travel arrangements.

Invitations for international guests

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you navigate the process, specifically regarding invitations for international guests:

Timing:

It is recommended that you send out invitations for international guests earlier than you would for domestic guests. The general consensus is to send these invitations around three to four months before the wedding. This will allow your international guests ample time to make travel arrangements, request time off work, and sort out other logistics. Some sources suggest sending invitations even earlier, especially if you have not sent out "Save the Dates." If you are inviting a large number of international guests, or if your wedding is during a busy travel time, you may want to send invitations as early as six months in advance.

Communication:

It is a good idea to give your international guests a heads-up about the wedding before sending out the formal invitations. This can be done via email, phone call, or even a "Save the Date" card. Providing them with the wedding details and information about booking accommodations will allow them to start making travel plans early.

RSVP Method:

When it comes to RSVPs, it is advisable to offer digital options for international guests. This will save time and avoid potential delays due to international mail. You can include a note in the invitation, requesting that they RSVP via email, your wedding website, or by phone.

Postal Considerations:

When sending invitations internationally, be prepared for potential postal delays and additional costs. It is a good idea to research the postal system and costs of the countries you are sending to. Keep in mind that some countries may have less reliable mail services, so allowing extra time for delivery is prudent.

Alternative Options:

If you are hesitant about sending paper invitations internationally due to cost or reliability concerns, there are alternative options. Some couples choose to send electronic invitations, especially if their wedding has a shorter planning timeframe. You could also consider sending paper invitations to domestic guests and electronic invitations to international guests, ensuring they have all the necessary details.

Additional Tips:

• If you are sending paper invitations, consider including a note requesting that international guests RSVP digitally to make it easier for everyone.
• Start designing and ordering your invitations early to avoid last-minute stress.
• If possible, try to have all the wedding details finalized and available on your wedding website as soon as you send out "Save the Dates." This will be especially helpful for international guests making travel arrangements.
• Be prepared for potential language barriers and ensure that your invitations are clear and concise.

Remember, the key is to give your international guests enough time to plan their attendance at your wedding, so sending out invitations earlier will help ensure their presence at your special day.

Save-the-date cards

When it comes to the design of your save-the-date cards, the possibilities are endless. You can choose from a variety of themes, such as classic, rustic, or destination, and add fun add-ons like silver embossing. You can also include a QR code that guests can scan to access more information about your wedding. If you're feeling creative, you can even design your own save-the-date cards or work with a professional designer to create something truly unique.

In addition to sending save-the-date cards, it is also a good idea to set up a wedding website where guests can find more information about your wedding, including accommodation options, transportation details, and a map of the area. This will make it easier for your guests to plan their attendance and ensure that they have a smooth and enjoyable experience on your special day.

Invitations for out-of-town guests

When it comes to wedding invitations, timing is everything. Sending them too early might mean that your wedding isn't at the top of your guests' minds as the day approaches. On the other hand, sending them out too late could result in your loved ones not having enough time to take time off work, book accommodations, or make travel plans. So, what's the ideal timeline for inviting out-of-town guests to your wedding?

The Ideal Timeline for Out-of-Town Guests

The standard timeline for sending out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeframe gives your guests, including those from out of town, ample opportunity to clear their schedules and make the necessary arrangements for attending. It also allows you to receive RSVPs earlier, facilitating more accurate headcounts for seating charts and vendor coordination.

However, when dealing with out-of-town guests, especially those travelling internationally, it is advisable to provide a bit more lead time. Sending out invitations around nine to ten weeks in advance is a considerate gesture, giving your far-flung guests extra time to plan their travels. This is especially important if your wedding falls near a major holiday, like Christmas, when early planning is crucial.

Save-the-Dates and Other Considerations

Before sending out invitations, it is customary to send out "Save-the-Dates," which serve as an early notification of your wedding date. These are typically sent out six to twelve months in advance, allowing your guests to reserve the date and make initial travel arrangements. This is particularly helpful for out-of-town guests, giving them a head start on planning their trip.

If you're inviting a large number of out-of-town guests, you might consider including additional information with your invitations. A second card or insert can provide accommodation suggestions, transportation options, and a link to your wedding website for further details. This ensures that your guests have the resources they need to plan their trip effectively.

The Bottom Line

When inviting out-of-town guests to your wedding, it's best to send out invitations slightly earlier than the standard timeline. Aim for eight to ten weeks before your wedding date, and consider providing additional travel information to make their planning process smoother. By giving your guests from afar a little extra time and guidance, you'll increase the chances of their attendance and ensure they feel welcomed and appreciated.

RSVP deadline

When it comes to wedding invitations, timing is everything. Sending out your invites at the right time is one of the most important planning tasks, allowing you to secure a date in your guests' calendars and get an accurate headcount for your venue and vendors.

It is recommended that your RSVP deadline is set around four weeks before the wedding, with some sources suggesting two to three weeks prior. This gives you enough time to chase any late responses and get in touch with people you haven't heard from. It also allows you to provide your caterer and venue with a final headcount, which they typically request one to two weeks before the wedding.

For example, if your wedding is on June 2, mailing invitations between April 7 and 21 (six to eight weeks ahead) and setting an RSVP date between May 12 and 19 gives guests four to five weeks to respond. This leaves you with two to three weeks to track down any late responses.

It is important to note that sending invitations too early may result in guests forgetting or changing their plans, while sending them too late may not give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements. The sweet spot is usually found between six and eight weeks before the wedding, with some sources suggesting up to 10 or 12 weeks for destination weddings.

Tips for Responses

• To avoid giving guests too much leeway, start calling the day after the RSVP deadline passes.
• For those who haven't responded, ask if they received the invitation and express your hope for their attendance.
• If they're still unsure, request that they get in touch within 24 hours, explaining that you need to provide the caterer with a final number.
• If they remain unresponsive by the next day, it is best to count them out.
• It is recommended to send a friendly reminder to RSVP about one week ahead of the deadline.

Bespoke vs ready-made invites

When it comes to wedding invitations, you have two main options: bespoke or ready-made. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your personal circumstances and preferences. Here is a detailed look at the differences between the two options to help you make an informed decision.

Bespoke Invitations

Bespoke wedding invitations are a unique, one-off design created specifically for you and your partner. Working with a designer, you can interweave different styles and include personal touches such as meaningful locations or flowers. This option is perfect if you have a specific vision for your wedding or if you're feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start.

The bespoke process is less stressful than searching through endless ready-made designs and can be more sustainable, as you only print what you need. It also ensures a consistent style throughout your wedding stationery, from Save the Dates to thank you cards. Bespoke designers will handle the timeline and remind you when they need information, taking some of the pressure off your planning.

However, the lead time for bespoke invitations is considerably longer, and you should allow at least 7-8 months before your wedding to start the process. This extended timeline is necessary for the back-and-forth communication and design revisions that come with creating a custom product. The cost of a bespoke invitation will depend on your taste, budget, and materials, but you can expect to spend upwards of 2-3k.

Ready-Made Invites

Ready-made wedding invitations are pre-designed and displayed in a portfolio for you to choose from. You simply add your personal information and details to fit within the existing design. This option is typically more affordable, as less work is required to prepare them, and they can be ordered pretty last minute— up to three months before the wedding.

However, you are limited in size and customization with ready-made invitations. While you can add your details, changing the core design or colours too much is not advisable. Ready-made invitations are usually around 5 x 7 inches, the size of a standard photograph.

Timing Your Invitations

Whether you choose bespoke or ready-made invitations, the timing of sending them out is crucial. In the US and UK, it is customary to send invitations at least 2 months before the wedding, though some send them 3-6 months in advance. If you're having a destination wedding, it's essential to give your guests ample time to plan their trip, so sending Save the Dates 6-12 months before the wedding is advised.

The ideal timeline for sending out wedding invitations is generally considered to be 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements without being too early, which could lead to forgetfulness or changing plans.

In conclusion, the choice between bespoke and ready-made wedding invitations depends on your budget, timeline, and desire for customization. Whichever option you choose, be mindful of giving your guests enough notice and sending your invitations at the right time to ensure a well-planned and memorable celebration.

Frequently asked questions