Planning Ahead: Wedding Invites Ordered Too Early?

Wedding invitations are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, but what if you want to send them earlier? Is it possible to order and send wedding invitations too early?

There are differing opinions on whether it is too early to send out wedding invitations. Some say that sending invitations a year in advance is too early, while others suggest sending them out eight to ten months before the wedding. It is generally agreed that sending invitations any earlier than 12 months before the wedding is too soon. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as if you have a large number of international guests or if your wedding falls during peak holiday season. In these cases, sending invitations up to a year in advance may be appropriate.

To avoid sending invitations too early, it is recommended to send save-the-date cards instead. These can be sent up to two years in advance and will give your guests enough notice to plan their travels and accommodations.

Sending invites a year in advance: too early?

There are a few things to consider when deciding on the timing of sending out your wedding invitations. While it is generally advised to send out invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding, there are some exceptions to this rule.

Save-the-Dates

Firstly, it is becoming increasingly common to send out Save-the-Date cards before the official invitations. These are usually sent out 4-6 months before the wedding, or even earlier if it is a destination wedding. Sending Save-the-Dates allows your guests to plan their time off, travel and accommodation, especially if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or during peak season.

Guest List

If you have a small guest list and are in regular contact with most of them, you can afford to send out your invites a little later and closer to the recommended 6-8 week window. However, if you have a larger guest list and are not in regular contact with many of them, it might be harder to communicate via word of mouth, so sending the invites earlier could be a good idea.

Destination Wedding

If you are planning a destination wedding, or if your wedding is in a different state or country to where most of your guests live, it is advisable to send the invites earlier to allow your guests to plan their travel and accommodation.

Cost

It is also worth considering the cost of sending out Save-the-Dates if you are working with a tight budget. There are inexpensive alternatives, such as sending out mass emails, texts or private Facebook messages, or including a note with holiday cards.

Timing

Based on the above, if you are planning to send out official invitations without prior Save-the-Dates, it is recommended to send them out at least 4-6 months in advance, especially if your wedding falls in the spring or summer months, or if your guests need to travel. Sending invites a year in advance could be too early, as people may forget or lose the invite, or their plans may change. However, if you have already sent Save-the-Dates, it is generally advised to wait until 4-6 months before the wedding to send out the official invites.

Save-the-dates: a good alternative?

Save-the-dates are a great alternative to sending out wedding invitations too early. They are an official announcement of your wedding date and location and are a polite way to ask your guests to hold the date in their calendars. Sending save-the-dates is especially helpful when many of your guests have to make travel arrangements or if your wedding is a destination wedding. They can also be a good reminder for your guests, so they don't double book with other events or holidays.

Save-the-dates typically include the names of the couple getting married, the wedding date, and the city the wedding will take place in. They can also include the wedding website so guests can stay up to date with travel information and accommodations. These are usually sent via mail or email 4 to 6 months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings.

Wedding invitations are sent much closer to the wedding date, typically 6 to 8 weeks before. They include more detailed information such as the time of the ceremony, the dress code, and the wedding website. The invitation suite may also include inserts with information such as the rehearsal dinner, wedding registry, maps of the venue, and RSVP cards.

It is important to consider the timing and content of your wedding stationery. Save-the-dates are a good alternative to sending out invitations too early and can be a helpful source of information for both couples and guests. They allow your guests to make travel arrangements and give you an idea of how many people will be attending. However, it is also essential to follow up with formal invitations closer to the wedding date to provide your guests with all the necessary details.

Sending invites 6-8 weeks before: ideal?

Sending your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks in advance is ideal. This gives your guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary travel arrangements. It's also enough time for you to finalise your wedding planning details, such as the seating chart, final menu selections, and cake size.

However, if a large percentage of your guest list lives abroad, or you're planning a destination wedding, it's best to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim for 12 weeks before your wedding date to give your guests ample time to prepare.

If you're worried about guests forgetting the date or losing their invitations, you can send them a simple reminder via email, text, or a newsletter as the date approaches.

It's also worth noting that you should send out your "Save the Dates" 4-6 months before the wedding, or earlier if it's a destination wedding. This will give your guests enough time to block off the date on their calendars and make any necessary travel arrangements.

Sending invites 4-6 months before: too late?

Sending invites 4-6 months before your wedding date is generally considered too early and may result in your guests forgetting about the event or losing the invite. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and it is not uncommon for couples to send invitations within this timeframe, especially for destination weddings or weddings during peak wedding season.

The typical recommended timeframe for sending wedding invitations is 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. This allows guests ample time to plan, RSVP, and make travel arrangements if needed. Sending invitations too early can lead to guests misplacing the invitation or forgetting about the event entirely.

If your wedding is a destination wedding or during a busy season, you may want to consider sending out "Save the Date" notices instead of formal invitations. These are more informal and give guests a heads-up to mark their calendars without committing to a formal invitation. "Save the Date" notices are typically sent out 4-6 months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings.

Additionally, it is important to consider the time it takes to design and order your invitations. If you are ordering custom-designed invitations, you should allow at least 12 weeks for the design process and delivery. For ready-made invitations, you can order them as late as three months before the wedding, but it is best to allow a two-month window to be safe.

In summary, sending invitations 4-6 months in advance may be too early and could lead to guest forgetfulness or lost invitations. Instead, consider sending "Save the Date" notices during this timeframe to give your guests a heads-up, and aim to send formal invitations closer to the typical 6-8 week timeframe.

International guests: a different timeline?

If you're only inviting a few international guests, it's generally considered fine to send their formal invitations at the same time as other guests. However, it's a good idea to give them a heads-up about the wedding details ahead of time via email, text, or phone call. This ensures they have ample time to prepare their travel arrangements.

On the other hand, if a large percentage of your guest list lives abroad, or if you're planning a destination wedding where no one lives near the location, it's advisable to send out invitations earlier than you would for a local wedding. Aim for around 12 weeks before your wedding date.

For destination weddings, it's suggested to send save-the-dates nine to twelve months in advance, especially if you're asking guests to book travel and accommodation. This gives them ample time to organise their plans and ensure they can attend.

When sending invitations to international guests, it's a good idea to include additional information about travel and accommodation. You can also provide tips on places to visit and eat in the area, as well as expected weather conditions to help them plan their attire.

Regarding RSVP cards for international guests, there are a few options. You can include global forever stamps that can be used for postage from any country. Alternatively, you can add your contact information and request that they RSVP via email, text, or phone call. This avoids the potential issue of lost mail and ensures a quicker response.

Finally, keep in mind that it's customary for destination weddings to include additional events, such as a dinner the evening before or lunch the day after the wedding. These extended celebrations are expected to be hosted and paid for by the couple.

Frequently asked questions