Wedding Invite Etiquette: Timing Is Everything

Sending out wedding invites at the right time is a critical step in wedding planning. The general rule of thumb is to send out invites six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and the couple enough time to request RSVPs and finalise the headcount. However, if many guests are travelling from abroad, it is recommended to send out invites at least three months in advance, and up to a year in advance for destination weddings.

Save-the-date cards

If you're sending out physical save-the-date cards, it's best to order them 8 to 9 months before the wedding. This gives you enough time to conduct research and compare different options within your budget. If you're ordering custom-made or luxury save-the-date cards, start doing your research and reach out to stationery designers 11 to 12 months before your wedding.

It's important to note that save-the-date cards are not a requirement. However, they are a great way to give your guests a timely heads-up, making it easier for them to plan their attendance and boosting the number of positive RSVPs you receive later.

Wedding invitation timing for destination weddings

Planning a destination wedding comes with its own set of considerations, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the timing of your wedding invitations and ensure your guests have enough time to plan their travels.

Save-the-Dates

The first step is to send out save-the-date announcements. For a destination wedding, it is recommended to send these out earlier than you would for a local wedding. Aim for nine to twelve months before the wedding date. This gives your guests ample time to arrange their travel plans, book accommodations, and request time off from work. Sending save-the-dates this early also allows you to include travel details and suggestions for your guests, making it easier for them to plan their trip.

Invitations

The next step is sending out the formal invitations. For a destination wedding, it is generally recommended to send invitations two to four months before the wedding. This timeframe serves as a reminder for your guests and gives them the necessary information to finalise their travel plans. Sending the invitations at this time also ensures that your wedding details are confirmed, and there are fewer chances of changes that might confuse your guests.

RSVP Deadlines

When it comes to RSVP deadlines, the general rule of thumb is to request responses from your guests at least one month before the wedding. This gives you and your vendors enough time to make the necessary preparations. However, it is essential to consider the deadlines of your vendors, such as the caterer, travel agent, and venue, and set your RSVP deadline accordingly. Choose the earliest deadline among your vendors and set your RSVP deadline one week before that date. This will give you a buffer to gather all the responses and inform your vendors.

Additional Considerations

To make the process smoother, consider setting up a personal wedding website. This can be done as soon as you have confirmed your venue and date. The website can include all the necessary details, such as travel and accommodation information, and can be updated regularly as you confirm additional details. Additionally, you can use the website to communicate with your guests, providing updates and reminders.

RSVP deadlines

The general rule of thumb is to send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements, such as travel and accommodation bookings. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner and have a more accurate final headcount.

For destination weddings or weddings with a large number of international guests, it is recommended to send invitations out earlier, usually three to six months in advance. This is to allow guests ample time for travel preparations and to account for extended shipping times.

When setting the RSVP deadline, aim for one month before the wedding. This will give you time to chase any late responses and finalise your seating chart without the last-minute rush. It is also a good idea to include an RSVP deadline on your invitations to encourage timely responses.

If you are working with a smaller guest list or have a shorter engagement, you may choose to send out invitations earlier or opt for electronic invitations to speed up communication. However, be mindful that sending invitations too early may result in guests forgetting or changing their plans.

Remember, these timelines are flexible and can be tailored to your specific circumstances and the needs of your guests. The key is to give your guests enough notice and allow yourself enough time to plan and organise your special day.

International guests

If you're inviting international guests to your wedding, it's a good idea to give them a little more notice than your local guests. This will allow them ample time to make travel arrangements and accommodations.

It is recommended that you send out your save-the-dates nine to twelve months in advance of your wedding date. This will ensure that your international guests have plenty of time to plan their trip and secure any necessary visas or documentation. It is also considerate to include travel details and suggestions for accommodations with your save-the-dates. This will make it easier for your international guests to start planning their trip.

When it comes to sending out the official wedding invitations, it is suggested that you aim for a minimum of 12 weeks before the wedding date. This will give your international guests enough time to finalise their travel plans and make any necessary arrangements. It is also a good idea to give them a heads-up about the wedding details ahead of time, either through a quick call, text, or email. This way, they can start preparing their travel plans and booking their flights and accommodations.

It is important to request RSVPs from your international guests no later than one month before the wedding date. This will allow you and your vendors enough time to make the necessary preparations. It is also a good idea to follow up promptly with anyone you haven't heard from, to ensure they have enough time to book their travel arrangements.

Additionally, it is recommended that you have all the relevant information available on your wedding website as soon as the save-the-dates are sent out. This includes details about hotel room blocks and transportation, which will be especially helpful for your international guests.

Bespoke vs ready-made invites

When it comes to wedding invites, you have two main options: bespoke or ready-made. But what's the difference, and which one is right for you? Let's take a closer look at each option to help you decide.

Bespoke Invites

Bespoke wedding invitations are truly one-of-a-kind. The term "bespoke" means something that has been "spoken for" or made specifically for a person. In the world of weddings, bespoke invitations are created from scratch, just like a tailor would create a suit. This process involves unique concepts, precious materials, and multiple drafts to ensure the perfect final product. Bespoke invitations are typically more expensive and take longer to create, but they offer a level of customization and detail that is hard to match. If you have a specific vision for your invitations or want something truly special, bespoke is the way to go.

Ready-Made Invites

Ready-made wedding invitations are pre-designed and ready to be personalized with your information. These invitations are usually displayed in a portfolio, and you can simply add your wording and details to fit the design. Ready-made invitations tend to be more affordable and can be ordered last minute, making them a great option if you're on a tight budget or running short on time. However, you may be limited in terms of size and customization options. If you're looking for a convenient and cost-effective solution, ready-made invitations can be a great choice.

Timing Considerations

When deciding between bespoke and ready-made invitations, it's important to consider the timing of your wedding. Bespoke invitations typically require at least 7-8 months of lead time, as they involve a lot of back-and-forth communication and design revisions. On the other hand, ready-made invitations can be ordered as late as three months before the wedding, making them a good option if you're working with a shorter timeline.

Final Thoughts

Both bespoke and ready-made wedding invitations have their advantages. Bespoke invitations offer unparalleled customization and detail, while ready-made invitations provide convenience and cost-effectiveness. Consider your budget, timeline, and desired level of customization when making your decision. Remember, your wedding invitations set the tone for your big day, so choose the option that best reflects your style and personalities as a couple.

Frequently asked questions