Timing Of Wedding Invites: When To Send And Expect Them

Typically, wedding invites are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. It also means that the couple can request RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount. Sending invites with too much lead time can result in guests forgetting about the event or changing their plans. However, if many guests are travelling from abroad, it is recommended to send invites at least twelve weeks in advance.

Invites are typically sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of wedding planning, and timing is everything. While there's no one-size-fits-all approach, as it depends on your unique circumstances, culture, and location, here are some reasons why invites are typically sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding:

Guest Convenience and Planning

It's essential to give your guests enough notice about your wedding, especially if they need to request time off work, make travel arrangements, or book accommodations. Sending invites 6-8 weeks in advance strikes a balance between providing ample notice and reducing the risk of guests forgetting or having their plans change. This timeframe also allows guests to receive the invitation and consider their response before providing their RSVP.

Managing RSVPs and Finalising Details

By sending invites 6-8 weeks ahead, you can request RSVPs sooner and have a more accurate headcount for your big day. This helps with seating charts and finalising details with vendors, such as providing a final headcount for catering and ensuring enough supplies are available. It's a delicate balance, as sending invites too early may result in a higher rate of changes or cancellations, impacting your planning and budget.

Etiquette and Tradition

According to wedding etiquette experts and tradition, 6-8 weeks is considered the proper timeline for sending out wedding invitations. This timeframe respects your guests' time and commitments, reducing the chances of last-minute adjustments to their plans. It also demonstrates consideration for your guests' schedules and ensures your wedding date is secure in their calendars.

Exceptions and Flexibility

While 6-8 weeks is a widely recommended timeframe, there are exceptions and flexibility depending on various factors. For instance, if your wedding falls on a major holiday or if a large portion of your guest list is international, you may want to send invites earlier, typically around 8-12 weeks in advance. This provides your guests with ample time to plan their travel and accommodations.

In summary, sending wedding invites 6-8 weeks in advance strikes a balance between providing sufficient notice and reducing the chances of changes in your guests' plans. It also allows you to manage RSVPs effectively and aligns with traditional wedding etiquette. However, it's important to remain flexible and consider adjustments based on your unique circumstances and guest list.

Sending invites earlier risks guests forgetting or plans changing

Sending wedding invitations too early can lead to a host of problems. While it may seem like giving your guests a lot of notice is a good idea, it can actually backfire. Here are some reasons why sending invites too early can be risky:

Guests May Forget

It may seem obvious, but if you send out wedding invitations too far in advance, your guests may simply forget about the event. While they may have every intention of attending when they first receive the invite, life can get in the way. Other commitments may arise, and if your wedding isn't at the forefront of their minds, they may double-book or forget to RSVP. This can lead to an inaccurate headcount and issues with your venue and vendors.

Plans May Change

Life is unpredictable, and plans can change in an instant. Sending out invites too early increases the likelihood that your guests' circumstances will shift between the time they receive the invite and the day of your wedding. This could be due to work commitments, family emergencies, illness, or any number of unforeseen events. Even with the best of intentions, your guests may have to alter their RSVP at the last minute.

B-List Complications

If you're considering having a B-list of guests to invite in case you receive declines, sending your invites too early can complicate this process. It's generally considered poor etiquette to have a B-list, as guests may be offended if they find out they were not on your original list. Sending invites too early increases the chances of this happening, as guests may talk to each other and realise they received their invites at different times.

RSVP Management

When you send out invites, you also need to consider the timeline for managing RSVPs. If you give your guests too much time to respond, you may find yourself chasing after late responses or dealing with changes closer to the wedding date. A shorter window for RSVPs helps to ensure that your guests' responses are more accurate and reduces the likelihood of last-minute changes.

Travel and Accommodation

While it's considerate to give your guests plenty of notice if they need to arrange travel and accommodation, sending invites too early may not be beneficial. Travel plans can change, and your guests may end up having to adjust their bookings. It's generally recommended to send save-the-date cards 4-6 months in advance to give your guests enough time to make the necessary arrangements without being too early.

Send invites 12 weeks in advance if many guests are international

Sending out wedding invites is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. But when is the best time to send them?

The general rule of thumb is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. It also means you can get a headcount and complete your seating chart before the final crunch.

However, if many of your guests are international, it's best to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim to send your invites around 12 weeks in advance. This will allow for extended shipping and delivery times and give your international guests more time to plan their travel and accommodation.

If you're only inviting a few international guests, it's fine to send their invites at the same time as everyone else's. However, be sure to give them a heads-up via phone call, text, or email so they can start making their travel arrangements.

It's also a good idea to have all the information available on your wedding website as soon as you send out your save-the-dates. This includes hotel room blocks and transportation details. By doing so, you'll make it easier for your international guests to plan their trip, and you'll be able to tick a few more things off your to-do list.

So, if you're planning a wedding with many international guests, send out your invites 12 weeks in advance to give them plenty of time to make their arrangements and ensure their attendance on your special day.

Send save-the-date cards 4-6 months before the wedding

Sending save-the-date cards is a great way to let guests know about your wedding date in advance so they can plan their attendance. Here are some tips on when and how to send them:

Timing is Key

As a general rule, save-the-date cards should be sent out 4-6 months before your wedding. This gives your guests enough time to make any necessary plans, such as booking travel and accommodations, without being too early that they might forget. If your wedding is a destination wedding or falls on a holiday weekend, it is advisable to send them even earlier, around 6-12 months in advance.

Who Should Receive Them?

Save-the-date cards are typically sent to those who you definitely plan to invite to your wedding. It is important to be clear about who is invited, including any plus ones, to avoid confusion. Sending a save-the-date card to someone does not give you the option to change your mind later, so only send them to guests you are certain you want at your wedding.

The most important details to include on your save-the-date cards are the names of the couple, the wedding date, and the location (city and state). You may also include your wedding website, but this is not necessary. It is best to avoid getting too carried away with designs and photos, as you want to ensure your guests have the information they need to start planning.

If you are inviting international guests or a large percentage of your guest list lives abroad, it is advisable to send the save-the-date cards and formal invitations earlier, around 12 weeks in advance. This will give them enough time to make travel arrangements and accommodations.

Sending save-the-date cards is an exciting step in your wedding planning journey. They are a fun way to get your guests excited about your upcoming celebration and ensure they keep their calendars clear for your special day.

Request RSVPs no later than 1 month from the wedding date

When it comes to wedding planning, timing is everything. Sending out invitations too late (or too early) can be inconsiderate and may hurt guest attendance. So, when is the best time to request RSVPs?

The Sweet Spot for RSVPs

Requesting RSVPs no later than one month before the wedding date is considered ideal wedding etiquette. This timing provides several benefits for both the happy couple and their guests. Firstly, it allows guests a brief window to receive the invitation and consider their response without feeling pressured. Secondly, it gives the couple and their vendors ample time to make the necessary preparations for the big day. This includes creating a seating chart, finalising the menu, and ordering the correct number of tables and chairs.

The Importance of Timely Responses

It's essential to give guests enough time to respond, especially if they need to request time off work, arrange childcare, or make travel plans. However, sending invitations too early may cause guests to forget to respond, as people often can't commit to attending a major event until around two months before it occurs. The sweet spot for sending out invitations is generally considered to be six to eight weeks before the wedding, with RSVPs due about a month before the big day.

Strategies for Timely Responses

To ensure timely responses, consider including a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope with your invitations. Additionally, offering guests the option to RSVP digitally via your wedding website can increase response rates. Be sure to clearly indicate the RSVP deadline and make it obvious on the card or website. Using wording such as, "The favour of your reply is requested by [date]" can help ensure guests understand a response is needed.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are always exceptions to the rules, and wedding invitation timing is no exception. For destination weddings, it's advisable to send out invitations earlier, about three to four months in advance, with an RSVP deadline of two months before the wedding. This allows guests ample time to make travel arrangements. For casual backyard weddings, you may have more flexibility with RSVP timing, as the stakes are lower regarding catering and seating.

Frequently asked questions