Wedding Invitations: The Perfect Timing For Sending Them Out

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of wedding planning, and timing is everything. Send them too early, and your guests might forget or change their plans; send them too late, and your guests might not have enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements. So, when is the perfect time to send out wedding invitations?

Invites for weddings abroad

When it comes to weddings abroad, it's important to give your guests ample notice. It's customary to send out your save-the-date cards around 6-12 months before the wedding, and your invites at least three to four months before. This is to give your guests time to save money, book time off work, and make travel arrangements.

If you're ordering custom invitations, you'll need to set aside at least 12 weeks for these to be agreed on, completed, and sent out to you. This means adding an additional 2-3 months to your wedding timeline. So, if you plan to send out your invites six months before your wedding day, you'll need to have these ordered at least nine months before the date.

There are many creative options for wedding invitations for destination weddings. You could opt for a passport-style invitation, a boarding pass, or a luggage tag. These can be customised with your wedding colours and details. You could also include a map of the destination or a photo of the venue.

It's a good idea to include an RSVP card with a digital option, so you're not waiting for responses to travel through the mail. You may also want to include details about accommodation and travel, as well as a wedding website where guests can find more information.

If you're inviting guests from overseas, it's a good idea to give them a heads-up by calling or emailing them with the details. This is especially important if you're having a destination wedding, as you'll need to communicate a rough number of guests to your venue.

Invites for weddings in the US and UK

In the US and UK, it is customary to send out wedding invitations at least two months before the wedding. However, some couples send out their invites three to six months in advance, especially if they are having a destination wedding. Sending out invites early gives guests ample time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements, and send back their RSVPs.

In the UK, it is common to have two types of invites: day invites and evening invites. Day invites are for guests who are invited to the whole day, including the ceremony, reception, wedding breakfast, and evening reception. Evening invites are for guests who are only invited to the evening reception, usually after the sit-down meal. This typically includes people outside the couple's inner circle, new friends, work colleagues, and plus ones.

In the US, invites are much simpler, with one invite sent to each guest for the day. However, it is becoming more common for couples to send out save-the-dates, especially if they are having a destination wedding. Save-the-dates are typically sent out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier, to give guests a heads-up and allow them to start making travel arrangements.

When it comes to bridal parties, there are also some differences between the US and UK. In the UK, the bride usually walks down the aisle first, followed by her bridesmaids. In the US, the bridesmaids walk down the aisle first, followed by the bride. Traditionally, the bridal party will stand with the bride and groom during the ceremony in the US, while in the UK, they take a seat with the rest of the guests once they have walked down the aisle.

Another difference is that in the UK, it is customary for the couple to pay for the bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's suits. In the US, the bridal party members are expected to pay for their own attire.

Finally, when it comes to the wedding breakfast or reception, there are some variations between the two countries. In the UK, it is traditional for the father of the bride to give an emotional and sentimental speech, followed by the groom and the best man. In the US, the groom usually gives a brief thank-you speech, and other speeches are less common. In terms of timing, speeches in the UK typically take place after the wedding breakfast, while in the US, they may occur before or after the meal.

Regarding open bars vs cash bars, US weddings usually have an open bar paid for by the couple. In the UK, it is more common to have a cash bar, where guests pay for their own drinks.

Save-the-date cards

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of planning a wedding, and timing is everything. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some guidelines and tips to help you navigate the world of "Save-the-Date" cards:

Timing is Everything:

It is recommended to send out "Save-the-Date" cards six to eight months before your wedding. This is especially important if you are planning a destination wedding or getting married during peak season. By doing so, you give your guests ample time to plan, make travel arrangements, and RSVP. However, if you are having a destination wedding, it is advisable to send out "Save-the-Date" cards even earlier, around 8 to 12 months in advance. This will allow your guests to book their holidays and plane tickets without rushing.

Finalizing the Guest List:

Before sending out any "Save-the-Date" cards, it is essential to have a finalized guest list. Once you send someone a "Save-the-Date" card, you are essentially inviting them to your wedding. Therefore, only send them to those on your guest list whom you intend to invite. This step is crucial to avoid any confusion or miscommunication.

What to Include on the "Save-the-Date" Cards:

In addition to the date and location of the wedding, there are a few other key details you may want to include:

• Names of the couple getting married
• Wedding website or social media page
• City and state of the wedding venue
• An indication that a formal invitation will follow
• Travel and accommodation information, including hotel room block details and transportation options
• Your wedding hashtag, if you have one

Remember to keep the "Save-the-Date" card simple yet informative, providing your guests with the essential details they need to start planning their attendance.

Choosing a Design:

"Save-the-Date" cards can be a fun and creative way to announce your upcoming nuptials. You can choose from various styles, such as postcard, photo, or even magnet "Save-the-Date" cards. If you opt for a magnet, your guests can easily stick it on their fridge as a reminder. When selecting a design, feel free to be creative and choose something that reflects your personality and wedding style. You can also include photos of you and your fiancé to add a personal touch.

Ordering and Sending:

When it comes to ordering your "Save-the-Date" cards, timing is crucial. If you opt for custom-designed cards, you will need to set aside enough time for the design process and shipping. Reach out to stationers early, and consider starting the process 11 to 12 months before your wedding date. This will ensure you have the "Save-the-Date" cards ready to send out at the recommended time.

In conclusion, sending out "Save-the-Date" cards is an essential step in the wedding planning process. By following these guidelines and tips, you can ensure that your guests have enough notice and information to plan their attendance at your special day.

Invitations for international guests

Planning a wedding can be a tricky affair, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. The general rule of thumb is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. However, if you have international guests attending your wedding, there are a few extra things to consider.

Firstly, it is recommended that you give your international guests a heads-up about the wedding by calling or emailing them with the details. This way, they can start making their travel arrangements well in advance. It is also a good idea to provide them with information on booking accommodations, such as hotel recommendations or links to places to stay. If you are inviting a large number of international guests, you may want to consider sending out your invitations a little earlier, around nine to twelve weeks in advance. This will give them ample time to plan their travels and ensure they can be there to celebrate with you.

When sending invitations to international guests, it is essential to allow for extended shipping and delivery times. Keep in mind that it can take longer for your invitations to reach their destination, so giving yourself a little extra time will ensure they arrive safely. It is also a good idea to give your international guests the option to RSVP digitally. This way, you won't have to wait for their responses to arrive by mail, and it will be easier for them to confirm their attendance promptly.

Finally, if you are planning a destination wedding, it is customary to send out your save-the-dates nine to twelve months in advance. This will give your guests, especially those travelling from abroad, enough time to organise their travel plans and accommodations. In your save-the-dates, it is helpful to include travel details and information on how to reach the destination. You can also provide tips on places to visit and eat in the area, as well as information on the expected weather conditions.

RSVP deadlines

The RSVP deadline is an important part of wedding planning. It helps your to-do list move along in the final weeks of planning. There are a few things you can finalise before sending out your invites, such as the music, decor, and attire. However, there are a few details you can't finalise until you know how many people are attending, including the number of rentals, how much alcohol you'll need, and the final seating chart.

Timing:

The ideal RSVP deadline is typically around three to four weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to finalise your guest list, create a seating chart, and share the final guest count with your vendors. If you're having a destination wedding, it's recommended to set the RSVP deadline about two months before the wedding to allow for travel arrangements.

Invitations:

When sending out your wedding invitations, it's customary to mail them six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. Sending invitations too early may cause guests to forget, while sending them too late may not give your guests enough time to plan.

Save-the-Dates:

It is recommended to send out save-the-dates four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if you're planning a destination wedding. This gives your guests a timely heads-up and makes planning their attendance smoother. It also ensures that no one double-books the date or accepts another wedding invitation for the same day.

Tracking and Organising:

There are various ways to track and organise your RSVPs. You can use online tools such as The Knot Guest List Manager or create a spreadsheet to keep track of responses. It's also a good idea to give guests multiple options for RSVPing, such as mail-in cards or digital submissions through your wedding website. This ensures that you receive timely responses and can easily follow up with guests who haven't responded yet.

Following Up:

If your RSVP deadline has passed, it's polite to wait about a week before sending follow-ups to guests who haven't responded. You can send friendly reminders via phone call, text, or email. It's also helpful to include a pre-addressed and pre-stamped return envelope with your invitations to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Finalising Details:

About two weeks before the wedding, connect with your vendors, such as your caterer, planner, and venue coordinator, to finalise details such as the number of table settings, entrees, wedding favours, and other items based on your final guest count. This is also when you'll want to start working on the seating chart and finalising any last-minute details.

Frequently asked questions