The Perfect Timing For Sending Wedding Invites

Sending out wedding invitations is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. But when is the best time to do it?

The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. It also means that you can request RSVPs sooner, which is helpful for finalising numbers with caterers and creating a seating plan.

If you're having a destination wedding or a large number of guests are travelling from abroad, it's a good idea to send invitations a little earlier – around three months or 12 weeks in advance.

Save-the-date cards: These are typically sent out 6-12 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are an essential part of your wedding planning. They are preliminary notifications sent out to your guests to inform them about your wedding plans and to ensure that they reserve your wedding day on their calendars. The design, wording, and timing of sending them out convey an initial impression of what your guests should expect at your wedding.

It is best to send out save-the-date cards about six to twelve months before the wedding. The top end of this range is preferable as it gives your guests the most time to prepare and change their plans if necessary. Once your venue and wedding date are confirmed, there's no reason to delay sending them out. Anytime from eight months to a year before your wedding is ideal.

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's advisable to send save-the-date cards even earlier—nine to twelve months before your big day. This is because destination weddings usually require more planning on the part of your guests, who will need to make travel and accommodation arrangements.

It's worth noting that save-the-date cards are not an absolute necessity. If your engagement is less than six months, you may choose to skip them and focus only on wedding invitations. However, given the busy schedules of guests and the possibility of travel, sending save-the-date cards is considered a thoughtful gesture.

Timing for destination weddings: Invitations for destination weddings should be sent 3 months in advance

When it comes to destination weddings, timing is everything. Sending out your invitations in a timely manner is crucial to ensure your guests have enough time to plan their travels and accommodations. So, when is the best time to send out invitations for a destination wedding?

Send Invitations 3 Months in Advance

The general consensus is that invitations for destination weddings should be sent out to guests around three months before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to make the necessary travel arrangements and accommodations without being too early that they might forget or change their plans. It also allows you to request RSVPs sooner, giving you a final headcount to work with when finalising details with your vendors.

Save-the-Dates

It is also a good idea to send out save-the-dates for destination weddings earlier, typically around nine to twelve months in advance. This gives your guests plenty of time to block off the dates on their calendars and make any necessary travel plans. Sending save-the-dates also ensures that your guests know the wedding is happening and are not left waiting for the formal invitation to start making arrangements.

Be Mindful of Cultural and Religious Holidays

When planning the timing of your destination wedding invitations, be mindful of any cultural or religious holidays that may overlap with your wedding date. If your wedding falls near a major holiday, such as Christmas, it is advisable to send out invitations earlier to give your guests more time to plan their attendance.

Include Important Information

Destination weddings require more planning and logistics for your guests, so it is essential to include all the necessary information in your invitations. This includes details such as how to reach the destination, where to stay, and any other relevant travel information. You may also want to include suggestions for places to visit and eat in the area, as well as information about the weather to help your guests prepare.

Be Flexible

While the recommended timeline for sending out destination wedding invitations is three months in advance, it is important to be flexible and consider the unique circumstances of your guest list. If a large percentage of your guests are international, for example, you may want to add a few extra weeks to this timeline.

RSVP deadline: This should be around 4-8 weeks before the wedding

Setting an RSVP deadline is an important part of the wedding planning process. This is because it helps you get a final headcount for your big day and allows you to invite guests on your B list if needed. It also gives you enough time to plan your seating assignments, which can be a huge task.

So, when is the best time to set your RSVP deadline?

The general rule of thumb is to set your RSVP deadline around 4-8 weeks before your wedding. This gives your guests enough time to respond, while also ensuring that you have an accurate guest count to give to your venue and vendors. Sending your invites too early may result in more people changing their plans, which could lead to an inaccurate guest count.

If you're worried about giving your guests enough time to respond, you can lengthen the RSVP deadline to up to 12 weeks before the wedding. However, this is not recommended as it may increase the chances of unexpected changes.

To make it easier for your guests to respond, you can include an RSVP card with a "please respond by" date in your invitation suite. Don't forget to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope! You can also set up a wedding website where guests can RSVP digitally.

It's important to give your guests enough time to respond, but you also don't want to give them too much time as plans may change. Finding the right balance is crucial to ensuring a smooth and well-organised wedding planning process.

When to send out the invites: 6-8 weeks before the wedding is considered the sweet spot

Sending out your wedding invitations at the right time is crucial. It's not just about giving your guests enough time to clear their schedules, but also about staying in line with proper wedding invitation etiquette. The sweet spot for sending out invites is considered to be around two months or six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline is supported by several wedding planning sources and experts, including a nationally renowned etiquette expert and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, Diane Gottsman.

Sending your invitations within this timeframe allows you to request RSVPs sooner, making it easier to finalise your guest list, create seating charts, and manage your B list. It also ensures that your wedding is at the top of your guests' minds, reducing the chances of last-minute changes to their plans. While some sources suggest that sending invites this early might lead to a higher number of unexpected changes, most agree that it is the ideal time to get a prompt response.

If your wedding is a destination wedding or falls during a busy holiday season, it is recommended to send out your invitations a little earlier, with a suggested timeframe of 10 to 12 weeks in advance. This gives your guests enough time to plan their travel arrangements and accommodations. On the other hand, if you haven't sent out Save the Dates, it is suggested that you send your invitations four to six months before the wedding date.

In conclusion, the sweet spot for sending out wedding invitations is generally considered to be six to eight weeks before the wedding. However, adjustments can be made based on the nature of your wedding, the presence of Save the Dates, and the timing of your wedding.

Digital vs physical invites: Digital invites are faster but traditional invites are more formal

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, but it's also an exciting time for couples as they prepare for their big day. Sending out invitations is one of the most important details, as it sets the tone for the entire event.

Digital Invites

Digital wedding invitations are a more modern approach, offering several advantages over their traditional counterparts. Firstly, they are more affordable, as there are no costs for paper, printing, or postage. This can result in significant savings for couples, especially those on a tight budget. Digital invites are also more environmentally friendly, reducing unnecessary paper waste. They are less likely to get lost or damaged during delivery and offer convenient online RSVP tracking. This makes it easier for guests to respond, and for couples to manage their guest list and seating arrangements.

Physical Invites

Physical invitations, on the other hand, are more traditional and formal. They are often expected by guests, especially for formal or evening events, and are considered more elegant and upscale. Physical invites can be treasured keepsakes for both the couple and their guests, who may want to keep them for reference or as mementos. They are also better suited for guests who may not be comfortable with digital formats, such as older relatives.

Timing

Regardless of the format, the timing of sending out invitations is crucial. The general recommendation is to mail invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make necessary arrangements, without being too early that they forget or change their plans. For destination weddings or weddings around major holidays, it is advisable to send invitations earlier, around three months in advance.

In conclusion, while digital invites offer convenience and cost savings, physical invitations uphold tradition and formality. Couples should choose the option that best suits their wedding style and values, keeping in mind the preferences of their guests.

Frequently asked questions