Wedding Invitations: The Perfect Timing For Sending Them Out

Wedding planning is an exciting time, and sending out invitations is one of the most important steps in the process. It's essential to get the timing right to ensure your guests have enough time to plan and attend your big day. So, how far in advance should you send out your wedding invitations?

The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline is considered proper wedding invitation etiquette and gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements, such as travel and accommodation plans. Sending invitations within this timeframe also allows you to request RSVPs sooner, making it easier to finalise your guest list and complete seating charts before the wedding crunch.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you're having a destination wedding or inviting a large number of international guests, it's advisable to send invitations earlier, around twelve weeks in advance. This extra time accounts for shipping delays and gives international guests more time to plan their travels. On the other hand, if you're skipping save-the-dates and have a shorter engagement, you may want to send invitations out a bit earlier, around six months in advance.

While it's essential to give your guests enough notice, sending invitations too early can also have its drawbacks. People's plans may change, and they might forget the details if the invitation is sent too far in advance. Therefore, it's crucial to find a balance and send invitations within a reasonable timeframe.

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

Sending out save-the-date cards ahead of your wedding invitations is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. Save-the-date cards are typically sent out 4-6 months before the wedding, giving your guests ample time to plan their attendance. This is especially important if your wedding is a destination wedding or if many of your guests will need to travel or make accommodation arrangements. Sending out save-the-date cards early ensures that your guests can block off the date on their calendars and make the necessary travel plans.

While save-the-date cards are not required, they are a considerate gesture, especially if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend. Sending them out early also allows your guests to take advantage of early-bird travel deals and ensures that no one books over your wedding date. It's a good idea to include your wedding website on the save-the-date cards so that guests can access all the necessary information.

If you're sending out physical save-the-date cards, it's important to factor in the time for designing, ordering, and shipping. If you're opting for custom-made luxury save-the-date cards, it's best to start the process 11-12 months before your wedding. However, if you're going for ready-made options, 8-9 months in advance should be sufficient.

In addition to sending out save-the-date cards, it's also a good idea to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding through a quick call, text, or email, especially if they need to make travel arrangements. This ensures that your guests have all the information they need and can start planning their attendance well in advance.

Send official invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out official wedding invitations is an exciting step in the planning journey. It is customary to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This is the sweet spot that gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. Sending the invites at this time also means that you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to get a final headcount and complete your seating chart before the wedding crunch.

It is important to note that this timeline may vary depending on certain circumstances. For example, if your wedding falls on a major holiday like Christmas, it is advisable to send the invitations earlier, as suggested by etiquette expert Diane Gottsman. In this case, sending invitations three months in advance is not too early. Similarly, if you have a large number of international guests or are planning a destination wedding, it is recommended to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim to send your invites around 12 weeks before your wedding date to give your guests ample time to plan their travels.

On the other hand, sending your invitations too early can also be an issue. If you mail them more than four months in advance, you risk guests forgetting the date or their plans changing. The general rule of thumb is to send Save the Dates four to six months before the wedding, giving guests enough time to make the necessary arrangements. This is especially important if your wedding is a destination wedding or falls on a holiday weekend.

When it comes to the content of your official invitations, it is essential to include an RSVP card with a deadline of about one month before the wedding. This will give you and your vendors ample time to make the necessary preparations. You may also want to include other enclosure cards with helpful information for your guests, such as reception details, travel and accommodation suggestions, attire suggestions, and your wedding website.

Remember, the key to sending out official wedding invitations is to give your guests enough time to plan their attendance while also staying within the proper wedding invitation etiquette.

Ask for RSVPs no later than 1 month before the wedding

It is recommended that you ask for RSVPs no later than one month before your wedding date. This is the perfect amount of time to allow your guests to receive the invitation and make their decision. It also provides your wedding vendors with enough advance notice to order and prepare supplies. The sooner you get an accurate guest count, the sooner you can finalise your wedding planning details, such as the seating chart, final menu selections, and cake size.

Asking for RSVPs a month in advance also gives you some timeline padding for stragglers who won't get their responses in on time. It is not uncommon for guests to need a reminder, and it is not considered rude to call them if you haven't heard back.

The RSVP deadline is an important factor to consider when sending out wedding invitations. Ideally, invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner while staying in line with proper wedding invitation etiquette.

If you are inviting many international guests, it is advisable to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim to send invitations around 12 weeks before the wedding date. If you are only inviting a few international guests, it is acceptable to send their invitations at the same time as other guests, but be sure to give them a heads-up via email or phone call so they can start making travel arrangements.

For weddings in far-off destinations or during holiday periods, it is a good idea to send "save the date" cards even earlier, from six to 12 months in advance, so that guests can plan their budgets and accommodation.

Send invites to international guests 9-10 weeks in advance

When planning a wedding, it is important to give your guests enough notice, especially if they need to make travel arrangements. While the general rule of thumb is to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks in advance, it is advisable to add a few weeks to this timeline if you have international guests. Aim to send their invites nine to ten weeks before your wedding date.

Sending out your invitations on time is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that your guests have enough time to plan their attendance, especially if they need to request time off work or make travel and accommodation arrangements. Secondly, it allows you to receive RSVPs sooner, which is essential for finalizing your headcount, creating a seating chart, and making the necessary preparations for your big day. Finally, sending invitations at the right time helps to secure the date in your guests' calendars and boosts the chances of a positive RSVP.

If you are inviting international guests, it is advisable to give them a heads-up before sending out the official invitations. Consider calling, texting, or emailing them with the wedding details, including information about booking accommodations. This way, they can start making their travel arrangements well in advance.

In addition to sending invitations, it is also customary to send out "Save the Dates" to your guests. These are typically sent four to six months before the wedding but can be sent up to a year in advance if you have finalized the details. "Save the Dates" give your guests a timely heads-up, allowing them to block off the date on their calendars and make any necessary travel plans.

When sending invitations to international guests, it is recommended to allow for extended shipping and delivery times. Sending the invitations nine to ten weeks in advance ensures that they are received with ample time for your guests to plan their attendance. To expedite the RSVP process, consider providing your international guests with the option to respond digitally, rather than waiting for their responses to arrive by mail.

Send digital invites 6-8 weeks in advance

Sending out your wedding invitations digitally 6-8 weeks in advance is considered the perfect timeline. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. It also means that you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to finalise your seating charts and share the headcount with your vendors before the wedding crunch.

While digital invites are faster, it is still wise to stick to the traditional timeline to ensure your guests have ample time to respond. This timeline is also important for your guests' planning, especially if they need to book time off work or make other arrangements.

If you have already sent out Save the Dates, your guests will be aware of the wedding date and can start planning their attendance. In this case, sending invitations 6-8 weeks in advance is ideal, as it gives them enough time to respond without increasing the chances of unexpected changes.

For destination weddings or weddings with a large number of international guests, it is recommended to send invitations 12 weeks in advance. This allows guests sufficient time to manage their budget, book flights, and make the necessary travel arrangements.

The key is to ensure that your guests have all the information they need to plan their attendance, such as the wedding date, venue, and accommodation options. It is also essential to set an RSVP date, ideally about three weeks before the wedding, to help you finalise the guest list and other important details.

By sending your digital wedding invitations 6-8 weeks in advance, you strike a balance between giving your guests enough notice and minimising the chances of last-minute changes, ensuring a well-planned and memorable celebration.

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