Formal Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Timing And Tips

Wedding planning can be a stressful time, and there are lots of details to consider, from the flowers to the colour palette. One of the most important details is the wedding invitation, which sets the tone for the entire event. While the style of invitation can vary depending on the formality of the wedding, there are certain etiquette rules that should be followed when sending out invites. So, when is the right time to send formal wedding invitations?

Save-the-date cards: 6-12 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are optional, but they are a fun way to give your guests preliminary information about your wedding. They are usually sent out 6-12 months before the wedding, but for destination weddings, it is recommended to send them out as early as possible to allow guests to make travel arrangements. Save-the-date cards are typically sent to close family and friends who are "must-have" guests. They are a courtesy to your guests, especially if your wedding is during a busy travel period or on a holiday.

Save-the-date cards should include the following information:

• A request to save the date
• The names of the couple
• The wedding date
• The location (state and postcode)
• A note to let guests know to expect a formal invitation
• A wedding website, if you have one

You can also include a map of the city or area and any other details that will help your guests plan for your big day. It is important to note that save-the-date cards should only be sent to those you plan on inviting to the wedding. Once they are in the mail, there's no turning back!

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of sending out save-the-date cards, you can opt for electronic or digital save-the-dates, which are becoming increasingly popular and convenient. However, keep in mind that delivery is not 100% guaranteed, so you may need to follow up to ensure they are received.

Invitations: 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out your wedding invitations is an exciting part of the planning process. It's important to get the timing right so that your guests have enough time to plan and you can get a final headcount.

The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out to guests around six to eight weeks in advance. This is considered the "sweet spot" as it gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements, and RSVP. Sending your invitations within this timeframe also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to create a final guest list, invite guests on your B-list if needed, and complete your seating chart before the week of the wedding.

If you send your invitations too early, there's a risk that plans may change, and you could end up with an inaccurate guest count. Sending invitations within the recommended timeframe reduces the chances of unexpected changes.

However, if you have a destination wedding or a large number of out-of-town guests, you may want to send invitations a little earlier, around eight to ten weeks before the wedding. This will give your guests more time to book travel and accommodations.

It's also worth noting that "Save the Date" cards can be sent out much earlier, usually around six to twelve months before the wedding, to give your guests a heads-up and ensure they keep that date free.

Invitations for destination weddings: 3 months before the wedding

If you're planning a destination wedding, you'll need to give your guests plenty of notice. While regular wedding invitations are usually sent out eight weeks before the wedding, for destination weddings, you should give your guests at least three months' notice, and preferably four. This will give your guests time to compare flight options, book time off work, and plan any additional travel before or after the wedding.

If you're sending out save-the-date cards, these should go out six to eight months in advance, and you may want to include an information packet with details about the events you have planned, travel and accommodation information, and any group activities.

Your formal invitations should include the full names of you and your partner, the hosts, the time, date, month, and year of the wedding, and the full address of the venue. You can also include details about the appropriate attire, a map, and information about any wedding-related activities.

If you have a wedding website, you can include the URL on your save-the-date cards and invitations, and add any updates to your site as you confirm additional details.

Invitations for international guests: 9-10 weeks before the wedding

When planning a wedding, it's important to give your guests enough notice, especially if they need to make travel arrangements. For international guests, it's a good idea to send out invitations around nine to ten weeks in advance. This will allow them ample time to book flights and accommodation and request time off work.

If you're sending paper invitations, this extra time will also account for the extended shipping and delivery process. It's a good idea to give your international guests the option to RSVP digitally, so you're not waiting for their responses to arrive by mail.

Some sources suggest that you can send out invitations to international guests up to a year in advance. However, most recommend doing so around two to three months before the wedding. This strikes a balance between giving your guests enough notice and not sending out the invitations too early, which could increase the risk of them getting lost or your guests forgetting the date.

If you're sending out save-the-date cards, it's customary to do so around six to twelve months before the wedding. This will give your international guests a heads-up to start planning their trip.

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

It is customary to send out wedding invitations to out-of-town guests around eight weeks before the wedding. This is to allow your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements and accommodation bookings. Sending out your invitations at this time will also allow you to request RSVPs sooner, enabling you to get a final headcount and complete your seating charts before the wedding crunch.

If you are inviting international guests, it is a good idea to send out invitations nine to ten weeks in advance to allow for extended shipping and delivery times. You may also want to give your international guests the option to RSVP digitally, so you're not waiting for their responses to arrive by mail.

If you are having a destination wedding, it is recommended to send out invitations three months in advance. This will give your guests ample time to book holidays and plane tickets.

It is also a good idea to send out 'save the date' cards nine to twelve months before the wedding. This will ensure that your guests can keep the date free and will not accidentally accept another wedding invitation for the same date.

Your wedding invitation suite can include other important details such as:

• The appropriate attire for guests
• A map to the event location
• Accommodation suggestions
• Information about any wedding-related activities
• A link to your wedding website, where guests can find additional information such as your wedding registry and a virtual RSVP option

Frequently asked questions