The Perfect Timing For Sending Out Wedding Invitations

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, with countless details to consider. Sending out invitations is a crucial part of the process, and the timing depends on several factors.

If you're opting for save-the-date cards, these are typically sent out six to 12 months before the wedding, giving your guests plenty of time to prepare and make travel arrangements. This is especially important if you're planning a destination wedding.

As for the wedding invitations themselves, the general recommendation is to send them out four to eight months before the big day. This gives your guests ample time to RSVP, make travel plans, and request time off work if needed.

However, if you've already sent save-the-date cards, you can afford to wait a little longer, sending the invitations at least eight weeks in advance.

It's also worth considering the time of year for your wedding. If you're getting married during peak wedding and holiday season, sending the invitations earlier will help avoid double-booking issues for your guests.

Ultimately, the timing of sending out wedding invitations depends on your personal circumstances and the specifics of your wedding.

Save-the-date cards

The general rule is to send save-the-date cards around six to 12 months before your wedding day. Sending them closer to the one-year mark gives your guests plenty of time to prepare and prioritise your big day. This is also a good idea if you're concerned about scheduling conflicts with other weddings.

However, it's important not to send them too early. Aim to send them no more than a year in advance, as your wedding may be too far away to stay on your guests' radars, and they might put off making the appropriate plans.

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's recommended to send save-the-date cards nine months to a year before the date. This gives your guests enough time to book flights and reserve hotel rooms.

For local weddings, it's best to send save-the-date cards six to eight months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to book travel, save money, and ask for days off work.

It's important to note that save-the-date cards should only go to guests invited to your entire wedding day. Avoid sending them to guests who are only attending the evening reception to avoid confusion.

Invitation design and ordering

When it comes to designing and ordering your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the tone and style of your wedding will influence the design of your invitations. For instance, if you're having a traditional white wedding, you might opt for a more formal and elegant invitation suite. On the other hand, a relaxed, informal affair could be announced with a casual and quirky design.

The colour scheme and venue of your wedding can also provide inspiration for your invitations. You might want to incorporate your wedding colours into the design or choose a theme that reflects the venue. For example, a rustic boho-style invitation might not suit a majestic castle venue.

Another important consideration is the information you want to include in your invitation suite. While the invitation itself should include the key details such as the full names of the couple, the hosts (if using formal phrasing), the time, date, month, year, and address of the wedding, the suite can also contain additional information. This might include the appropriate attire, a map, accommodation details, and information about any wedding-related activities. If you're having a destination wedding, you'll also want to give your guests plenty of notice, so they can plan and save for flights, accommodation, and time off work.

You might also want to include an RSVP card with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, and a "please respond by" date, usually set around four weeks before the wedding. If you're worried about the cost, you could opt for online RSVPs and FAQs on your wedding website instead of response cards.

In terms of timing, it's recommended to send your invitations between four and eight months before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to make arrangements and ensures you have time to receive RSVPs and finalise numbers with your venue and caterers. If you've already sent save-the-date cards, you can afford to wait a little longer, sending invitations at least eight weeks before the wedding.

When it comes to ordering your invitations, custom designs can take longer, so it's advisable to start the process at least seven to eight months before the wedding. For ready-made invitations, you can order as late as three months before the big day, but it's always good to give yourself a buffer, in case of any last-minute changes or lost invitations.

Weighing and sizing

Weighing Invitations:

• Assemble a complete invitation: Create a mockup of your final invitation, including all enclosures and inserts. This will give you an accurate representation of the weight.
• Visit the post office: Take your assembled invitation to the post office to have it weighed. This step is essential to determine the correct postage for each invitation.
• Consider wax seals: Although Royal Mail accepts wax seals, they may break during transit. For added protection, consider placing wax-sealed invitations inside another envelope.
• Cost considerations: Opting for second-class stamps can reduce costs, but keep in mind the longer delivery time. Bulky or oversized invitations may also incur higher postage fees.

Sizing Invitations:

• Standard invitation size: The traditional size for wedding invitations is a rectangular card measuring 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. This provides ample space for essential information while maintaining a classic and elegant look.
• Design variations: Some couples prefer circular, scalloped, or square invitations for a more playful or modern vibe. Keep in mind that deviating from standard sizes may increase postage costs.
• Tall or large invitations: If you have extensive logistics or additional information to include, consider a tall (4"x9") or large (6"x8" or 7"x9") invitation. These options provide more space while still maintaining a stylish appearance.
• Square cards: Square cards, typically around 5"x5", offer a unique presentation for your wedding details. However, be aware that square formats will require extra postage.
• Booklet invitations: For a creative approach, booklet invitations allow you to include all wedding info in one place. These invitations have multiple pages and can be closed with grommets, string, or ribbons.
• Budget considerations: Larger invitations or those with more inserts will cost more to produce and may require additional postage. Calculate the cost of sending one invitation and multiply it by your guest list to determine if a larger design fits your budget.

Wax seals

Timing and Logistics:

• If you plan to use wax seals, it's important to consider the timing of sending out your invitations. In the UK, it's common to send out invitations at least two months before the wedding, but some couples send them three to six months in advance, especially if guests need to travel.
• Wax seals add a delicate touch to your invitations, but they can be fragile. Consider placing wax-sealed invitations inside an additional envelope for added protection during transit.
• To ensure correct postage, assemble a complete invitation with all enclosures and take it to the post office for weighing and sizing.

Ready-Made Wax Seals:

• Ready-made wax seals are a cost-effective option and can be ordered last minute, usually up to three months before the wedding.
• These designs are typically photograph-sized (around 5 x 7 inches) and are available in various colours and shapes.
• Self-adhesive wax seals are easy to use; simply remove the paper backing and position the seal on your envelope or invitation for a stylish finish.
• Online retailers like Amazon offer a wide range of ready-made wax seal stickers in different colours and designs, including floral, monogram, and heart patterns.

Bespoke Wax Seals:

• For a truly unique touch, consider bespoke wax seals that reflect your wedding style and personalities as a couple.
• Bespoke designs require more time and communication with the stationer, so it's recommended to start the process at least seven to eight months before your wedding.
• Work with a stationer who offers custom designs and can guide you through the process, ensuring that your vision is brought to life.
• Bespoke wax seals can include personalised monograms, initials, or family crests, adding a luxurious finish to your invitations.

Cost-effective options

There are several ways to cut costs when it comes to sending out wedding invitations. Here are some tips to keep expenses down:

• Opt for second-class stamps. While this will increase delivery time, it will reduce the cost of sending out your invites.
• Choose smaller, simpler designs to avoid paying for large letters.
• Use online RSVPs and FAQs on your wedding website instead of physical response cards and information inserts.
• Take advantage of print-at-home invitations. Many online stationery designers offer downloadable templates that you can customise, download, and print yourself.
• Go paperless with digital wedding invitations. You can send these via email, and guests can RSVP electronically, too.
• Keep the design simple. Using fewer colours and design elements will help to reduce printing costs.
• Order from the same supplier. It's often more cost-effective to place your wedding stationery order with one supplier. You can benefit from bulk-order discounts and ensure consistent quality and design across your stationery.
• Order extra invitations upfront. It's a good idea to order a few more invitations than you need (around 10% extra). That way, you can avoid having to meet minimum order requirements if you need to order more later.
• Be mindful of the type of paper you choose. Smooth matte paper is cheaper than luxury pearl paper.
• Avoid handmade, bespoke pieces. These will cost a lot more than printed invitations.

Frequently asked questions