Wedding Invitation Etiquette: A Guide To Sending Invites

Sending out wedding invitations is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. But with so many other details to consider, it can be tricky to know the right time to do so. The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. However, if you're having a destination wedding, it's proper etiquette to send invitations out 12 weeks prior. It's also worth noting that save-the-date cards can be sent six to eight months, or even a year in advance, and are especially useful if many guests need to make travel arrangements.

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending your wedding invitations around six to eight weeks before the wedding is considered the proper etiquette. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if they need to. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount, invite guests on your B list if needed, and complete your seating chart before the week of the wedding.

If your wedding is around a major holiday, such as Christmas, it is recommended to give your guests more time to plan in advance. Sending invitations three months in advance in this case is not too early.

For couples with a shorter engagement, it is recommended to send invitations two to three months before the wedding.

If you are having a destination wedding, it is considered proper etiquette to send your wedding invitations out 12 weeks prior.

Include all necessary information

Including all the necessary information in your wedding invitation is crucial. This helps your guests plan and make arrangements for your big day. Here are the key details you should include:

Bride and Groom's Names

This may seem obvious, but it is essential to include the names of both the bride and groom on the invitation. This is usually stated clearly and succinctly, with simplicity being key.

Wedding Date and Time

Be sure to include the date and time of the ceremony. It is recommended to put an earlier time on the invitation than the actual start time to ensure guests arrive on time or early.

Ceremony and Reception Locations

Include the locations of both the ceremony and the reception. If they are at the same venue, you can simply state "reception to follow" after the ceremony details. If they are at different venues, include the reception location beneath the ceremony details or on a separate reception card.

Attire Requested

Let your guests know the requested attire for the wedding. This can be included on the bottom of the invite or on a separate details card. Common dress code templates include "black tie", "cocktail attire", or "dress casual".

RSVP Instructions

Provide clear RSVP instructions with a deadline for responses. For print invitations, include a reply card and a stamped, addressed envelope. Digital invitations can include a phone number, email, or URL for responses. The deadline for responses is typically two to three weeks before the wedding.

Additional Information

You may also want to include additional information such as directions, parking, and accommodation options. This can be included on an additional card insert or on your wedding website.

By including all this information, you can ensure your guests have all they need to plan and attend your wedding, making the process smoother for both you and your guests.

Provide RSVP instructions

Whether you opt for a digital or print invitation, it's important to provide clear RSVP instructions for your guests. If you go for a printed invitation, include a reply card and a stamped, self-addressed envelope with each invite. Your RSVP reply card should include a date for guests to respond by—typically two to three weeks before the wedding. This will give you enough time to provide your caterer with an accurate headcount.

If you're using online RSVPs, include a phone number, email, or URL where your guests can respond. Be sure to include the name of the point of contact who is managing responses when providing a phone number or email.

The last thing you want is a mix-up with your RSVP responses. Using an online RSVP tracker can make managing guest responses much more efficient and straightforward for both you and your guests.

Send save-the-dates 6-8 months before

Save-the-date cards are not mandatory, but they are a fun way to get your guests excited about your wedding and are especially useful if many of your guests will need to make travel arrangements or if there is limited accommodation near the wedding venue. Sending these out early will also give your guests a heads-up to plan ahead and make any necessary arrangements.

It is recommended that save-the-date cards are sent out 6-8 months before the wedding, or even earlier if you are planning a destination wedding that may require more extensive travel plans. Sending these out early will also give your guests a heads-up to plan ahead and make any necessary arrangements.

It is important to only send save-the-dates to those you are planning on inviting to the wedding. While it is not required to include all the details on the save-the-date, it is a good idea to include the wedding website so that guests can find out more information and start to plan their attendance.

If you are not sending save-the-dates, it is recommended that you send out your wedding invitations around six months in advance, assuming an average engagement length of 16 months. If you have a shorter engagement, aim for 2-3 months before the wedding.

Include attire and location details

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, it's important to include all the necessary information for your guests. This includes details about the attire and location.

Attire Details

It is important to let your guests know the requested attire for your wedding. This can be included towards the bottom of the wedding invitation or on a separate details card. If you would prefer not to include it on the invitation itself, you can include a link to your wedding website, where you can communicate the dress code and other relevant information. Here are some common wedding dress codes from most formal to most casual:

• Black tie optional
• Black tie
• Cocktail attire
• Dress casual

Location Details

It is essential to include the ceremony and reception location(s) on your wedding invitations. If you are having a destination wedding, it is proper etiquette to send your invitations out 12 weeks prior to the wedding date. You may also want to include directions and parking or accommodation information to avoid back-and-forth questions with your guests as your big day approaches. This can be done through a digital invitation, an additional card insert with your print invitations, or your wedding website.

Frequently asked questions