The Perfect Timing For Wedding Invitations

Sending out wedding invitations is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. 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 any necessary travel arrangements, while also allowing the couple to request RSVPs and get a final headcount before the big day.

However, if you're planning a destination wedding or have a lot of international guests, it's a good idea to send invitations out earlier—around 12 weeks in advance. Sending out Save the Dates four to six months before the wedding is also a good way to give guests a heads-up, especially if they need to book travel or accommodations.

So, if you're wondering when to send off your wedding invitations, aim for that six-to-eight-week sweet spot, and adjust as needed depending on the location and your guest list.

Invites should be sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending your wedding invitations around six to eight weeks before the wedding is considered the best practice. This timeline is supported by wedding etiquette experts and allows your guests to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements, such as booking travel and accommodation. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount to finalise seating charts and other details before the wedding crunch.

While some sources suggest that sending invitations three months in advance is acceptable, especially if many of your guests are travelling, it is generally agreed that you should not send invitations any earlier than this. Sending invitations too early may cause your wedding to slip your guests' minds as the day approaches.

On the other hand, sending invitations too late is considered inconsiderate and may hurt your guest attendance. Guests need enough time to take time off work, arrange travel and book accommodation. A good rule of thumb is to count back eight weeks from your wedding date and send the invitations then. This will ensure your guests have ample time to plan and increase the chances of your loved ones being able to share your special day with you.

If you are inviting international guests, it is advisable to give them a heads-up by calling, texting, or emailing them with the wedding details so they can start making their travel arrangements.

Send save-the-dates 4-6 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are a fun and practical way to let your friends and family know they're invited to your wedding. They give your guests a heads-up so they can start planning to attend and ensure a smooth guest experience.

As a general rule, save-the-date cards should be sent out 4-6 months before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to make travel arrangements, sort out accommodation, and request time off work. It's also a good idea to send them earlier if your wedding is a destination wedding or over a holiday weekend. Sending them 6-12 months in advance will give your guests even more time to plan and save up for the trip.

It's important to note that save-the-date cards are not a requirement, but they are a considerate touch, especially for guests who need to travel or make accommodations. When sending save-the-date cards, only send them to those you definitely plan to invite to the wedding.

When creating your save-the-date cards, include the following key information:

• The date of the wedding (or the weekend of the celebration if it spans multiple days)
• The city of the event
• The name of the couple

You may also include the following optional information:

• A note that a formal invitation will follow
• The wedding website
• Hotel information, especially if you've reserved a block of rooms with a discount rate

Once you've designed your save-the-date cards, it's time to send them out to your guests! Use both email and physical mail to ensure everyone receives the invitation. Remember, the purpose of save-the-date cards is to give your guests a timely heads-up so they can plan their attendance, so don't delay sending them out!

Ask for RSVPs no later than 1 month before the wedding

Wedding planning is an exciting time, and sending out invitations is a big part of that! But when is the best time to ask for RSVPs?

It is recommended that you ask for RSVPs no later than one month before the wedding. This is for a few reasons. Firstly, it gives you time to chase up any stragglers. You can politely nudge those who haven't responded yet with a friendly phone call or text. Secondly, it gives you and your vendors enough time to prepare. You'll need to give your final guest count to your caterers and other suppliers, and you'll want to finalise your seating plan. Thirdly, it's a good idea to give your guests a little window to receive the invitation and consider their decision.

If you're having a destination wedding, it's best to ask for RSVPs a month to six weeks before the wedding. This gives you extra time to work with out-of-town vendors and make accommodation arrangements.

It's also worth noting that you should send out your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, and ideally, you would have sent out Save the Dates four to six months before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to plan and means your wedding will be fresh in their minds.

So, while there's a lot of excitement around sending out invitations, it's important to be mindful of timing and wedding etiquette. This will ensure your guests have all the information they need and give you time to finalise the details for your big day.

Send invites to international guests 9-10 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. It's important to get the timing right so that your guests have enough time to plan and you can get an accurate headcount for your big day.

If you're inviting international guests to your wedding, it's a good idea to send their invitations 9-10 weeks in advance. This gives them extra time to make travel arrangements and book time off work. It also allows for extended shipping and delivery times to ensure your invites arrive safely.

• Give them a heads-up: If possible, give your international guests a quick call, email, or text to let them know about the wedding details in advance. This ensures they have enough time to plan their travel.
• Provide accommodation information: Include details about booking hotel rooms or accommodation options. This is especially helpful if you've blocked off rooms for your guests at a particular hotel.
• Offer a digital RSVP option: Instead of waiting for responses by mail, give international guests the option to RSVP digitally. This will speed up the process and make it easier for them to confirm their attendance.
• Send invitations early for destination weddings: If your wedding is at a far-off destination, consider sending invitations even earlier (up to a year in advance). This gives all your guests, especially those travelling from abroad, ample time to plan their trip.
• Include important details: Your invitation suite can include other essential details such as the appropriate attire, a map to the venue, accommodation options, and information about any wedding-related activities.
• Follow up promptly: If you haven't heard back from your international guests, be sure to follow up promptly. This will help ensure they receive the invitation and have enough time to book their travel arrangements.

By sending your invitations 9-10 weeks in advance and following these tips, you'll be well on your way to ensuring your international guests have a smooth planning process and can join you on your special day.

Send invites for destination weddings 3 months before the wedding

Planning a destination wedding comes with a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. While the general rule for wedding invitations is to send them out six to eight weeks before the wedding, destination weddings often require a different timeline. Here are some instructive guidelines and tips to help you navigate this aspect of your destination wedding planning:

Send Invitations Early:

It is recommended to send out invitations for a destination wedding three to four months before the wedding. This extended timeline is crucial as it gives your guests ample time to make travel arrangements and accommodations. The early invitation also serves as a reminder for your guests to finalise their plans and book their trips.

Save-the-Dates:

Sending out Save-the-Dates is an essential step for destination weddings. These should be sent out nine to twelve months in advance to give your guests ample time to plan and secure their attendance. It is a good idea to include travel details and other important information with your Save-the-Dates, or at least direct your guests to a wedding website where they can find this information.

RSVP Deadline:

Determining your RSVP deadline can be tricky, but a good rule of thumb is to set it for one week before the earliest deadline requested by your vendors. This will give you enough time to gather all the information and communicate it to your vendors, such as the caterer, travel agent, and venue.

Invitation Content:

Destination wedding invitations should include more information than traditional wedding invitations. In addition to the usual details, consider including tips on places to visit, local restaurants, and expected weather conditions. This additional information can be included on a separate information card sent with the invitation.

Gifts:

For a destination wedding, it is considerate to mention that your guests' presence is gift enough. Since your guests will be spending extra on travel and accommodations, you can ease their financial burden by letting them know that you do not expect wedding gifts.

Additional Events:

It is customary for a destination wedding to include additional events, such as a dinner the evening before or a lunch the day after the wedding. If you plan to host these events, be sure to include them on your RSVP card so that guests can indicate their attendance.

Remember, while these are general guidelines, the specifics of your destination wedding may require adjustments. Be mindful of your guests' needs, especially when it comes to their travel arrangements and comfort.

Frequently asked questions