The Perfect Timing For Sending Out Wedding Invites

Sending out wedding invitations at the right time is crucial to ensure your guests have enough time to plan their attendance. 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 guests travelling from abroad. Sending out invitations too early or too late can be inconsiderate and may affect guest attendance. It is recommended to send out Save the Dates four to six months before the wedding, and the official invitations six to eight weeks before. This timeline allows guests to make travel arrangements and book accommodations if needed. For destination weddings, sending invitations three months in advance is advisable.

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's a fun way to get your guests to mark their calendars and ensure they have enough time to make travel arrangements. Here are some tips and guidelines for sending out your Save the Date cards 4-6 months before your wedding:

Timing is Key

It is generally recommended to send out your Save the Date cards about 4-6 months before your wedding date. This gives your guests ample time to block off the date on their calendars and make any necessary travel plans or accommodations. Sending Save the Dates early is especially important if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is a destination wedding. In those cases, sending them out even earlier (6-12 months) is highly advisable.

Who Should Receive a Save the Date?

Save the Date cards should only be sent to those guests whom you definitely plan to invite to your wedding. This ensures that your guests have a clear idea of how many people are expected to attend and can plan accordingly.

Save the Date cards don't need to include all the details of your wedding. However, they should include the full names of you and your fiancé(e), the date of the wedding, and possibly the location or venue. You can also include your wedding website, where guests can find additional information such as accommodation suggestions, travel details, and any wedding-related activities.

Design and Format

The design of your Save the Date cards can be as creative and unique as you like. They can be designed to reflect the theme and style of your wedding, incorporating colours or design elements that tie into your special day. You can opt for digital Save the Dates, or choose from a variety of online or custom-made paper designs.

Remember, sending out Save the Date cards is an important step in ensuring your guests have enough notice to plan their attendance at your wedding. It's a fun and exciting part of the planning process, allowing you to share your joy with your loved ones and get them excited for your upcoming celebration!

Send invites 6-8 weeks before

Sending out wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding is considered the perfect timing. This timeline is considered the sweet spot as it gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements, such as booking accommodations and planning travel. It also allows you to request RSVPs sooner, making it easier to finalise the headcount and create seating charts.

Additionally, sending invitations within this timeframe ensures that your wedding remains at the top of your guests' minds. It strikes a balance between providing ample notice and maintaining the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming event. This timing is especially crucial if you have guests travelling from out of town or from international locations, as they often require more time for travel planning.

While sending out invitations 6-8 weeks in advance is generally recommended, there are a few exceptions to consider. If your wedding falls near a major holiday, such as Christmas, it is advisable to send invitations earlier, giving guests more time to plan. Similarly, for destination weddings or weddings with a large number of international guests, it is considerate to send invitations around 12 weeks in advance to account for travel planning and visa arrangements.

On the other hand, if your wedding is fast approaching and you haven't sent out invitations yet, it is still possible to do so up to three months in advance. This is considered the latest acceptable time frame, ensuring your guests have at least some time to make the necessary arrangements.

In conclusion, sending out wedding invitations 6-8 weeks in advance is ideal as it provides a balance between giving enough notice and maintaining excitement. However, adjustments can be made based on the specific circumstances, such as holiday schedules or destination weddings, to ensure your guests have sufficient time to plan their attendance.

Send destination invites 3 months before

Planning a destination wedding? It's important to give your guests ample time to plan their travels and book accommodations. Sending out your invitations three months in advance is a good rule of thumb. This gives your guests enough time to make the necessary arrangements without being too early, which runs the risk of guests forgetting about your wedding day.

Sending out your invitations three months in advance also gives you a good amount of time to receive RSVPs and finalise your wedding planning details, such as the seating chart and menu selections. It's also a good idea to request RSVPs about a month before the wedding to give your vendors advance notice for their preparations.

If you're sending out physical invitations, it's worth noting that the time it takes to find the right wedding stationery supplier, place your order, and have it delivered will vary. Online off-the-shelf designs can be bought and shipped quickly, usually within 2 to 3 weeks. Custom-made, luxury invitations, on the other hand, can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, and you'll be working directly with a stationery designer to turn your vision into a reality.

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's also a good idea to give your guests a heads-up about the details ahead of time. You can do this by sending out a "save the date" card about 6 to 12 months in advance, which will allow your guests to start making travel arrangements. This is especially important if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is in a far-off location.

In summary, sending out your destination wedding invitations about 3 months in advance is ideal, but it's also a good idea to send out "save the dates" earlier to give your guests a heads-up and ensure they have enough time to plan their travels.

Request RSVPs by 1 month before

Requesting RSVPs by one month before the wedding is a great way to ensure you have enough time to finalise the details of your big day. Here are some reasons why requesting RSVPs by this deadline is beneficial:

Final Headcount

One of the most important reasons to request RSVPs a month before is to determine your final headcount. This headcount is crucial for providing accurate numbers to your vendors, including your caterer, venue, and transportation company. They will need a final count to plan for meals, tables, chairs, and shuttle services. Having an accurate headcount will also help you create your seating chart and ensure that everyone is comfortably accommodated.

Timely Responses

Requesting RSVPs by one month before strikes a balance between giving your guests enough time to respond and creating a sense of urgency. If you ask for responses too early, your guests might procrastinate or forget to respond altogether. On the other hand, a deadline that is too close to the wedding date may result in last-minute changes and increased stress. Setting the deadline a month before encourages guests to respond without putting it off for too long.

Travel Arrangements

For weddings where guests are travelling from out of town or overseas, requesting RSVPs by one month before gives them ample time to make travel arrangements. This includes booking flights, accommodations, and any other necessary plans. It also allows you to provide this information to your guests and ensure they have a comfortable stay.

Seating Chart and Vendor Finalisation

Having the final headcount a month before the wedding gives you time to create a thoughtful seating chart. You can take into account the preferences and dynamics of your guests, ensuring that everyone has a pleasant experience during the reception. Additionally, with the headcount finalised, you can finalise other details with your vendors, such as the number of tables, chairs, meals, and any other services they are providing.

Follow-up and Buffer Time

Setting the RSVP deadline a month before the wedding also gives you a buffer to follow up with guests who have not yet responded. It is common for some guests to miss the deadline or forget to respond altogether. Having this buffer allows you to reach out to them, confirm their attendance, and make any necessary adjustments to your plans.

Planning and Budgeting

Receiving RSVPs by one month before helps tremendously with planning and budgeting. It allows you to make informed decisions about place settings, favours, desserts, and other details that depend on the number of guests. It also enables you to track down unresponsive guests and finalise contracts with vendors based on accurate numbers.

Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope

Including a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your wedding invitations is a thoughtful touch that makes it easier for your guests to respond. Here are some reasons why you should consider doing this:

Convenience for Your Guests:

By providing a self-addressed, stamped envelope, you eliminate the need for your guests to search for postage stamps or worry about addressing the envelope correctly. This is especially helpful for older guests or those who may not be familiar with wedding etiquette.

Timely Responses:

When guests have everything they need to respond, they are more likely to do so promptly. This helps you receive RSVPs in a timely manner, allowing you to finalise your guest list, seating arrangements, and other wedding plans without delay.

Consistency in Style:

You can choose stamps and envelopes that complement the style and colour scheme of your wedding invitations. This adds a cohesive touch to your wedding stationery and showcases your attention to detail.

Reducing Stress:

Including self-addressed, stamped envelopes streamlines the response process, reducing potential stress for both you and your guests. This is especially beneficial if you have a large number of invitees or if some of your guests are not familiar with traditional wedding response etiquette.

A Personal Touch:

Adding this extra element to your invitations demonstrates your thoughtfulness and attention to detail. It conveys a sense of warmth and hospitality, making your guests feel valued and appreciated.

Practicality:

By providing pre-addressed and stamped envelopes, you ensure that your guests' responses reach the correct destination without the risk of errors or delays due to incorrect addressing.

In summary, including self-addressed, stamped envelopes with your wedding invitations is a practical and considerate gesture that contributes to a smooth response process and adds a touch of elegance and hospitality to your wedding planning.

Frequently asked questions