The Perfect Timing For Wedding Invites

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of wedding planning. It is customary to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, allowing guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. This timeline also enables couples to receive RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount for seating charts and other preparations. Sending invitations too early or too late can be inconsiderate and affect guest attendance. Couples should also consider sending out save-the-date cards four to six months in advance, especially for destination weddings, to give guests ample time to plan their attendance.

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

Sending out save-the-date cards is an exciting step in your wedding planning journey. It is advisable to send these out 4-6 months before the wedding, giving your guests plenty of time to plan and make any necessary travel arrangements. This is especially important if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is a destination wedding, in which case it is highly advisable to send your save-the-dates even earlier, around 6 to 12 months in advance.

Save-the-date cards are not a requirement, but they are a fun and considerate way to get your guests to mark their calendars, especially if many of them need to make travel plans or if accommodations near the wedding site are limited. They also give your guests enough time to ensure they are available and do not book another event or vacation for the same date.

When sending out save-the-dates, it is important to only include those whom you definitely plan to invite to your wedding. This will help you get an idea of how many people will be able to attend, which is crucial for destination weddings when you need to communicate a rough number of guests with your venue.

If you are planning to send physical save-the-date cards, it is recommended to start looking for online digital providers or designers at least 1-2 weeks in advance. Online off-the-shelf designs can be bought and shipped to you within 2-3 weeks, while custom-made luxury save-the-dates can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to create.

In addition to sending out save-the-date cards, it is also a good idea to have all the wedding information available on your wedding website as soon as possible. This includes details such as hotel room blocks and transportation options, which will be helpful for your guests as they make their travel plans.

By sending out your save-the-date cards 4-6 months in advance, you can ensure that your guests have enough time to plan and increase the chances of receiving positive RSVPs for your big day.

Include wedding website on save-the-date cards

Save-the-date cards are a fun and simple way to let your guests know that your wedding is on the horizon and that they should keep the date free. They are typically sent out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if you're planning a destination wedding. While they are not a requirement, they are a helpful way to give your guests a heads-up, especially if many of them have to make travel arrangements.

Including your wedding website on your save-the-date cards is a great idea. This allows your guests to easily access all the information they need about your big day. When creating your wedding website, be sure to include all the essential details such as the date, time, and location of your wedding, as well as any registry information. You can also use your wedding website to collect and track RSVPs, making it easier to finalize your guest count and plan accordingly.

• Match your website to your save-the-date cards: Choose a website template that matches the design and style of your save-the-date cards. This creates a cohesive look and feel for your wedding stationery.
• Include a QR code: Consider adding a QR code on your save-the-date cards that directs guests to your wedding website. This makes it quick and easy for guests to access the site.
• Highlight important information: On your wedding website, be sure to highlight important information such as the wedding date, location, and any accommodation or travel recommendations for guests.
• Update your website regularly: As you finalize more details of your wedding, be sure to update your website accordingly. This ensures that your guests always have the most up-to-date information.
• Include an online RSVP option: Allow guests to RSVP through your wedding website. This makes it convenient for them and helps you keep track of responses in one place.

Including your wedding website on your save-the-date cards is a great way to keep your guests informed and involved in your wedding planning journey. It also ensures that they have easy access to all the information they need to attend your special day.

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out your wedding invitations around six to eight weeks before the wedding date is considered good etiquette. This timeframe gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to finalise your seating chart and share the final headcount with your vendors before the week of the wedding.

If your wedding falls on a major holiday, such as Christmas, or if you have a large number of international guests, it is advisable to send out invitations earlier, around two to three months in advance. This will give your guests ample time to plan their attendance, especially if they need to book time off work, accommodation, or travel.

However, it is important to note that sending out invitations too early may lead to guests forgetting the date or changing their plans. Therefore, it is recommended to send Save the Dates four to six months before the wedding, especially if it is a destination wedding or falls on a holiday weekend. This will allow your guests to block off the date on their calendars and make any necessary arrangements.

When sending out your wedding invitations, it is essential to include a clear RSVP deadline, usually set about a month before the wedding. This will give you enough time to chase down late responses and finalise the details with your vendors.

• If you have a wedding website, ensure that all the relevant information, such as accommodation options and travel recommendations, is readily available for your guests as soon as the Save the Dates go out.
• If you have a mix of local and international guests, consider sending the invitations to international guests earlier to give them more time to plan their travel.
• Be prompt in following up with guests who haven't responded, especially those travelling from abroad, to ensure they have enough time to book their trips.

Request RSVPs no later than 1 month before

When planning your wedding, it's important to get the timing right so you can make sure all of your last-minute details are in order. Sending out your invitations and getting your RSVPs back in time will help you finalise your wedding planning and ensure your big day goes smoothly. Here are some reasons why you should request RSVPs no later than one month before your wedding:

Finalise the Guest List

One of the most important reasons to set an RSVP deadline about a month before the wedding is to finalise your guest list. This will help you confirm how many people are attending and allow you to plan accordingly. With a clear headcount, you can proceed with other arrangements, such as seating charts, catering, and accommodation.

Vendor Requirements

Many wedding vendors, such as caterers, transportation companies, and venues, will require a final guest count before the wedding. Having an accurate headcount will enable them to plan for meals, tables, chairs, and other arrangements. A late RSVP can delay these preparations and cause last-minute chaos.

Seating Arrangements

Knowing how many guests are attending and who they are will help you create a thoughtful seating arrangement. A month before the wedding is a reasonable deadline, as it gives you enough time to plan without being too close to the event. This deadline also allows for any stragglers who may need a gentle reminder to respond.

Travel and Accommodation

If you have guests travelling from out of town, knowing their attendance in advance will help you plan for their travel and accommodation needs. It's considerate to give your guests ample time to make their travel arrangements and book accommodations, especially if your wedding is during a busy holiday period.

Catering and Venue Capacity

Understanding the number of guests will be crucial for catering purposes and ensuring your venue can accommodate everyone comfortably. With an accurate headcount, you can plan the number of meals, wedding cakes, and drinks. It will also help you finalise other details, such as wedding favours and escort cards.

Planning Pre- and Post-Wedding Events

If you're planning any events before or after the wedding, such as a rehearsal dinner or a day-after brunch, knowing the number of guests and their arrival and departure times will be essential. An early RSVP deadline will give you a better sense of your guest count and help you plan these additional events accordingly.

Send invites to international guests 9-12 weeks before

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of wedding planning, and it's important to give guests enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements. If you're sending invitations to international guests, it's a good idea to allow a little extra time for shipping and delivery. Here are some tips to help you plan when to send out your wedding invitations to international guests:

9-12 Weeks Before the Wedding:

• Sending out invitations to international guests 9-12 weeks before the wedding is generally considered a good timeframe. This allows enough time for shipping and gives your guests ample time to plan their travels.
• If you have a large number of international guests, it's advisable to send out the invitations 12 weeks in advance. This ensures they have sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements, such as booking flights and accommodations.
• For a smaller number of international guests, sending their invitations along with those of other guests is also acceptable. However, it's essential to give them a heads-up by calling or emailing them the wedding details.
• Regardless of the number of international guests, it's recommended to send out Save the Dates 4-6 months before the wedding. This gives your guests, especially those travelling from abroad, enough time to plan their attendance.

6-8 Weeks Before the Wedding:

• For guests living in the same country as the wedding venue, sending invitations 6-8 weeks in advance is generally considered the "sweet spot." This timeframe applies to both out-of-town and local guests within the same country.
• Sending invitations too early may result in guests forgetting the date, while sending them too late may not give your loved ones enough time to make travel arrangements.

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding:

• It's essential to follow up with guests who haven't responded to your invitation, especially those travelling from abroad. This ensures you have an accurate headcount for your final preparations.
• Having all the wedding details available on your wedding website is also helpful, especially for international guests who need to plan their travels.

Remember, while these are general guidelines, the timing of sending out wedding invitations ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and cultural norms.

Frequently asked questions