When To Expect Wedding Invitation Responses

Wedding invitations are usually sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, but this timeline can be adjusted depending on the location of the wedding and the guests. For a destination wedding, it is recommended to send invitations at least 12 weeks in advance, while for local weddings, a timeline of three to six months is also considered acceptable. Sending out invitations too early or too late can be inconsiderate and may hurt guest attendance, so it is important to give guests ample time to plan their attendance, especially if they need to request time off work or make travel arrangements.

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

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

If you're inviting out-of-town or international guests, it's advisable to send their invitations a little earlier, around eight to twelve weeks in advance. This will give them more time to book time off work, sort out accommodation, and plan their journey.

It's also worth noting that sending your invitations too early could cause your wedding to slip your guests' minds as the day draws closer. So, while it's important to give your guests ample notice, you also want to avoid sending your invitations too far in advance.

• Finalise your guest list and gather everyone's addresses.
• Choose your wedding invitations and save-the-dates. You may want to pick a design that matches your wedding theme and colours.
• If you're sending save-the-dates, it's best to do so around four to six months before the wedding.
• Assemble your invitations and RSVP cards. If you're sending paper invitations, take a complete invitation to the post office to get weighed so you know how much postage is required.
• Send your invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding date. If you're inviting many out-of-town or international guests, consider sending their invitations eight to twelve weeks in advance.
• Ask for RSVPs no later than one month before your wedding, to give yourself and your vendors enough time to prepare.

Send save-the-dates 4-6 months before

Save-the-date cards are not mandatory, but they are a fun way to ensure your guests mark their calendars. They are especially useful when many of your guests have to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near the wedding site are limited. In general, save-the-date cards should be sent out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if you're planning a destination wedding that may require more extensive travel arrangements.

If you're considering sending out save-the-date cards, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Only send them to guests who are invited to the whole wedding day, not just the evening reception.
• They should include crucial details such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as any accommodation booking information, dress code, and whether it's an adults-only affair.
• If you have a wedding website, include the URL on the save-the-date cards so guests can find more information.
• If you're on a budget, consider sending digital save-the-date cards through email or WhatsApp, or using a free design site like Canva.

Sending out save-the-date cards is a great way to get your guests excited about your wedding and ensure they have all the information they need to attend. It's also a good opportunity to give them a sneak peek of your wedding theme and style through the design of the cards.

Request RSVPs 2-3 weeks before

It is recommended that you request RSVPs for your wedding at least two to three weeks before the wedding date. This will allow you to get a final headcount, make necessary arrangements with your vendors, and finalise your seating chart before the last-minute crunch.

Requesting RSVPs within this timeframe is considerate to your guests, giving them enough time to receive the invitation and consider their decision. It also ensures that you have ample time to follow up with any guests who have not yet responded by the deadline.

To ensure a timely response, it is advisable to include an RSVP deadline on your wedding invitations. This will provide a sense of urgency and make it more likely for guests to respond within the desired timeframe.

Additionally, consider offering a paper RSVP option in addition to digital RSVPs through your wedding website. This accommodates guests who may be less familiar with technology or prefer a more traditional response method.

By requesting RSVPs two to three weeks in advance, you can strike a balance between giving your guests enough notice and not sending the invitations too early, which could result in them forgetting the date.

Send invites 3-6 months before (if no save-the-dates)

If you're not sending out save-the-dates, it's recommended that you send out your wedding invitations around six months in advance. This is especially important if a large percentage of your guest list lives abroad or if you're planning a destination wedding. In these cases, it's best to add a few weeks to this timeline and aim for around 12 weeks before your wedding date.

If you're only engaged for a few months before tying the knot, you can send out your invites two to three months in advance.

Sending your invites three to six months in advance gives your guests plenty of time to RSVP, make travel arrangements, and request time off work if necessary. It's also enough time for you to receive RSVPs, finalise your seating chart, and make the necessary preparations for your big day.

However, you don't want to send your invites too early, as guests might forget the date, or too late, as this would be inconsiderate and might hurt your guest attendance.

Send invites 12 weeks before (for destination weddings)

Planning a destination wedding? Send your invitations 12 weeks before the big day. This is especially important if you're inviting international guests, as it gives them ample time to plan their trip, book flights and accommodation, and request time off work.

While it's not essential, it's a good idea to send out save-the-date cards in advance of your formal invitations. These can be sent anywhere from six to 12 months before your wedding, and will give your guests a heads-up to mark their calendars. This is particularly important for destination weddings, as it gives your guests time to save and book their trip. It also ensures that no one books a holiday or accepts another wedding invitation for the same date.

If you're sending save-the-date cards, you can afford to send your formal invitations a little later. Aim to send these at least eight weeks before your wedding, and no later than 10 weeks in advance. This gives your guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary travel arrangements, without being so early that they forget about your wedding.

If you're not sending save-the-date cards, it's recommended that you send your invitations 12 weeks before your destination wedding. This will give your guests plenty of time to plan their trip and make all the necessary arrangements.

It's also worth noting that it takes time to find the right wedding stationery supplier and place your order, so be sure to factor this into your timeline. If you're ordering custom designs, allow at least 12 weeks for these to be agreed upon, completed, and sent out to you.

Happy planning!

Frequently asked questions