Timing Your Wedding Invites: The Perfect Send-Off

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of the planning process. The timing of your invites will depend on your personal circumstances, culture, and location. In the US and UK, it's customary to send out invitations two to eight weeks before the wedding. However, some people send them anywhere from three to six months in advance, especially if they have a destination wedding or guests travelling from abroad. It's important to give guests ample notice, especially if they need to make travel arrangements. Sending invitations too early may cause them to get lost or for guests to forget the date, while sending them too late may not give guests enough time to plan. To stay organised, it's recommended to send out save the date cards six to twelve months before the wedding, followed by the formal invitations closer to the date.

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

Save-the-date cards are an exciting part of the wedding planning process and a fun way to give your guests a heads-up about your big day. They are especially helpful when many of your guests have to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near the wedding site are limited. They are typically sent out 4-6 months before the wedding, but can be sent up to a year in advance if you have your details finalized. This gives your guests plenty of time to block off the date on their calendars and make any necessary travel or accommodation arrangements.

If you're planning a destination wedding or your wedding falls on a holiday weekend, it's advisable to send your save-the-date cards even earlier, such as 6 to 12 months before your wedding date. This ensures that your guests have ample time to book travel and accommodations and gives them a chance to plan their schedules accordingly. Sending save-the-date cards early is also a good idea if you're inviting international guests, giving them more time to prepare for their journey.

Save-the-date cards are not a requirement, but they are a considerate gesture, especially for those guests who need to make extensive travel plans. They also allow you to get a rough idea of how many of your guests will be able to attend, which is crucial when communicating numbers with your wedding venue.

When sending save-the-date cards, it's important to include only those guests whom you definitely plan to invite to your wedding. This helps to avoid any confusion or disappointment later on. Additionally, make sure to include the full names of you and your fiancé, the date, and the location of the wedding.

Remember, sending out save-the-date cards is just the first step in the wedding invitation process. Your official wedding invitations should typically be sent out 6-8 weeks before your wedding date, giving your guests plenty of time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements.

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out your wedding invitations around six to eight weeks before the wedding is considered the perfect timing. This gives your guests plenty of 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 if needed, and complete your seating chart before the last-minute crunch.

If you send out your invitations with a paper RSVP attached, this is the right timeline to follow. It's also a good idea to give international guests the option to RSVP digitally, so you're not waiting for their responses to arrive by mail.

Sending your invitations around six to eight weeks in advance is also a good way to ensure your wedding is fresh in your guests' minds. Sending them too early might mean that your wedding isn't at the top of their minds as the day approaches.

If your wedding is around a major holiday, such as Christmas, it's recommended to give your guests more time to plan in advance. In this case, you may want to send out your invitations around nine to ten weeks before the wedding, though some sources suggest it's fine to go up to a year in advance.

If you're only inviting a few international guests, it's considered acceptable to send their invitations at the same time as everyone else's, but be sure to give them a heads-up via email or phone so they can start making travel arrangements.

If you're having a destination wedding or your guest list mostly consists of out-of-town guests, it's best to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim to send your invites around 12 weeks before your wedding date.

If you're skipping the save-the-dates, the general rule is to send your invitations six months in advance for a standard engagement length. If you've been engaged for only a few months before tying the knot, you should aim for two to three months in advance.

Request RSVPs 2-3 weeks before the wedding

When it comes to wedding planning, timing is everything. Sending out your wedding invitations is one of the most exciting steps in your planning journey. But when is the best time to do it?

The general rule of thumb is to send out your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. It also means that you can request RSVPs sooner and have a final headcount before the week of your wedding.

Now, let's talk about those RSVPs. You'll want to set an RSVP deadline that gives you enough time to finalise the details for your big day. Here are some tips to help you request RSVPs 2-3 weeks before your wedding:

• Determine the best method for guests to RSVP: Nowadays, there are many ways for guests to RSVP, such as online, by mail, phone, or email. If you're using a wedding website, make sure guests know how to access it and submit their responses.
• Include clear instructions and a deadline: On your RSVP card, be sure to include clear instructions on how and when to respond. The deadline for RSVPs should be 2-3 weeks before the wedding, giving you enough time to finalise numbers with your caterer and create a seating chart.
• Provide a simple way to respond: Make it easy for your guests to respond by including pre-addressed and stamped envelopes with your invitations. You could also offer a paperless option, such as an email address or a link to your wedding website, for guests who prefer a digital response.
• Track responses: Keep track of who has and hasn't responded by creating a spreadsheet or using an online tool. That way, you can follow up with guests who haven't responded by the deadline.
• Be prepared for last-minute changes: Life is full of surprises, and plans can change. Be prepared to update your guest list and adjust your plans if some guests change their RSVP at the last minute.
• Communicate with your guests: If you haven't heard from some guests by the deadline, reach out to them directly. Sending a quick text message or giving them a call can help ensure you have all the information you need to plan your special day.

Remember, sending out your wedding invitations and managing RSVPs is an exciting but crucial part of wedding planning. By giving your guests enough notice and setting a clear deadline, you'll be well on your way to a stress-free celebration.

Send invites to international guests 9-12 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of wedding planning, and timing is everything. While it's customary to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, it's important to give international guests more time to plan their travels. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you navigate this process:

Plan Ahead

Give yourself ample time to choose and order your wedding invitations. Custom designs or bespoke stationery can take several months to finalise, so start researching and reaching out to stationers early in your planning process. This will ensure you have the invitations ready to send out when the time comes.

Save the Dates

Sending out "Save the Date" cards is a great first step, especially for international guests. These can be sent out nine to twelve months before the wedding, or even earlier if your wedding is a destination wedding or falls on a holiday weekend. This gives your guests a heads-up to block off their calendars and makes it less likely that they will book other plans.

The Invitation Suite

The invitation suite typically includes the main invitation, response card, and any additional enclosure cards with helpful information for your guests, such as reception details, travel and accommodation suggestions, attire suggestions, and your wedding website. It's also a good idea to include an RSVP card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope, or offer a digital RSVP option.

Timing is Key

For international guests, it is recommended to send out invitations nine to twelve weeks before the wedding. This gives them sufficient time to make travel arrangements, book accommodations, and plan their schedules accordingly. Sending out the invitations earlier also allows you to follow up with guests who haven't responded yet, ensuring they have ample time to book their travels.

Personal Touches

Consider adding a personal touch by hand-addressing the envelopes and choosing a wedding envelope colour that complements your wedding theme. You can also include a map to the event location and any other relevant details to make their travel and stay more convenient.

RSVP and Final Preparations

Request that RSVPs be returned at least one month before the wedding, giving you and your vendors enough time to finalise preparations. This includes confirming the head count with caterers and finalising the seating chart. Sending out invitations on time and managing RSVPs effectively will help ensure a well-organised and memorable event.

Include an RSVP card with a stamped envelope

When planning a wedding, it's important to give guests ample time to respond and make travel arrangements. Sending out invitations at least six to eight weeks in advance is recommended, and including an RSVP card with a stamped envelope is a must. Here are some tips to ensure you're providing your guests with all the necessary information and making it easy for them to respond:

Set a clear deadline for RSVPs

It's important to give your guests a clear deadline for responding to your invitation. Typically, RSVPs should be due at least two to four weeks before your wedding date. This allows enough time to finalise the details with your caterers and create a seating chart. Aim to set a deadline that gives you a little wiggle room, just in case some guests don't respond by the specified date.

Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope

Make it easy for your guests to respond by including a self-addressed, stamped envelope with their invitation. This eliminates the need for them to search for postage stamps and ensures their response reaches you without any hassle. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the overall guest experience and can increase the likelihood of timely responses.

Include a clear "please respond by" date

When including an RSVP card, be sure to indicate a "please respond by" date that aligns with your desired RSVP deadline. This date should be roughly four weeks prior to your wedding, giving you enough time to finalise the details with your vendors. By providing a clear deadline, you'll make it easier for your guests to prioritise sending in their responses promptly.

Offer a digital RSVP option

While a physical RSVP card is traditional, it's also a good idea to offer a digital option for guests who prefer a more modern approach. Include your wedding website address on the invitation suite, where guests can easily RSVP online. This can be especially helpful for international guests, as it eliminates the need for their responses to travel through the mail.

Follow up with guests who haven't responded

Even with a clear deadline and a stamped envelope provided, there may be some guests who forget to respond or miss the deadline. In such cases, it's a good idea to give them a quick call or send a gentle reminder to ensure you have their response. This is especially important if you're working with a tight timeline and need to finalise numbers for your vendors.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a smooth and organised wedding planning process, with timely RSVPs rolling in from your excited guests!

Frequently asked questions