Inviting Guests: The Perfect Timing For Wedding Invites

Sending out wedding invitations is an important part of the wedding planning process. The timing of sending out wedding invitations depends on various factors, such as the location of the wedding and the number of international guests. Ideally, wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, allowing guests ample time to plan their attendance. However, for destination weddings or weddings with a large number of international guests, it is recommended to send out invitations earlier, ranging from three months to a year in advance. Sending out invitations too late or too early can be inconsiderate and may affect guest attendance. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the circumstances and provide guests with sufficient notice to ensure a memorable event.

Save-the-date cards: 4-6 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are a fun and considerate way to give your guests a heads-up about your upcoming wedding. 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 not a requirement, but they are a good idea if you want to boost the number of positive RSVPs you get.

Save-the-date cards should be sent four to six months before your wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to make any necessary travel plans and accommodations without being so early that they forget about your wedding. If your wedding is a destination wedding or falls on a holiday weekend, you may want to send your save-the-dates even earlier (six to twelve months before your wedding date).

Save-the-date cards should be simple and fun. They should include the names of the couple, the city and state where the ceremony will take place, and the date. You may also want to include an engagement photo or a fun, personal message. Save-the-date magnets are also a popular option, as they ensure your guests won't forget your wedding date!

Invitations for destination weddings: 3 months in advance

Planning a destination wedding comes with a unique set of considerations, and timing is everything when it comes to sending out your invitations. While the general rule for wedding invitations is to mail them six to eight weeks before the wedding, destination weddings often require a bit more lead time. Here are some instructive guidelines and tips for sending out your destination wedding invitations about three months in advance:

Save-the-Dates:

It is recommended to send out save-the-dates for destination weddings nine to twelve months in advance. This early notice is crucial as it gives your guests ample time to make travel arrangements and accommodation plans, especially if they need to request time off work or make arrangements for childcare. Sending out save-the-dates a year in advance is not uncommon for destination weddings, and it's a good idea to include travel details at this point to help your guests with their planning.

Invitations:

For destination weddings, it is advisable to send out invitations three to four months before the wedding. This timeline ensures your guests have the information they need to prepare for their travel and accommodation. It's important to strike a balance, as sending out invitations too early may cause your wedding to slip your guests' minds, while sending them too late may not give them enough time to plan their trip.

RSVP Deadline:

When it comes to setting an RSVP deadline, aim for about one month before the wedding. This gives your guests a reasonable window to receive and respond to the invitation while also providing you and your vendors with enough advance notice to finalise preparations.

Invitation Content:

Destination wedding invitations typically include more information than traditional wedding invitations. In addition to the usual details, consider including tips on travel and accommodation, recommended places to visit and eat, and information on the expected weather to help guests plan their attire. You can include this information on a separate card that accompanies the invitation.

Website:

It is also a good idea to set up a wedding website with all the relevant details and updates. You can include the website link in your save-the-dates or share it via word of mouth so that guests can start making their travel plans early.

Design and Inspiration:

Your destination wedding invitations can be a fun and creative way to get your guests excited about the big day. Consider incorporating colours, illustrations, or motifs that reflect your wedding locale. For example, you could include a hand-painted watercolour illustration of your venue, a silhouette of the mountain ranges, or a subtle nod to the local flora and fauna.

Remember, while these are general guidelines, it's important to use your best judgement and consider the specific needs and dynamics of your guest list. Happy planning!

Invitations for out-of-town guests: 8 weeks before the wedding

Planning a wedding is a complex task, and sending out invitations at the right time is one of the most important steps. It's essential to give your guests enough time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements, and book accommodations.

When it comes to out-of-town guests, it is customary to send out invitations around eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline is considered standard etiquette and gives your guests ample time to plan their trip. Sending out invitations earlier might result in your wedding not being a top priority for guests as the day approaches.

To make it easier for your out-of-town guests, you can include additional information in your invitation suite. For instance, you can suggest possible hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. You can also include a map to the event location and accommodation details. This extra information will help your guests feel welcomed and appreciated.

Additionally, consider sending out "save the date" cards or emails to your out-of-town guests earlier. This will give them a heads-up and allow them to start making travel plans and scheduling any necessary time off work. Sending "save the dates" nine to twelve months in advance is a good idea, especially for destination weddings.

Remember, the invitation timeline for out-of-town guests is crucial to ensuring their comfort and attendance at your wedding. By providing them with enough notice and relevant information, you'll make it easier for them to be a part of your special day.

RSVP deadline: 1 month before the wedding

Setting an RSVP deadline about a month before the wedding is standard wedding invitation etiquette. This timing allows you to confirm numbers with your caterer and venue, and gives you time to finalise the seating chart and other planning details. It also provides a window to chase up any guests who haven't responded.

It's important to give your guests enough time to reply to your invitation. Sending out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding is standard, giving guests a window of about one month to RSVP. This is considered enough time for guests to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary, while not being so far in advance that they forget about the wedding.

If you're having a destination wedding, it's a good idea to give your guests more notice. In this case, you should send out invitations three months in advance and set the RSVP deadline for six weeks before the wedding.

To ensure you get your RSVPs back on time, make it as easy as possible for your guests to respond. Include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope with your invitations, and give guests the option to RSVP digitally via your wedding website.

Sending invitations without save-the-dates: 4-6 months before the wedding

If you're choosing not to send out save-the-date cards, it's important to give your guests ample notice by sending out your wedding invitations around four to six months in advance. This is especially important if your wedding is during a busy holiday season or if you're having a destination wedding. Sending your invitations within this time frame will allow your guests to make the necessary travel arrangements and accommodations and ensure they don't accidentally double-book. It's also a good idea to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location as early as possible, especially if they need to travel.

When creating your wedding invitations, remember to include essential details such as the date, time, venue, and any suggested attire or accommodation booking information. You may also want to include information about whether the wedding is adults-only and the dress code. This will help your guests to kick-start their planning process.

It's recommended that you start designing your invitations at least four months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to choose a design, finalise the wording, address envelopes, and account for any potential mishaps. If you're ordering your invitations, a two-month head start is usually sufficient.

Remember, the key to a well-executed wedding is attention to detail, and timing is one of the most crucial details. Sending out your invitations within the right time frame will ensure that your guests can make the necessary arrangements and reflect your consideration and etiquette.

Frequently asked questions