When To Send Wedding Invitations: Timing Etiquette

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of wedding planning. The timing of sending out wedding invitations depends on several factors, such as cultural differences, the location of the wedding, and the number of international guests.

In the US and UK, it is customary to send out wedding invitations at least two months before the wedding. However, some couples may send out their invitations three to six months in advance, especially if they have a destination wedding or if most of their guests are travelling from out of town.

Etiquette experts recommend sending out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding date to allow guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. Sending out invitations too early or too late can be inconsiderate and may affect guest attendance.

To ensure your guests have all the necessary information, it is also recommended to send out save the date cards four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings.

Invites should be sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of wedding planning. The general rule of thumb is to send out your invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding date. This is considered the "sweet spot" as it gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if they are coming from out of town. It also means that you can request RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount to provide to your vendors.

While it is ultimately up to you when you send out your invitations, it is important to remember that sending them out too late may not give your guests enough time to plan and could hurt your guest attendance. On the other hand, sending them out too early may result in your wedding not being at the top of your guests' minds as the day approaches.

If you are inviting international guests, it is recommended that you send their invitations out nine to ten weeks in advance to account for extended shipping and delivery times. It is also a good idea to give them a heads-up by phone, email, or text so that they have enough time to prepare their travel arrangements.

Before sending out your invitations, it is customary to send out "save the date" cards. These are typically sent out four to six months before the wedding, or earlier if you are planning a destination wedding. This ensures that your guests have enough time to plan and request time off work if needed.

Once you have sent out your invitations, you can expect to start receiving RSVPs. It is recommended that you set an RSVP deadline of at least two to three weeks before your wedding date to allow enough time to finalise your seating chart and provide a final headcount to your caterers.

Save-the-date cards should be sent 4-6 months before

Save-the-date cards are an essential part of wedding planning. They are a fun way to inform your guests about your wedding and prompt them to mark their calendars. It is advisable to send out these cards four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if you're planning a destination wedding that may require more extensive travel arrangements. Sending save-the-date cards in this timeframe is considerate, especially for guests who need to book travel or accommodations.

• It ensures your guests have ample time to plan and make any necessary arrangements, such as booking travel and accommodations.
• Sending save-the-date cards early is especially important if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is in a far-off destination.
• By giving your guests a heads-up about the date and location, you reduce the risk of them double-booking or accepting another wedding invitation for the same date.
• Sending save-the-date cards early is also beneficial if you're having a destination wedding, as it gives your guests a rough idea of the number of attendees, which is crucial for communicating with your wedding venue and preparing welcome packs.

While sending save-the-date cards is not mandatory, it is a thoughtful gesture that boosts the chances of your guests attending. It also sets the tone for your wedding and allows you to share your excitement with your loved ones.

In summary, sending save-the-date cards 4-6 months before your wedding is a thoughtful and practical step in your wedding planning journey. It ensures your guests have the information they need to start making arrangements and increases the likelihood of their attendance on your special day.

RSVPs should be requested 1 month before the wedding

When it comes to wedding planning, there are a lot of factors to consider, and timing is crucial. Sending out wedding invitations at the right time will ensure your guests have all the information they need to plan for and attend your big day.

So, how early is too early to request RSVPs? It is recommended that you give your guests at least one month to respond. Ideally, the RSVP deadline should be around three to four weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to finalise the guest list and create a seating plan. It also allows vendors, such as caterers and transportation companies, to plan accordingly.

If you send out invitations too early, you risk guests forgetting about your wedding or changing their minds. On the other hand, sending them out too late may not give your guests enough time to respond and make the necessary arrangements, such as booking time off work or organising childcare.

The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding, with a clear RSVP deadline included. This gives guests a window of about one month to respond, which is enough time for them to plan without being too far in advance. It is also beneficial for the couple, who can then plan other details with more accuracy, such as the number of tables and chairs needed, and the amount of food to be prepared.

To ensure you receive RSVPs on time, it is recommended to include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope with the invitation. You can also offer guests the option to RSVP digitally through your wedding website. A friendly reminder a week or two before the deadline can also help to prompt guests to respond.

For destination weddings, it is advisable to give guests more time to plan their travel. In this case, invitations should be sent out four months in advance, with an RSVP deadline of two months before the wedding.

By allowing enough time for responses and being mindful of your guests' needs, you can ensure a smooth and well-organised event that your guests will be looking forward to.

Send invites earlier if many guests are travelling

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many variables to consider, and one of the most important is the timing of sending out invitations, especially if you have a lot of guests travelling from out of town or from overseas. The general rule of thumb is to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, but in certain circumstances, sending them earlier is advisable.

If you have a large number of guests travelling from out of town or from another country, it is a good idea to send out your invitations earlier than the standard six to eight weeks. This will give your guests ample time to make travel arrangements, book accommodations, and request time off work. For domestic guests, sending the invitations two to three months in advance is a good idea. This will allow them to plan their trip without feeling rushed. For international guests, it is recommended to send the invitations nine to twelve weeks in advance to account for extended shipping times and to allow them to make the necessary travel plans.

Additionally, if you are having a destination wedding, it is essential to give your guests ample notice. In this case, sending the invitations three to six months in advance is advisable. This will give your guests enough time to plan their trip, book accommodations, and make any other necessary arrangements.

Sending the invitations earlier also benefits you as the host. It will give you a better idea of the final headcount at an earlier stage, allowing you to plan your seating arrangements and make any necessary adjustments. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your guests have enough time to plan their trip and are less likely to change their plans.

However, it is important to note that sending the invitations too early may lead to guests forgetting about the event or changing their plans. Therefore, the recommended timeframe of six to eight weeks for local guests and two to three months for out-of-town guests is generally a good balance.

In conclusion, when it comes to sending wedding invitations, it is important to consider the travel plans of your guests. Sending the invitations earlier than the standard timeframe, especially for guests travelling from out of town or from another country, will ensure that your guests have enough time to plan their trip and reduce the chances of last-minute changes.

Include a return address on the invites

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many important decisions to be made, and sending out invitations is one of the most exciting steps. It's essential to give your guests enough notice, especially if they need to make travel arrangements. So, how early is too early, and how last minute is too last minute?

The general rule of thumb is to send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the big day. This gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner, making it easier to finalise that all-important headcount.

Now, onto the return address. Including a return address on your wedding invitations is not just a matter of tradition; it serves a practical purpose. Here are some instructive tips on including return addresses when sending out your wedding invites:

The Purpose of a Return Address

The return address tells your guests two crucial things: where to send their RSVPs and where to mail any gifts. Including a clear return address ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to the sender, so you can take prompt action and ensure all your guests receive their invites without delay.

Where to Place the Return Address

The preferred location for a return address is on the back flap of the envelope. This makes it easily visible for your guests and the postal service while keeping the front of the envelope neat and tidy, with just the recipient's address. If you're using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the outer envelope.

Formatting the Return Address

There are a few options for formatting the return address. You can choose to include names and the physical address, or just the address alone. Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding would be noted as the return address, but nowadays, it's also common to see the bride and groom's names listed, especially if they are hosting the event themselves. Here are some examples:

• With names:
• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson

12 Park Lane

Mobile, Alabama 36695

Without names:

12 Park Lane

Mobile, Alabama 36695

Return Address Options

There are several ways to get your return address onto the envelope, each with its pros and cons:

• Return address labels: Printed labels are a simple, affordable option, but they may look inconsistent with the guest address, especially if you're using coloured envelopes.
• Pre-printed return address on the envelope: Having your return address pre-printed on the envelope saves time and provides a clean look. However, it may incur an extra cost, and you'll need to plan ahead as it requires lead time for printing.
• Return address stamp: Similar to labels, you can order a custom stamp with your return address, which can be used over and over again. This option provides a cohesive style with the guest address and is yours to keep.
• Calligraphy return address: The most luxurious option is to have a calligrapher write your return address. This ensures a perfect match in writing style and ink colour but is also the most expensive choice due to the time and skill involved.

Timing It Right

So, when should you send out your beautifully crafted invitations? The sweet spot is around two months before the wedding. However, if your wedding falls on or near a major holiday, it's a good idea to give your guests more time, as they may need to plan in advance. At the very latest, send your invites around a month and a half in advance, and request responses by one month before the big day.

If you're skipping the save-the-dates, the timeline shifts a little. In this case, send your invitations six months in advance for a standard engagement length. For shorter engagements, aim for two to three months before the wedding.

For international guests, it's a good idea to give a little extra time. Send their invitations nine to ten weeks in advance, or even up to a year if your wedding is in a far-flung location.

In conclusion, including a clear and correctly formatted return address on your wedding invitations is an important detail that should not be overlooked. It ensures your guests can easily respond and helps keep your special day running smoothly.

Frequently asked questions