Best Time To Send Out Wedding Invites Electronically

Wedding planning involves taking care of a lot of details, and one of the most important is the wedding invitation. It sets the tone for the entire event and lets guests know what to expect. The timing of sending out wedding invitations is crucial, and there are generally accepted guidelines to ensure that guests have enough time to plan and that the couple receives RSVPs in time to finalise their arrangements. So, when is the best time to send out that all-important wedding invite email?

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending your wedding invites six to eight weeks before the wedding is considered the perfect timeframe. 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, allowing you to get a final headcount, invite guests on your B-list, and complete your seating plan before the last-minute crunch.

Sending invites within this timeframe also means you avoid the risk of giving your guests too much or too little notice. Send invites too early, and your wedding might not be at the top of your guests' minds when the day draws closer. Send them too late, and you risk your guests not having enough time to take time off work, book accommodations, or make travel plans.

Six to eight weeks is also a good time to send invites as your guests will likely have already received your save-the-date cards, which are typically sent out four to six months before the wedding. This means your guests will already have the date saved and will be able to start making more concrete plans once they receive their invite.

If you're inviting a large number of international guests, it's a good idea to send your invites out a little earlier—around 12 weeks in advance. This gives overseas guests more time to prepare their travel arrangements. It's also a good idea to give these guests a heads-up about the wedding details ahead of time with a quick call, text, or email.

If your wedding falls on a major holiday, it's also recommended to send your invites out earlier than the six-to-eight-week window. This is because your guests may need more time to plan in advance due to the holiday season.

Request RSVPs by 1 month before the wedding

Requesting RSVPs by one month before the wedding is a great way to ensure you have plenty of time to finalise the details of your big day. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Timing is Key

It is recommended that wedding invitations be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements, such as booking time off work or making travel plans. Sending invitations within this timeframe also allows you to request RSVPs by one month before the wedding, giving you a final headcount for your big day.

Benefits of an Early RSVP Deadline

An early RSVP deadline is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it gives you time to invite guests from your B-list if needed. Secondly, it allows you to complete your seating charts and share the final guest count with your vendors before the week of the wedding, reducing last-minute stress. Finally, an early RSVP deadline is especially important if you are having a destination wedding, as it gives your guests enough time to make travel plans and accommodation arrangements.

Ways to Encourage Timely RSVPs

To ensure your guests respond by your requested deadline, there are several strategies you can employ:

• Include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope with your invitations to make it convenient for your guests to respond.
• Provide multiple options for RSVPing, such as mail-in cards and digital submissions through your wedding website, to cater to different preferences.
• Choose clear and direct wording for your RSVP request, such as "The favour of your reply is requested by [date]."
• Include an engaging call to action on the response card, such as requesting a song suggestion or a favourite memory of the couple.

Following Up on Late RSVPs

Despite your best efforts, there may be some guests who do not respond by the deadline. In such cases, it is important to follow up with a phone call, email, or text message. It is recommended to build in a grace period of a few days or even a week after the RSVP deadline to account for late responses. If you still haven't received a response after following up, it is reasonable to consider striking those guests from your list, especially if you have already provided multiple opportunities for them to respond.

By requesting RSVPs by one month before the wedding and implementing these tips, you can effectively manage your guest list and ensure a well-organised celebration.

Send save-the-date cards 4-6 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are an exciting part of wedding planning, giving your guests a heads-up about your big day and getting them excited to celebrate with you. While they are not mandatory, they are a good idea, especially if your wedding is at a far-flung location or over a holiday weekend. They are also helpful if many of your guests have to make travel arrangements or if there are limited accommodations near the wedding site.

The ideal time to send out save-the-date cards is four to six months before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to book travel and accommodations, save money, and ask for days off work. Sending them out at this time also ensures that your wedding will be at the top of your guests' minds as the day draws closer.

If you are planning a destination wedding or getting married on a major holiday, it is recommended that you give your guests even more notice by sending out your save-the-dates nine months to a year in advance. This will allow your guests to book flights and reserve hotel rooms without having to rush.

Before sending out your save-the-date cards, it is a good idea to have your wedding website up and running, with information about your hotel blocks and wedding registry. This will be immensely helpful for your guests, especially those who are booking their travel plans early.

Include an RSVP card with a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many details to consider, and timing is crucial. Wedding invitations are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, and this timeline also applies to digital invitations. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements, such as booking accommodations or requesting time off work. It also allows the happy couple to request RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount for seating charts and other preparations.

Now, let's focus on the RSVP aspect of your query. Including an RSVP card with a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope is a thoughtful and practical addition to your wedding invitation suite. Here are some reasons why:

• Convenience for Your Guests: Providing a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope makes responding to your invitation as easy as possible for your guests. They won't have to worry about finding a stamp or addressing the envelope, ensuring a higher response rate. It's a small detail that shows your guests you value their time and presence at your wedding.
• Timely Responses: By including an RSVP card and a pre-paid envelope, you are more likely to receive timely responses from your guests. This helps you stay organized and on track with your wedding planning. It also allows you to follow up with guests who may have forgotten to respond, ensuring you have an accurate headcount for catering and other arrangements.
• Planning Made Easier: RSVP cards provide valuable information beyond just attendance. They can include details such as dietary preferences, song requests, and the number of guests attending, including children. This information is crucial for the happy couple or wedding planner to make informed decisions about catering options, seating arrangements, and other aspects of the wedding.
• Seamless Experience: With RSVP cards, you can gather essential details in a structured manner. This helps you strategize the layout of each table and plan seating arrangements in advance. You can organize children's tables, singles tables, or family-only tables, ensuring that your guests feel comfortable and well-accommodated.
• Consistency and Aesthetics: RSVP cards can be designed to match your wedding invitations, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing suite. From elegant florals to minimalistic chic, you can choose a style that hints at the decor and atmosphere of your wedding. This attention to detail unifies your ceremony and showcases your thoughtfulness.
• Final Headcount and Catering: Knowing the exact number of guests attending is crucial for catering purposes. With RSVP cards, you can set a deadline for responses, usually about a month before the wedding, and get a clear idea of how many people to expect. This helps you avoid under or overestimating the headcount, ensuring that there is enough food, seating, and other resources for everyone.

In conclusion, including an RSVP card with a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope is a thoughtful gesture that makes it easier for your guests to respond and helps you stay organized during the wedding planning process. It allows you to gather essential information, plan accordingly, and create a seamless and memorable experience for both you and your guests.

Include other details in the invitation suite

The invitation suite can include other important details for your guests beyond the basic who, when, and where. This can be in the form of enclosure cards containing helpful information. Here are some ideas for what to include:

• A map or directions to the event location, especially if your venue is in a remote area or is difficult to find.
• Accommodation suggestions for guests who will need a place to stay.
• Attire guidelines for the wedding. This will help your guests feel prepared and ensure their outfits align with the style of your wedding.
• Information about any wedding-related activities, such as the rehearsal dinner, a post-wedding brunch, or activities for out-of-town guests.
• An RSVP card with a deadline of approximately four weeks before the wedding. Don't forget to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to make it easy for your guests to respond.
• Your wedding website, where guests can find additional information such as registry details, a virtual RSVP option, travel and accommodation suggestions, and a summary of your love story.

Frequently asked questions