When To Send Out Wedding Invitations: Advance Planning

Sending out wedding invitations at the right time is crucial to ensure your guests have all the information they need to plan for and attend your big day. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on your personal circumstances and cultural background, here's a general guide to help you decide how far in advance to send out your wedding invitations.

Invites should be sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations 6-8 weeks in advance is considered the norm in the US and UK. This 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 get a final headcount, invite guests on your B list, and complete your seating chart before the last-minute crunch.

While it's not too early to send out "Save the Dates," which are typically sent 4-6 months before the wedding, sending out your formal invitations too early can backfire. People's plans can change, and if you send your invites too far in advance, you may end up with an inaccurate guest count. It's a good idea to give your guests a timely heads-up, especially if your wedding falls on a major holiday or if many of your guests will be travelling. In these cases, it's advisable to send out your invitations 3-4 months in advance or earlier if you have a destination wedding.

If you're sending invitations to international guests, it's best to give them a heads-up via email or phone call and send out their formal invitations 12 weeks in advance. This will allow them ample time to prepare their travel arrangements.

In summary, sending out wedding invitations 6-8 weeks in advance strikes a balance between giving your guests enough notice and reducing the likelihood of last-minute changes. This timeline also aligns with proper wedding invitation etiquette and ensures you have enough time to make the necessary preparations for your big day.

Send save-the-date cards 4-6 months before the wedding

Sending out save-the-date cards is an exciting step in the wedding planning process. It's a chance to give your guests a heads-up about your upcoming nuptials and to mark their calendars. The general rule of thumb is to mail these out four to six months before the wedding, but this can vary depending on your unique circumstances.

If you're planning a destination wedding or have a large number of guests coming from out of town, it's a good idea to send save-the-dates even earlier—around six to twelve months in advance. This will give your guests ample time to make travel arrangements and accommodations. On the other hand, if you're concerned about guests forgetting the date or losing their save-the-date cards, you might want to send them out a bit later, closer to the three-month mark.

When creating your save-the-date cards, you don't need to include all the detailed information about your wedding. Simply providing the date and venue is enough to give your guests a heads-up. You can also include your wedding website, which can be a great way to share additional details and updates as your planning progresses.

It's worth noting that save-the-dates are not a requirement. If you're short on time or prefer to keep things simple, you can skip them and send out your official wedding invitations earlier. However, if you're planning a destination wedding or have many guests travelling, save-the-dates are highly recommended to give your guests ample time to plan their attendance.

Once you've sent out your save-the-dates, you can focus on finalising the details of your wedding invitations. This is an important step, as the invitations will provide guests with more specific information about your big day. The timing of sending out invitations will depend on factors such as the number of international guests and the complexity of your invitation design.

Send invites to international guests 9-10 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of planning a wedding, and timing is everything. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as it depends on your personal circumstances and cultural background, here is a guide to help you navigate this important step.

For International Guests:

If you are inviting international guests to your wedding, it is advisable to send out their invitations 9-10 weeks before the wedding. This extended timeline is to account for the extra shipping and delivery time needed to ensure that your overseas loved ones receive their invitations safely. It also gives them ample time to make travel arrangements, which may be more complex and time-consuming than domestic travel.

To ensure that your international guests have all the information they need, consider giving them a heads-up before sending out the formal invitations. A quick call, email, or text with the wedding details and information about booking accommodations can help them start planning their trip. This is especially important if a large percentage of your guest list is from abroad.

General Timeline for Wedding Invitations:

The general timeline for sending out wedding invitations is around six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements if necessary, and RSVP. It also allows you to receive RSVPs sooner, making it easier to finalise your seating chart and other wedding details.

However, if you are sending out save-the-date cards, it is customary to send them 4-6 months before the wedding. This gives your guests a timely heads-up, making it easier for them to plan their attendance, especially if they need to make travel arrangements.

In conclusion, when it comes to sending out wedding invitations, the key is to give your guests enough notice, especially those travelling from abroad. Sending out invitations 9-10 weeks in advance for international guests and 6-8 weeks for everyone else is generally a good rule of thumb. This will ensure that your guests have the information they need to plan their attendance and will help you stay organised as you navigate the exciting journey of wedding planning.

Send invites 3-4 months before the wedding if it's a destination wedding

Planning a destination wedding comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. So, how far in advance should you send out invitations for a destination wedding?

The general recommendation is to send out invitations for a destination wedding 3-4 months in advance. This is significantly earlier than the typical 6-8 weeks suggested for local weddings. The reason for this is to give your guests ample time to prepare for their travel arrangements and accommodations. By providing them with more time, you ensure that your guests can organise their schedules and make the necessary plans to attend your special day.

When sending out invitations for a destination wedding, it's important to include additional information to assist your guests in their preparations. This can include travel details, such as flight information or suggestions, as well as recommendations for accommodations. It's also helpful to provide suggestions for places to visit and eat in the area, especially if there are periods of downtime during the trip. Information about the expected weather conditions is also valuable, as it helps guests know what to pack and how to prepare for the climate. All of this information can be included on a separate card sent along with the invitation.

In addition to sending out invitations, it's a good idea to send out "save the date" notices for a destination wedding. These should be sent out even earlier, typically 9-12 months in advance. This gives your guests a heads-up to start planning their travel and ensures that your wedding date is secured in their calendars.

When planning a destination wedding, it's essential to keep your guests informed and provide them with enough time to make the necessary arrangements. By sending out invitations and save-the-dates in a timely manner, you can ensure that your guests have the information they need to join you on your big day.

Request RSVPs no later than 1 month before the wedding

When planning a wedding, it's important to give your guests enough notice to plan their attendance. While it's exciting to send out invitations, it's also crucial to set an RSVP deadline and stick to it. Here are some reasons why requesting RSVPs no later than one month before the wedding is a good idea:

Finalising Guest List and Logistics:

Requesting RSVPs a month in advance allows you to finalise your guest list and gain a clear understanding of who will be attending. This information is essential for managing logistics, such as seating arrangements, food choices, and accommodation for out-of-town guests. It gives you time to organise any last-minute details and ensures that your guests feel valued and accommodated.

Catering and Vendor Coordination:

Knowing the number of confirmed guests is crucial for coordinating with your caterers and other vendors. Most caterers require a final headcount a few weeks before the event, and having an accurate count ensures that there is enough food and seating for everyone. It also helps you stay within your budget and manage resources effectively.

Travel Arrangements for Guests:

If your wedding has out-of-town or international guests, requesting RSVPs a month in advance gives them ample time to make travel arrangements. They can book flights, accommodation, and plan their itineraries without feeling rushed. This consideration will be appreciated by your guests, especially those with busy schedules or family commitments.

Seating Chart and Table Settings:

Finalising the guest list through timely RSVPs enables you to create a thoughtful seating chart. You can arrange seating to encourage mingling and ensure that your guests are comfortable. It also helps with organising table settings, place cards, and any personalised decorations or favours you plan to provide.

Following Wedding Etiquette:

While modern weddings offer more flexibility, traditional wedding etiquette suggests sending invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding and setting the RSVP deadline about a month in advance. This timeline is considered proper etiquette and helps manage expectations. It also ensures that your guests have enough time to respond without feeling pressured or forgetting to respond at all.

Remember, it's essential to communicate the RSVP deadline clearly on your invitations and wedding website. You can also send friendly reminders as the deadline approaches to increase the likelihood of timely responses.

Frequently asked questions