Timing Your Wedding Invites: When To Send Them Out

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of wedding planning. The timing of sending out wedding invitations is important as it can affect guest attendance. As a general rule, wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements, and book accommodations if needed. It is also a good idea to send out save-the-date cards four to six months in advance to allow guests to hold the date. For destination weddings or weddings with a large number of international guests, it is recommended to send out invitations three months or twelve weeks in advance.

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of wedding planning. It is important to give guests ample time to respond and make travel arrangements, so sending invitations at least six to eight weeks in advance is ideal. This timing also allows guests to purchase gifts from your registry.

While it is essential to give guests enough notice, sending invitations too early can lead to challenges. Guests' plans may change, resulting in an inaccurate guest count for the venue and vendors. Therefore, sending invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding strikes a balance between providing sufficient notice and reducing the likelihood of unexpected changes.

It is worth noting that different cultures and locations have varying norms regarding the timing of sending wedding invitations. For example, in Sweden, it is customary to send invitations a year in advance.

Additionally, if you are planning a destination wedding or have a significant number of international guests, it is advisable to send invitations earlier, around 12 weeks before the wedding. This will allow your guests to make the necessary travel arrangements.

To summarise, sending invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding is generally recommended. However, adjustments can be made based on cultural norms, the number of international guests, and the specific needs of your guest list.

Send save-the-dates 4-6 months before

Sending save-the-date cards is an exciting step in the wedding planning process. It's a fun way to inform your guests about your upcoming nuptials and give them a heads-up to mark their calendars. Here are some detailed tips and guidelines for sending save-the-dates four to six months before your wedding:

Finalise the Guest List

Before sending save-the-dates, finalise your guest list to include only those you definitely plan to invite to the wedding. This step ensures that you don't commit to inviting guests who may not make the final cut, preventing any potential confusion or hurt feelings.

Timing is Key

The general rule of thumb for sending save-the-dates is four to six months before the wedding. This timing gives your guests enough notice to make necessary travel arrangements, book accommodations, and request time off from work. It also ensures that your guests don't make other plans for that date, allowing them to block off their calendars for your special day.

Destination Weddings and Holidays

If you're planning a destination wedding or getting married during a holiday weekend, consider sending your save-the-dates even earlier, such as six to twelve months in advance. This extra lead time is crucial for guests who need to plan more extensive travel or accommodate busy travel periods.

Include Essential Details

While save-the-dates don't need to include all the wedding details, providing some key information is essential. Include the wedding date, your names, and the location (city and state) to give guests a clear picture of when and where the wedding will take place. You can also include your wedding website, which can be a valuable resource for guests seeking additional information.

Be Mindful of Cultural and Regional Differences

The timing of sending save-the-dates can vary depending on cultural and regional norms. For example, in Sweden, it's customary to send wedding invitations a year in advance. Be mindful of these differences, especially if you have guests from various cultural backgrounds or regions.

Don't Forget to Follow Up

Sending save-the-dates is just the first step. Don't forget to follow up with official wedding invitations closer to the date, typically six to eight weeks before the wedding. This second round of invitations will prompt guests to RSVP and provide additional details, such as reception information and accommodation options.

Request RSVPs by 1 month before

The timing of your wedding invitations and RSVPs is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. Here are some instructive tips to ensure you receive timely responses and can plan your big day effectively:

Set an Appropriate Timeline:

Requesting RSVPs by one month before your wedding strikes a balance between giving guests enough time to respond and ensuring you have the necessary information for your vendors. This timeline is supported by wedding etiquette guidelines and allows for a smooth planning process.

Send Invitations Early:

It is recommended to mail wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding for non-destination weddings. This provides guests with ample time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. Sending invitations early increases the likelihood of receiving timely RSVPs and reduces the need for follow-ups.

Provide a Clear RSVP Deadline:

Clearly communicate the RSVP deadline on your invitations. A deadline of three to four weeks before the wedding is ideal. This timing ensures you have the necessary information for your vendors, such as the caterer and wedding planner, and allows for seating arrangements and transportation planning.

Make it Easy for Your Guests:

Include a pre-addressed and pre-stamped return envelope with your invitations. This small detail removes potential barriers and encourages guests to send their responses promptly. Additionally, consider offering digital RSVP options through your wedding website, accommodating those who prefer a paperless approach.

Be Mindful of Destination Weddings:

If you're planning a destination wedding, adjust your timeline accordingly. Send invitations ten to twelve weeks in advance and request RSVPs by two months before the wedding. This extended timeline accounts for the additional travel arrangements and accommodations required for your guests and provides you with ample planning time.

Follow Up When Necessary:

Despite your best efforts, there may be guests who miss the RSVP deadline. In such cases, a quick phone call or email reminder can be helpful. Politely inquire about their response and explain the importance of having their decision by your specified date. This proactive approach ensures you receive the necessary information without causing undue stress.

Send invites to international guests 9-12 weeks before

Sending out wedding invitations is an important part of wedding planning. The invitations are not just the guests' first glimpse of the style and theme of the wedding, but they are also a crucial logistical element.

If you are inviting international guests, it is recommended that you send out their invitations 9 to 12 weeks before the wedding. This will give them ample time to make travel arrangements. If you are only inviting a few international guests, it is fine to send their invitations at the same time as those of your other guests, but be sure to give them a heads-up about the wedding details in advance via call, text, or email.

• Send out save-the-date cards early: It is advisable to send out save-the-date cards to your international guests as early as possible, ideally 6 to 12 months before the wedding. This will allow them to make the necessary travel arrangements and accommodations.
• Provide accommodation details: Include accommodation details in your invitation suite or on your wedding website. This will be helpful for your international guests who may not be familiar with the area.
• Offer travel advice: If your wedding venue is in an area with limited transportation options, consider providing travel advice or arranging transportation for your international guests.
• Follow up promptly: After sending out the invitations, be sure to follow up with your international guests to ensure they have received the invitation and have enough time to book their travel.
• Make your wedding website informative: Have all the necessary information, such as accommodation options, travel advice, and wedding-related activities, available on your wedding website as soon as the save-the-dates are sent out.
• Consider sending physical invitations: While digital invitations are becoming more common, it is still a nice touch to send physical invitations to your international guests. This adds a personal touch and ensures that they receive the invitation even if they are not tech-savvy.

Include who, when, and where in the invite

The timing of sending out wedding invitations is an important aspect of wedding planning. It is recommended that save-the-date cards are sent out 4-6 months before the wedding, especially if it is a destination wedding. This gives guests enough time to make travel arrangements.

The official wedding invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. This is enough time for guests to respond and make any necessary preparations.

Now, let's focus on the "who, when, and where" of the wedding invitations:

Who

The invitation should include the full names of the couple getting married. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name is usually listed first, but the order can be changed as per personal preference. LGBTQIA+ couples may choose to list their names alphabetically, by age, or in any other way they see fit. Middle names and last names are also optional and can be included based on the level of formality of the wedding.

The hosts of the wedding, usually the people paying for the event, are also traditionally listed on the invitation. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, this line can be omitted.

When

The date and time of the ceremony are essential components of the invitation. It is recommended to write out the time rather than using numerals, especially for formal invitations. For example, "four o'clock in the afternoon" instead of 4:00 pm.

Where

The invitation should include the name and full address of the ceremony and reception venues. If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, a simple line such as "Reception to Follow" can be included. If the reception is at a different location, a separate reception card with the address and start time should be included in the invitation suite.

Additionally, it is helpful to include extra information about the venue, such as parking instructions or a custom map, especially if the wedding is taking place in an unusual or rural location.

In summary, the timing of sending out wedding invitations is crucial, with save-the-dates going out 4-6 months early and official invitations 6-8 weeks in advance. The invitations should include the full names of the couple, the hosts (optional), and the date, time, and address of the ceremony and reception. Extra venue details can also be included to make it convenient for the guests.

Frequently asked questions