Wedding Invitations: When To Buy For The Best Deals

Wedding invitations are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. However, some couples choose to send them out earlier, especially if they're planning a destination wedding or getting married during a busy holiday season. In these cases, it's considered courteous to mail the invitations 10-12 weeks in advance. Sending out invitations too early can lead to guests forgetting about the wedding or losing the invitation, while sending them out too late may not give guests enough time to make travel arrangements.

Wedding invitation timeline

Planning a wedding can be a stressful time, and the timing of sending out invitations is crucial. Here is a timeline to help you navigate the process:

Save the Dates:

Firstly, it is important to distinguish between save-the-dates and formal invitations. Save-the-dates are preliminary notifications sent out to inform guests about the wedding plans and ensure they reserve the date. They are usually sent out much earlier than formal invitations, especially for destination weddings.

The ideal time to send out save-the-dates is around six to eight months before the wedding, or nine to twelve months for a destination wedding. This gives guests ample time to plan, especially if travel and accommodations are involved.

Formal Invitations:

The traditional timeline for sending out formal wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding. This is considered the "sweet spot" as it gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make necessary arrangements without being too early, which could lead to changes in plans.

However, in modern times, it is not uncommon to send them out a little earlier, especially for destination weddings or weddings during busy holiday seasons. In such cases, mailing the invitations ten to twelve weeks in advance is considered appropriate.

It is also worth noting that sending out invitations too late can cause issues for guests, especially those travelling from out of town, as they may not have enough time to make travel arrangements.

RSVP Timeline:

When it comes to RSVPs, it is recommended to set the deadline for responses around one month before the wedding. This allows you to get a final headcount, create seating charts, and make any necessary adjustments.

International Guests:

If you are inviting international guests, it is advisable to give them a heads-up via email or phone call, in addition to sending their formal invitations along with those of other guests. It is also a good idea to have all the relevant information available on your wedding website as soon as save-the-dates are sent out.

Bespoke Stationery:

If you are planning to have bespoke or custom-designed invitations, it is important to start the process early. It can take a significant amount of time to find a designer, finalise the design, and have the invitations printed and delivered.

In summary, the key to sending out wedding invitations is to give your guests enough notice to plan while also ensuring that the date stays fresh in their minds.

Save-the-date cards

When creating save-the-date cards, you have the option to choose from various styles, including postcard, photo, and magnet designs. These cards can be personalised with your own details, such as the names of the engaged couple, the wedding website or social media page, the city and state of the venue, and any travel or accommodation information. You can also include an indication that a formal invitation will follow.

It's recommended to send save-the-date cards to everyone on your guest list, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or getting married during a holiday weekend. This ensures that all your guests have the same opportunity to plan their attendance. However, if you're still finalising your guest list, you can initially send them to close family and friends or out-of-town guests.

Ordering save-the-date cards in advance is crucial, especially if you're opting for custom-made designs. It's recommended to start doing your research and reaching out to stationery designers 11-12 months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to finalise the design and have the cards printed and ready to send. If you're short on time, ready-made designs can be a more convenient option, as they can be ordered as little as 8-9 months before the wedding.

Overall, save-the-date cards are an important step in the wedding planning process, allowing your guests to mark their calendars and make the necessary arrangements to celebrate with you on your big day.

Invitations for international guests

When it comes to wedding invitations, the general rule of thumb is to send them out six to eight weeks before the wedding. However, this timeline can vary depending on the circumstances, such as the location of your wedding and the distance your guests will need to travel. If you're planning a destination wedding or have international guests, it's a good idea to give them more time to plan their attendance. So, how early should you send wedding invitations to international guests?

Timing is Everything

It is recommended that you send invitations to international guests about nine to ten weeks before the wedding. This will allow for extended shipping and delivery times, ensuring that your loved ones abroad have enough time to receive their invitations and make the necessary travel arrangements. Keep in mind that the timing of your invitations will ultimately depend on the RSVP timeframe. Giving your international guests the option to RSVP digitally is a good idea, as it eliminates the need for them to post their responses, which can take longer.

Save the Dates

While not mandatory, sending out "Save the Dates" is a thoughtful gesture, especially for international guests. These are typically sent six to twelve months before the wedding and give your guests a heads-up to mark their calendars and start planning their travels. This is also a great opportunity to include travel and accommodation details, such as links to recommended hotels or information on when flights to your destination go on sale.

Invitation Content

Destination weddings require more planning for guests, so it's essential to include crucial information in your invitations. Here are some details you should consider including:

• Name of the resort where you've blocked rooms
• Instructions for booking their trip
• When and how to RSVP
• Invitations to pre-wedding events (e.g., rehearsal dinner, welcome reception)
• A link to your personal wedding website for more details and updates

RSVP Timing

For destination weddings, the RSVP date is critical for budgeting and planning. An early headcount will help you determine catering needs and take advantage of special group travel rates. Be sure to communicate the RSVP deadline clearly to your guests, especially if it's earlier than usual due to travel arrangements.

Handling Postage and Responses

When sending invitations internationally, remember to use the appropriate postage for the country you're mailing to. For responses, it's best to provide alternative options, as mailing back the RSVP card with postage from another country can be challenging. Encourage digital responses via email, your wedding website, or even a text message.

Designing and preparing invitations

Designing and preparing your wedding invitations should be a fun and creative process that reflects your style as a couple. When compiling your guest list, consider relationships, budget, and venue capacity.

If you're planning to DIY your invitations, give yourself at least four months to choose a design, finalise the wording, address envelopes, and account for potential mishaps. If you're ordering them, a two-month head start is usually enough.

For custom-designed invitations, you'll need to set aside at least 12 weeks for these to be agreed upon, completed, and sent out to you. This means you'll need to add an additional 2-3 months to your wedding timeline. So, if you plan to send out your invites six months before your wedding day, you'll need to have them ordered at least nine months before the chosen date.

If you're short on time and your wedding is fast approaching, ready-made invitations are a good option. These are pre-designed and simply require you to add your personal information and details. You can order these up to three months before the wedding.

For a completely bespoke design, consider engaging a wedding stationery designer. This process takes considerably more time, so it's recommended to start at least 7-8 months before your wedding to finalise a design without feeling rushed or stressed.

Once you've designed and ordered your invitations, it's a good idea to allow some extra time for addressing envelopes and unexpected delays.

Finally, it's always a good idea to order some extra invitations, just in case. A good rule of thumb is to order 5-10 more than you need, depending on the size of your wedding.

Crafting and ready-making invitations

Crafting Wedding Invitations

Creating your own wedding invitations can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to add a personal touch and customise the invitations to match your wedding theme. When crafting invitations, consider the following:

• Materials and Design: Choose high-quality paper or card stock, envelopes, and any decorative elements such as ribbons, lace, or stamps. Decide on the colour scheme, font styles, and overall layout of the invitation.
• Printing Options: You can opt for digital printing, thermography, letterpress, or other specialised printing techniques. Consider the cost and availability of each option, as well as the desired look and feel of the invitation.
• Enclosures and Inserts: Decide if you want to include additional cards or enclosures, such as RSVP cards, details cards, or accommodation information for guests. These can be designed and printed along with the invitations.
• Timing and Assembly: Plan ahead and allow sufficient time for designing, printing, and assembling the invitations. It's recommended to send wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, so work backwards from that deadline to create a realistic timeline for crafting the invitations.
• Customisation and Creativity: Crafting your own invitations gives you the freedom to personalise every aspect, from the wording to the embellishments. You can incorporate unique touches, such as handmade paper, watercolour designs, or even laser-cut details.

Ready-Made Wedding Invitations

If crafting invitations seems daunting or time-consuming, ready-made invitations are a convenient and efficient option. Here are some tips for choosing and customising ready-made invitations:

• Online and Offline Options: Explore both online and offline retailers that offer ready-made wedding invitations. Online stores often provide a wide range of designs and customisation options, while local stationery stores may offer more personalised service and quicker turnaround times.
• Customisation Features: Many ready-made invitation suites allow for customisation, including colour choices, font styles, and wording. You can also choose from different paper types, envelope colours, and additional embellishments to make the invitations more personalised.
• Timing and Delivery: When ordering ready-made invitations, consider the production and delivery times. Factor in any potential delays, especially if you're ordering from an online retailer. Aim to place your order at least a few weeks before you intend to send out the invitations.
• Matching Stationery: Ready-made invitation suites often include matching items, such as RSVP cards, thank-you cards, place cards, and even wedding programmes. Opting for a complete set can streamline your wedding stationery and create a cohesive look for your wedding.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Ready-made invitations can be more cost-effective, especially if you're ordering in bulk. Compare prices and packages from different retailers to find the best value for your budget.

Whether you decide to craft your own invitations or opt for ready-made options, always proofread the invitations carefully and double-check all the details before sending them out. It's also a good idea to order a few extra invitations in case of last-minute guest additions or errors.

Frequently asked questions