The Perfect Timing For Sending Out Wedding Invitations

Wedding planning can be a daunting task, and deciding when to send out invitations is one of the many important decisions to be made. Sending out wedding invitations too late can result in guests not having enough time to make arrangements, while sending them out too early might cause the event to slip their minds. So, what is the ideal timeframe for sending out wedding invitations?

Sending invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out your wedding invites is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. It's also a crucial step, as it gives your guests a first look at the style and theme of your wedding, as well as being a key logistical element.

The ideal timeline for sending out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to get a final headcount, invite any guests on your B-list, and complete your seating chart before the last-minute crunch. Sending your invites within this timeframe is considered proper wedding invitation etiquette and will ensure you don't risk your wedding being forgotten by guests who receive their invites too early.

If your wedding date falls around a major holiday, such as Christmas, it is advisable to give your guests more time to plan in advance. In this case, sending out your invitations three months in advance is not too early.

For couples with a shorter engagement, the timeline changes slightly. If you are only engaged for a few months before the wedding, it is recommended to send out invitations two to three months in advance.

It is also worth noting that if you are inviting out-of-town or international guests, it is customary to send out invitations eight to ten weeks in advance to account for shipping and delivery times.

To ensure your invitations arrive safely and on time, consider the following tips:

• Allow extra time for delivery, especially if you have a specific deadline.
• Use non-holiday themed stamps if sending invitations close to a major holiday.
• Include a return address on the envelopes so you can track any missing invitations.
• Finalize your guest list and ensure you have accurate addresses before sending.

By following these guidelines and sending out your invitations six to eight weeks in advance, you'll be well on your way to a smooth and well-organized wedding celebration.

Sending save-the-dates 6-8 months in advance

When creating your save-the-dates, you can include key details such as the date and time of your wedding, as well as a hint of the formality of the celebration. If you're looking for design inspiration, The Knot Invitations offers over 500 designs in various styles, including simple and classic, rustic, bohemian, and funny. You can also add your personal touch by choosing from different colourways, paper types, and editing tools. Additionally, The Knot Invitations provides free design assistance to help bring your dream stationery to life.

To ensure your save-the-dates arrive on time, plan for potential shipping delays, especially if you're sending them internationally. It's also a good idea to choose non-holiday-themed stamps to make your mail stand out during the holiday season. Keep in mind that you can also hand-deliver your save-the-dates to local guests while mailing them to those who live farther away.

Remember, sending save-the-dates 6-8 months in advance is just the first step in the wedding invitation process. The official invitations should still be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding, giving your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. By following these timelines and etiquette tips, you'll be well on your way to a well-planned and exciting celebration with your loved ones.

Mailing invites to out-of-town guests 8 weeks before

Mailing your wedding invitations around eight weeks before the big day is considered the norm, and this timeline applies to all your guests, whether they live locally or are coming from out of town. Sending invites to out-of-town guests at this time gives them ample opportunity to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to get a final headcount, invite any guests on your B list, and complete your seating charts before the last-minute crunch.

If your wedding is around a major holiday, such as Christmas, it's advisable to give guests more time to plan in advance and send out invites earlier than usual. The same applies if your guest list includes people living outside the US—you'll need to account for extended shipping and delivery times. In these cases, it's acceptable to send out invites up to a year in advance.

For out-of-town guests, you could also consider sending out save-the-date cards in advance of the formal invitations. These are typically sent six to eight months before the wedding but can be mailed up to a year ahead of time if you've already finalised the details. Save-the-date cards are particularly useful if you're planning a destination wedding.

Sending invites 2-3 months before for short engagements

Sending out wedding invitations is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. It's also a crucial logistical element, so it's important to get it right.

If you're working with a short engagement, it's generally recommended that you send out your wedding invitations two to three months before the big day. This is a slight departure from the traditional timeline, which suggests sending invitations six to eight weeks in advance. However, in today's busy world, giving your guests a little extra notice can be helpful, especially if they need to make travel arrangements.

Sending your invitations two to three months in advance also gives you a bit of a buffer if there are any mailing delays. It's always a good idea to avoid the risk of your invitations getting lost in the shuffle of holiday cards and increased mail volume during certain times of the year. If your wedding falls during a busy mailing season, consider choosing stamps that aren't holiday-themed to help your invitations stand out.

While it's essential to give your guests enough notice, you also don't want to send your invitations too early. Mailing them too far in advance might cause your wedding to slip your guests' minds as the day draws closer. The sweet spot is giving everyone plenty of time to make plans without providing so much time that they lose track of the date.

Additionally, sending your invitations two to three months before the wedding allows you to request RSVPs sooner. This will enable you to get a final headcount, create your seating charts, and invite guests from your B-list if needed. It's a good idea to set your RSVP date for two to three weeks before the wedding, giving you enough time to finalize details with your caterer and other vendors.

In summary, for short engagements, sending out your wedding invitations two to three months in advance strikes the perfect balance between giving your guests enough notice and maintaining their excitement for your upcoming celebration. This timeline also allows you to stay organized and ensure a well-planned and enjoyable event for everyone.

Sending invites 9-10 weeks in advance for international guests

When it comes to wedding invitations, timing is everything. Send them too late, and your guests might not have enough time to plan their attendance. Send them too early, and your wedding might slip your guests' minds as the day approaches. So, what's the best time to send out wedding invites to international guests?

It's generally recommended that wedding invitations be sent out nine to ten weeks in advance for international guests. This is to account for the extra time needed for shipping and delivery, ensuring that your loved ones abroad have enough time to receive their invites and make the necessary travel arrangements. While it's customary to send out invites eight weeks before the wedding, adding an extra week or two for international guests can help ensure their invites don't get lost in the mail.

However, there is some flexibility in this timeline. Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman suggests that for international guests, you can send out invitations up to a year in advance. This is especially helpful if your wedding falls around a major holiday, like Christmas, when people plan their schedules further in advance. Sending out invites earlier gives your international guests more time to plan and increases the likelihood of their attendance.

When sending invites to international guests, it's essential to consider the RSVP process. Instead of waiting for responses through the mail, give your international guests the option to RSVP digitally. This will make it easier for them to respond promptly and reduce the risk of their responses getting lost in transit.

By sending out your wedding invitations nine to ten weeks in advance for international guests, you can ensure that they have ample time to plan their travel and attendance. This timeline strikes a balance between giving them enough notice and not risking your wedding being overlooked as it approaches.

Frequently asked questions