When To Send Wedding Invitations To Your Guests

Sending out wedding invitations can be a tricky business. Send them too early and your guests might forget about the event or their RSVP, but send them too late and your guests might not be able to attend due to prior commitments. So, how far in advance should you send out your wedding invitations?

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out your wedding invitations is an important part of the wedding planning process. It's essential to give your guests enough notice, so they can plan their time and make any necessary travel arrangements.

If you've already sent out save-the-dates, it's generally recommended to send your invitations at least eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to respond and make any necessary arrangements, such as booking time off work and sorting out travel and accommodation. It's also enough time for you to finalise numbers with your venue and caterers.

However, if your wedding is during a busy time of year, such as peak summer season, or if many of your guests will need to travel, it's a good idea to send your invitations a little earlier. Sending them out 10-12 weeks in advance will give your guests more time to plan and ensure they don't have to make expensive travel arrangements.

While it's important to give your guests enough notice, sending your invitations too early can be a mistake. Guests may forget to respond or be unable to commit to the date if it's too far in advance. Aim to send your invitations no earlier than 12 weeks before the wedding to avoid this.

• Include an RSVP card with a clear deadline for responses, typically about one month before the wedding.
• Provide crucial details such as accommodation booking information, dress code, and whether it's an adults-only event.
• Consider including a separate ''particulars' card with practical information such as taxi numbers, postcodes, and parking information.
• If your wedding is during a busy time for tourism in the area, send your invitations closer to 12 months in advance to prevent guests from having to make expensive travel arrangements.
• If you're inviting guests from overseas, give them a heads-up by calling or emailing them with the details, so they can start planning their trip.
• If you haven't sent save-the-dates, it's recommended to send your invitations four to six months before the wedding.

Send save-the-dates 6-12 months before

Save-the-date cards are a fun and practical way to tell your friends and family that they're invited to your wedding. They are especially helpful when many of your guests have to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near the wedding site are limited. It's best to send out save-the-date cards 6-12 months before your wedding day. The earlier you send them, the more time your guests will have to prepare and change their plans if necessary.

• Finalise your guest list and gather everyone's addresses. This will give you an accurate count of how many save-the-date cards you need to order.
• Choose a design that matches the style and theme of your wedding. You can use your engagement photos to add a personal touch.
• Include key information such as the date, city of the event, and the name of the couple. You may also include optional details such as hotel information and your wedding website.
• Mail your save-the-date cards. If you're planning a destination wedding or a wedding during a busy holiday season, consider sending them closer to the 12-month mark to give your guests ample notice.
• Follow up with your formal wedding invitations roughly 8 weeks before the wedding.

Remember, save-the-date cards are not required, but they are a great way to get your guests excited about your upcoming nuptials!

Include who, when, and where

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few key details that you'll want to include to ensure your guests have all the information they need to kick-start their planning process. Here are some tips and suggestions for including the "who, when, and where" in your wedding invitations:

Who

• Include the full names of you and your fiancé(e), as well as the full names of the hosts if you're using formal phrasing.
• If both sets of parents are hosting or contributing to the wedding, you can use wording such as "Together with their parents" or "Together with their families."
• For same-sex couples, you can list the names in alphabetical order by last name or based on what looks best with the invitation design.
• If you want to honour a deceased parent, you can include their name alongside yours, for example, "Lauren Martinez, daughter of Marta Martinez and the late Robert Martinez."

When

• Clearly list the time, date, month, and year of the wedding.
• The time of day should be spelled out, for example, "four o'clock" or "half past four o'clock."
• For formal invitations, spell out the month in full, for example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one."
• If using a modern or casual style, numerical figures are also acceptable, but ensure the font is legible to avoid confusion.

Where

• Include the full address of the venue, including the city and state.
• If the wedding is taking place abroad, include the country as well.
• If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply state "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow."
• For a separate reception venue, include the full address and other pertinent information on a separate details card included with the invitation.

Timing

In terms of when to send your wedding invitations, here is a suggested timeline:

• Save-the-date cards: Send these out 6-12 months before the wedding, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or have many guests who need to make travel arrangements.
• Wedding invitations: Mail these 6-8 weeks before the wedding, or 3 months in advance for destination weddings.

Add RSVP card and pre-addressed envelope

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many details to consider, big and small. One of the most important details is the wedding invitation, which not only announces the upcoming nuptials but also sets the tone for the entire event. Here are some tips and guidelines for adding RSVP cards and pre-addressed envelopes to your wedding invitations:

Timing:

It is recommended to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding date. For destination weddings, invitations should be sent out three months in advance. This will give your guests enough time to plan their attendance, especially if they need to make travel arrangements. The RSVP deadline should be included on the card, and it is standard etiquette to set this deadline for about one month before the wedding date. This will allow you to have an accurate headcount for your vendors and make any necessary adjustments.

Wording and Content:

RSVP cards typically include the RSVP deadline, the guests' names, a "Yes" or "No" attendance line, and an entrée selection if you are serving a plated meal. You can also include other helpful information such as transportation options or accommodation details. The wording can vary from formal to whimsical, depending on the style of your wedding. Here is a basic template for the wording:

[Guest names] – M____________

– Name(s) ________

[Attendance line] ___ accept(s) ___ regret(s)

___________ of [total number of guests] will attend

[Entrée selection instructions]

Addressing and Postage:

Be sure to include the name and address of the recipient on the RSVP envelope. Traditionally, guests are addressed using courtesy titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss. Only the first names of the couple-to-be should be used. It is also important to include postage on the envelope to make it convenient for your guests to respond.

Online RSVPs:

If you are offering an online RSVP option through your wedding website, be sure to include this information on the card. However, it is still recommended to provide a physical RSVP card and envelope for guests who prefer this method.

Other Considerations:

When ordering your wedding invitations, remember to order the RSVP cards at the same time to ensure coordination and timely mailing. You can also add a personal touch by choosing a colour for your envelopes that complements your wedding theme. Finally, consider the weight of your invitations, especially if you are including multiple enclosures, to ensure you have the correct postage amount.

Send rehearsal invites separately

Sending rehearsal invites separately gives you the opportunity to be creative and add a personal touch. Here are some tips and ideas to consider:

Timing and Format:

Rehearsal dinner invitations can be sent out three to six weeks in advance. If you're sending paper invitations, this timeline ensures that your guests receive them with enough time to plan their attendance. For digital invitations, you may send them a bit earlier for convenience.

Paper or Digital:

While paper invitations are traditional and can set the tone for your wedding, digital invitations are also becoming increasingly popular and eco-friendly. You can choose either format or even combine them for a unique approach. For instance, sending a digital save-the-date for the rehearsal followed by a paper invitation can be a fun way to build excitement.

Wording and Content:

The wording of your rehearsal invites should be clear and concise. Include the date, time, location, and any dress code or special instructions. You may also want to include RSVP information, such as a deadline and the method of response (email is often the easiest option). If you're sending paper invitations, you can include an additional card with the rehearsal details, ensuring that only the relevant guests receive this information.

Guest List and Itinerary:

The guest list for the rehearsal dinner typically includes the wedding party, immediate family members, and anyone else participating in the ceremony, such as the officiant. If you're inviting out-of-town guests, it's a thoughtful gesture to include them as well. Creating an itinerary for your guests that includes all the wedding events and their duties can help ensure everyone is on the same page and can plan their travel arrangements accordingly.

Hosting and Sending Invites:

Traditionally, the groom's family hosts and sends out the rehearsal dinner invitations. However, in modern times, it is becoming more common for the couple to host it themselves or split the cost with their parents. Ultimately, the decision depends on the family's preference and budget. The hosts of the rehearsal dinner typically have the final say on the guest list and the invitation format.

Remember, the rehearsal dinner is an exciting part of the wedding celebrations, so feel free to add your personal touches and make it a memorable event for you and your loved ones!

Frequently asked questions