Wedding Invitation Timing: When To Send Out The Invites

Sending out wedding invitations is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. But it's important to get the timing right. Send them too early and your wedding might not be at the top of your guests' minds when the day draws closer; send them too late and you risk not giving your guests enough time to plan. So, when is the best time to send out wedding invitations?

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations is one of the most exciting steps in the planning journey. It is recommended that wedding invitations be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This is the perfect timeframe as it gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. It also means that you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to get a final headcount and complete your seating chart before the week of the wedding.

Sending your invitations within this timeframe ensures that your wedding will be at the top of your guests' minds. It strikes a balance between giving everyone plenty of notice and not letting too much time pass, which could lead to guests forgetting about the event. This timing is also considerate of your guests' busy calendars, giving them ample time to make the necessary plans without feeling rushed.

If your wedding falls near a major holiday, such as Christmas, it is advisable to send invitations a little earlier, around two to three months in advance. This is because people often have busier schedules and need more time to plan during the holiday season. Similarly, if you have many out-of-town or international guests, it is a good idea to give them a bit more notice, aiming for eight to twelve weeks before the wedding. This extra time will allow for any extended shipping and delivery times and ensure that your loved ones can book accommodations and make travel plans.

To ensure the best response rate, it is recommended that the RSVP date be set for about one month before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to respond without causing last-minute planning stress. It also allows you to invite guests on your B-list if needed and finalise other wedding details.

Send save-the-dates 4-6 months before

Save-the-date cards are not required, but they are a fun and helpful way to get your guests to mark their calendars, especially when many guests have to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near the wedding site are limited. They are also a good idea if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or if you're planning a destination wedding.

Save-the-dates should be sent to everyone on your guest list (only those whom you definitely plan to invite to your wedding). They should be sent out four to six months before your wedding date—this gives your guests enough time to plan and book travel or accommodations if needed. If your wedding is a destination wedding or falls on a holiday weekend, it's a good idea to send out your save-the-dates even earlier (six to twelve months before your wedding date).

If you're sending paper save-the-dates, they can include the date, location (city/state), and wedding website URL and password if you have one. You can also indicate who is invited by how you address the envelopes. If children are not invited, you can simply address the envelopes to the parents. If they are invited, you would address the envelopes to "The Smith Family."

Send invites 2-4 months before the big day

Sending out wedding invitations is one of the most exciting steps in the planning journey. It's important to send your invites at the right time to ensure your guests have all the information they need to plan for and attend your big day.

Save-the-Dates

If you're planning to send Save-the-Dates, it's recommended to do so 4-6 months before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to mark their calendars and make any necessary travel arrangements, especially if your wedding is taking place during a busy holiday period or if many of your guests are travelling from out of town. Sending Save-the-Dates also gives you a chance to include your wedding website, which can be updated with accommodation options and other useful information for your guests.

Timing for Sending Invitations

The ideal time to send out your wedding invitations is 2-4 months before the wedding. This timeline is a sweet spot as it gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel plans without being too early. Sending invitations too early may result in guests forgetting about the event, while sending them too late may not give your guests enough time to plan and RSVP.

RSVP Timing

Requesting an RSVP deadline about one month before the wedding is generally recommended. This allows you to get a final headcount and make any necessary adjustments to your seating chart and other arrangements. It's also a good idea to follow up with guests who haven't responded to ensure you have an accurate count.

International Guests

If you have guests travelling from abroad, it's a good idea to give them a heads-up about the wedding details in advance. You can send them an email or give them a call to let them know the date and location so they can start making their travel arrangements. Sending their formal invitations 2-3 months in advance will also give them ample time to plan their trip.

Mailing Logistics

Don't forget to consider the logistics of mailing your invitations. Take a sample invitation to the post office to have it weighed and buy the correct postage. You may also want to consider hand-cancelling, which means your envelope is stamped instead of sent through a machine, helping to keep your invites looking neat and pristine.

Sending out your wedding invitations 2-4 months in advance is a great way to ensure your guests have enough time to plan and RSVP. It also gives you a firm date to work towards and finalise other important wedding details.

Request RSVPs no later than 1 month from the wedding date

When it comes to wedding planning, timing is everything. Sending out invitations too early or too late can result in a lower guest attendance. So, when is the right time to request RSVPs?

The Ideal Timeline

The general consensus is that RSVPs should be requested no later than one month before the wedding date. This timeline is supported by wedding etiquette experts and allows for ample time to make the necessary preparations for your big day. It is essential to give your guests enough time to respond, but not too much time that their plans may change.

Benefits of Requesting RSVPs One Month in Advance

Requesting RSVPs one month in advance has several advantages. Firstly, it gives you an accurate headcount for your venue and vendors. This information is crucial for finalizing details such as seating charts, menu selections, and cake size. Secondly, it reduces the risk of unexpected changes to your guest count. While plans can always change, a shorter window between the RSVP date and the wedding date minimizes the chances of last-minute cancellations or no-shows.

Tips for a Smooth Process

To ensure a smooth RSVP process, consider the following tips:

• Send save-the-dates: Sending save-the-dates 4-6 months before the wedding will give your guests a timely heads-up, making it easier for them to plan their attendance.
• Include all necessary information: Provide clear instructions on how to RSVP, whether it's through a response card, online, or by phone. Include an RSVP deadline to encourage timely responses.
• Follow up with guests: Don't be afraid to follow up with guests who haven't responded by the deadline. It's better to be proactive than to be left wondering about their attendance.
• Be mindful of mailing times: If you're sending physical invitations, consider mailing times, especially if you have international guests. Give your invitations ample time to reach your guests, and don't forget to account for possible delays.

By following these guidelines and requesting RSVPs no later than one month before your wedding, you'll be well on your way to a well-organized and memorable celebration.

Send invites 8+ months before a destination wedding

Planning a destination wedding? It's a good idea to send out your save-the-dates 8 months or more in advance. This gives your guests ample time to make travel arrangements and accommodations. It's also a good idea to set up a wedding website with all the necessary details about travel and accommodations, which you can include on your save-the-date cards.

If you're only sending out invitations, it's best to do so at least 4 months before the wedding. This will allow your guests to book flights and make travel plans without worrying about last-minute changes to your wedding date or location. It's also a good idea to give your guests a heads-up about the wedding details ahead of time, especially if they need to travel a long way.

When it comes to RSVPs, setting a deadline of about a month before the wedding is standard. This gives you enough time to chase down late responses and finalize your seating chart and other wedding details.

Keep in mind that sending your invitations too early may result in an inaccurate guest count, as people's plans can change. On the other hand, sending them too late may not give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements. So, the sweet spot for sending out invitations is generally 2 to 4 months before your destination wedding.

Frequently asked questions