Sending Wedding Invites: Timing And Etiquette

Sending out wedding invitations too early or too late can be inconsiderate and may hurt guest attendance. The ideal timeline for sending out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. It also means that the couple can request RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount to finalise seating charts and other details. Sending invitations too early may result in guests changing their plans, while sending them too late may not give guests enough time to make the necessary arrangements. In certain circumstances, such as around major holidays or for destination weddings, it is advisable to send invitations earlier, up to 12 weeks in advance or even earlier for international guests. Save-the-dates are typically sent four to six months before the wedding, giving guests a timely heads-up to plan their attendance.

Sending invites too early or too late

It's important to get the timing right when sending out your wedding invitations. Send them too early, and your wedding might slip your guests' minds as the day draws closer. Send them too late, and you risk your loved ones not having enough time to take time off work, book accommodations, or make travel arrangements.

So, when is the right time? The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks in advance. This gives guests enough time to respond and make any necessary arrangements, without increasing the likelihood of unexpected things coming up. Sending invitations within this timeframe also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to get a final headcount and complete your seating charts before the week of the wedding.

However, there are some circumstances in which you may want to send your invitations out earlier. If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend, sending your invitations around three months in advance is advisable. This is also the case if many of your guests will need to travel for the wedding, especially if they are international guests. In these cases, sending invitations around 12 weeks before the wedding is a good idea.

If you're worried about giving your guests enough notice, you can send out "save the date" cards in advance of the formal invitations. These are usually sent out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if it's a destination wedding. Save-the-date cards give your guests a heads-up to mark their calendars, but they don't contain all the details of the formal invitation.

While it's important to be mindful of timing when sending out wedding invitations, ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The right timeframe for you will depend on your unique circumstances, including the location of your wedding and the travel plans of your guests.

Save-the-dates

Timing is Key

It is generally recommended to send out your save-the-dates four to six months before your wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to make the necessary travel arrangements and accommodations. However, if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is a destination wedding, it is advisable to send them even earlier, around six to twelve months in advance. This is especially important if your wedding is abroad, as guests will need time to save and book their trip.

Who Should Receive a Save-the-Date?

Your save-the-dates can include the wedding date, venue, and a wedding website link if you have one. The website can provide additional details such as lodging options and travel information. While it is not necessary to include all the specifics, providing a glimpse into what your guests can expect will help them plan accordingly.

Design and Format

The design and format of your save-the-dates can vary depending on your personal preference and wedding theme. They can be sent digitally or as physical cards. If you opt for physical cards, consider including a photo of you and your partner, adding a personal touch to your announcement.

Following Up with Invitations

After sending your save-the-dates, the next step is to send out the official wedding invitations. The recommended timeline for this is six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This allows your guests enough time to respond and make any necessary travel arrangements. Remember to include an RSVP deadline, typically set for one month before the wedding, to help with your final planning and preparations.

RSVP deadlines

The RSVP deadline is an important aspect of wedding planning, allowing you to finalise guest counts and make the necessary arrangements for your big day. Here are some key considerations and guidelines regarding RSVP deadlines:

Timing of RSVP Deadlines:

• It is recommended that your wedding RSVPs be due at least four weeks before the wedding, and no later than two weeks before the event.
• The ideal deadline is typically considered to be around three to four weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to finalise the guest list and identify non-respondents.
• Sending invitations six to ten weeks before the wedding strikes a balance between giving guests ample time to decide and avoiding a situation where they put off responding and forget.

Following Up on RSVPs:

• It is advisable to follow up with guests who haven't responded by the deadline. A friendly reminder one week before the deadline is a good idea.
• If the RSVP deadline has passed, wait about a week before sending reminders to those who haven't responded.
• Two weeks before the wedding, connect with your caterer, planner, venue coordinator, and other vendors to finalise details based on the confirmed guest count.

Factors Affecting RSVP Deadlines:

• The deadline may vary depending on the nature of your wedding. For a destination wedding or if a large number of guests are travelling from abroad, it is advisable to set an earlier deadline to allow for travel arrangements.
• The time of year can also be a factor. If your wedding is around a major holiday, such as Christmas, sending invitations and setting an earlier RSVP deadline is recommended.
• The format of the RSVP can impact the deadline. Digital RSVPs may allow for a shorter timeframe, while physical RSVP cards should be mailed about a week before the deadline.

Guest Perspective:

• As a wedding guest, it is considerate to respond to an RSVP as soon as you know whether you can attend.
• Responding promptly helps the couple finalise their plans and gives them an early indication of the expected guest count.

In summary, setting an appropriate RSVP deadline is crucial for effective wedding planning. The deadline should balance the need for timely responses with giving guests enough time to decide and make travel arrangements if necessary. Following up on non-responses is also an important aspect of managing your RSVP process.

International guests

When it comes to international guests, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they have enough time to plan their travels and that your invitations arrive on time. Here are some detailed guidelines and tips for sending out wedding invitations to international guests:

Timing:

It is recommended to send out wedding invitations to international guests earlier than you would for domestic guests. While the standard timeline for sending invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding, you should aim for nine to twelve weeks for international guests. This will allow them enough time to make travel arrangements, such as booking flights and accommodations. If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is a destination wedding, you may even consider sending out invitations earlier, up to a year in advance.

Save-the-Dates:

Before sending out the official invitations, it is a good idea to send Save-the-Dates to your international guests as early as possible, especially if your wedding date is during a popular travel time such as a holiday weekend. Save-the-Dates should be sent out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings. This will give your international guests a heads-up to start planning their travels.

Communication:

In addition to sending out Save-the-Dates and invitations, it is considerate to give your international guests a personal call, text, or email with the wedding details. This way, they have all the information they need to start making travel arrangements. Be sure to include details such as the date, location, and any information on booking hotel rooms. You can also provide them with a wedding website link, where they can find additional information.

RSVP Timing:

When requesting RSVPs from international guests, consider giving them a longer response time. While the standard timeline for RSVPs is to have them returned one month before the wedding, international guests may need more time to finalise their travel plans. You can also provide the option for international guests to RSVP digitally, which may be faster and more convenient for them.

Follow-up:

Be sure to follow up promptly with any international guests who you have not heard from. This will ensure that they receive the invitation and have enough time to book their travels. It is also a good idea to have all the necessary information, such as hotel room blocks and transportation options, available on your wedding website as soon as possible.

Bespoke wedding stationery

When it comes to wedding planning, there are no set rules for most decisions, such as flower choices or colour palettes. However, there are certain guidelines to follow, especially when it comes to sending out wedding invitations.

Timing is Everything

It is important to send out your wedding invitations at the right time. The ideal timeline is 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 within this timeframe also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to finalise details like seating charts before the wedding crunch.

If your wedding falls on a major holiday, such as Christmas, sending invitations earlier is recommended, as people typically plan their holidays in advance. For weddings with many international guests or destination weddings, sending invitations 9-12 weeks in advance is advisable.

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These companies can guide you through the entire stationery process, ensuring a cohesive look and feel for your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions