The Etiquette Of Sending Wedding Invites

Wedding planning involves taking care of a lot of details, and one of the most important is the wedding invitation. It not only announces the upcoming nuptials but also sets the tone for the entire event. While modern invitations can be designed to reflect casual events, basic wedding invitation etiquette remains the same. This includes what information to include, how to word it, and when to send it out.

When to send out wedding invitations

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, but creating a timeline can help to reduce the stress and ensure that every detail is taken care of. One of the most important details is the wedding invitation, which not only announces the upcoming nuptials but also sets the tone for the entire event. While the style of the invitation can vary depending on the formality of the wedding, there are some basic etiquette rules that should be followed when sending out wedding invitations.

Save-the-Date Cards

It is customary to send out save-the-date cards to your guests around four to six months before the wedding date. This gives them enough time to make any necessary travel arrangements and accommodations. If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is a destination wedding, it is advisable to send out save-the-dates even earlier, around six to twelve months in advance.

Sending Out the Invitations

The wedding invitations should typically be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This allows guests enough time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements if necessary, and respond with their RSVPs. If you are having a destination wedding or a large percentage of your guest list lives abroad, it is recommended to send out invitations twelve weeks in advance.

For couples with a shorter engagement period, the timeline changes slightly. If you are engaged for only a few months before the wedding, aim to send out invitations two to three months in advance.

RSVP Timeline

It is important to give your guests enough time to respond to the invitation. The RSVP deadline should be set for around three to four weeks prior to the wedding day. This allows time to follow up with any guests who have not yet responded and finalize the seating chart and other details with your vendors. The sooner you get an accurate guest count, the sooner you can finalize your wedding planning.

Overall, when sending out wedding invitations, it is important to consider the needs of your guests and give them enough advance notice to plan their attendance. By following these general guidelines, you can ensure that your guests have all the information they need to celebrate your big day with you.

What to include in the invitation

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are some essential details that you'll want to include, regardless of whether your wedding is a formal or casual affair. Here's what to include in your wedding invitation:

The Basics

Start by covering the essentials: the who, when, and where of your wedding. This means including the full names of you and your partner, as well as the full names of the hosts if you're using formal phrasing. Clearly list the time, date, month, and year of the wedding, as well as the full address of the venue. Don't forget to include RSVP details, with a deadline for guests to respond by—usually around four weeks before the wedding.

Additional Details

While the invitation itself should only include key details, you can include additional information in your invitation suite. This might include:

• Appropriate attire for the event
• A map to the venue or accommodation options
• Information about any wedding-related activities
• An RSVP card with a pre-addressed, stamped envelope

Tone and Design

The tone and design of your invitation can also give guests a hint about the style of your wedding. Formal phrasing can indicate an upscale, elegant wedding, while casual wording suits a more relaxed event. You might also choose to tie your invitations into your wedding theme through colours or design embellishments.

Digital or Physical?

Finally, consider whether to send digital or physical invitations. While digital invites are faster and more cost-effective, traditional paper invitations are more formal and can be kept as mementos. If you opt for paper invitations, don't forget to include a self-addressed envelope for RSVPs and consider choosing an envelope colour that complements your wedding theme.

Invitation design and production time

The design and production of wedding invitations can be an exciting part of the wedding planning process. Here are some tips to help you create and send out your invitations in a timely manner:

Start Early:

Begin designing your invitations at least five to six months before your wedding date. This will give you ample time to find the right designer or create the invitations yourself. It is important to remember that custom wedding invitations can take two months or more to design and produce, so starting early will help ensure you stay on schedule.

Consider Your Guest List:

The complexity of your guest list will also impact the production time for your invitations. If you have a large number of international guests or are planning a destination wedding, consider adding a few weeks to your timeline. Sending invitations early will give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements. For local weddings, sending invitations two months in advance is generally sufficient.

Include All Necessary Information:

When designing your invitations, ensure you include all the essential details such as the date, time, venue address, dress code, and your wedding website. You may also want to include an RSVP card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope, as well as additional cards with accommodation options and travel information. A dinner menu and a map of the area are also nice touches.

Proofread and Finalise:

Before sending your invitations to print, be sure to proofread all the information for accuracy. Check for any typos, errors, or omissions. It is also a good idea to have someone else review the invitations to catch any mistakes you may have missed. Finalising the design and ensuring all information is correct will help avoid delays and additional costs associated with last-minute changes.

Assembly and Mailing:

Once your invitations are printed, you will need to assemble them and prepare them for mailing. This includes addressing the envelopes, stuffing the envelopes with the invitation suite, and applying postage. Allow yourself enough time to complete this process without feeling rushed. Depending on the number of invitations, assembly can take several days or even weeks.

Send with Plenty of Time:

Ideally, you should mail your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding date. This timeline gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements if needed, and RSVP. Sending invitations within this timeframe will also allow you to receive RSVPs sooner, helping you finalise your seating chart and other wedding details.

RSVP deadline

The RSVP deadline is an important detail to include in your wedding invitation suite. The deadline should be set at least four weeks before the wedding, and no later than two weeks before. The sweet spot is around three to four weeks before the wedding, giving you enough time to organise your final guest list and chase any non-responders.

Your caterer and venue will need a final headcount one to two weeks before the wedding, so it's important to give yourself a couple of weeks to gather any late responses. It's also a good idea to follow up with guests who haven't responded a week or so after the deadline.

If you send your invitations six to eight weeks in advance of your wedding, this gives your guests enough time to decide and make any necessary travel arrangements, without being so early that they forget to RSVP.

Save-the-date cards

A save-the-date card should include the names of the couple, the wedding date, and the city and state where the ceremony will take place. While these are the essentials, you might also include an engagement photo, a fun message like "We can't wait to celebrate with you!", or your wedding hashtag. You can also include an indication that a formal invitation will follow.

It's important to only send save-the-date cards to those who you're planning on inviting to the wedding. Sending one is essentially an indication that you are inviting that person to your wedding, so make sure your guest list is finalized before sending them out.

When it comes to the design of your save-the-date cards, you can choose a template that matches your wedding theme. Whether it's a vintage postcard with rustic details or a formal design, you can find options that fit every budget and style. You can also add personal touches, such as a favourite photo or a custom font.

If you're looking for an even more unique way to announce your wedding date, consider save-the-date magnets. These are a fun twist on traditional cards and can be easily placed on a fridge so your guests don't forget!

Frequently asked questions