Last-Minute Mailing: Wedding Invites And Timing

Wedding invitation etiquette is an important aspect of wedding planning. Sending out wedding invitations at the right time is crucial to ensure your guests have enough time to plan their attendance. So, when is the best time to send out wedding invitations?

According to wedding etiquette, the ideal time to send out wedding invitations is around six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements, such as travel and accommodation plans. It also allows the couple to request RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount for seating charts and other preparations.

For destination weddings or weddings with a large number of international guests, it is recommended to send out invitations earlier, around three months or twelve weeks in advance. This is to accommodate the extra time needed for travel planning and ensure guests have enough notice.

Sending out invitations too late can be inconsiderate and may hurt guest attendance, as it may not give them enough time to make the necessary arrangements. Therefore, it is essential to follow the recommended timeline to ensure a smooth planning process and a memorable event.

Invitations for destination weddings

Planning a destination wedding? It's important to give your guests ample notice so they can make the necessary travel arrangements. Here are some tips and suggestions for sending out invitations for your destination wedding:

Timing is Key

It is recommended that you send out your invitations around 12 weeks before your wedding date. This is especially important if you have a large number of international guests or if your wedding is in a far-off location. The extra time will allow your guests to book flights, accommodation, and make any other necessary travel plans.

Save the Dates

For destination weddings, it is highly advisable to send out Save the Dates. These should be sent out 6 to 12 months in advance of your wedding date. This early notice will allow your guests to block off the dates on their calendars and make any necessary travel arrangements. Sending Save the Dates is a considerate gesture, especially for those guests who need to plan extensive travel or take time off work.

Invitation Design

When it comes to the design of your invitations, there are many options to choose from. You can opt for a traditional invitation suite, which includes the main invitation, a response card, and any other helpful information for your guests such as travel and accommodation details. Or, you could choose a unique design that reflects your destination wedding, such as passport-style invitations or boarding pass-themed invites. These can be a fun way to set the tone for your wedding and get your guests excited about the location.

RSVP Timing

It is recommended that you request RSVPs for your destination wedding no later than one month before the wedding date. This will give you and your vendors enough time to make the necessary preparations. It is also a good idea to follow up with guests who have not responded, especially those who may need to book travel, to ensure they have enough time to make arrangements.

Additional Information

Along with your invitations, consider including a welcome letter and itinerary for your guests. This can include details such as travel and accommodation information, a timeline of wedding events, and any other helpful tips to enhance their experience. You can also make this information available on your wedding website, ensuring your guests have easy access to all the details they need.

Remember, sending out invitations for a destination wedding requires a little extra planning and forethought to ensure your guests have enough time to make their travel arrangements. By sending out your invitations and Save the Dates in a timely manner, you'll be well on your way to ensuring a smooth and well-attended celebration.

Save-the-date cards

When sending save-the-date cards, it's important to only send them to those on your guest list whom you definitely plan to invite to your wedding. This is because sending a save-the-date card to someone is essentially an indication that you are inviting them to your wedding. However, if you're still finalizing your guest list, you can send them to close family and friends first, or to out-of-town guests who will need to make travel plans.

In addition to the date and location of the wedding, save-the-date cards can include other relevant information such as the names of the couple, a wedding website or social media page, travel and accommodation information, and your wedding hashtag.

After sending out your save-the-date cards, the next step is to send out your official wedding invitations. These are typically sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding date, giving your guests plenty of time to respond and make any necessary arrangements.

RSVP deadline

The RSVP deadline is an important aspect of wedding planning, as it helps you finalise the guest list and make necessary arrangements. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for setting an RSVP deadline:

Timing:

It is recommended that the RSVP deadline be set at least four weeks before the wedding, and no later than two weeks prior. Setting the deadline around three to four weeks in advance is ideal, as it gives you enough time to finalise the guest list and reach out to those who haven't responded. This timing also aligns with the recommended window for sending out invitations, which is six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Communication:

Clearly communicate the RSVP deadline on your invitations and wedding website. It is also helpful to include a friendly reminder about a week before the deadline, especially if some guests haven't responded yet. You can do this via a quick phone call, text, or email.

Options for Response:

Provide multiple options for guests to respond, such as a pre-addressed and stamped return envelope, an email address, or an RSVP option on your wedding website. The more options you offer, the easier it is for guests to respond promptly.

Wording:

Consider using wording such as, "The favour of your reply is requested by [date]" instead of just "RSVP." This clarifies the need for a response, even if guests are declining the invitation.

Destination Weddings:

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's advisable to set an earlier RSVP deadline, about two months before the event. This allows enough time for travel arrangements and ensures you have an accurate headcount for pre- and post-wedding events.

Finalising Details:

About two weeks before the wedding, connect with your caterer, planner, venue coordinator, and other vendors to finalise details such as table settings, entrees, wedding favours, and escort cards. This is also when you'll want to start working on the seating chart.

Remember, it's essential to set the right RSVP date to help your wedding planning progress smoothly in the final weeks leading up to your big day.

International guests

Planning a wedding is an exciting time, and sending out invitations is a big part of that. It's important to get the timing right, especially for international guests. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your overseas guests have plenty of time to prepare for your big day:

Timing is Everything

It is generally recommended that wedding invitations be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. However, when it comes to international guests, it is advisable to give them a little more time. Aim to send their invitations nine to ten weeks in advance, or even earlier if possible. This will allow for shipping delays and give your guests ample time to make the necessary arrangements, such as booking time off work and securing travel and accommodations.

Save-the-Dates

If you are sending out save-the-date cards, it is customary to do so four to six months before the wedding. However, if you are planning a destination wedding or have a large number of international guests, it is advisable to send them even earlier, around six to twelve months in advance. This will give your overseas guests a heads-up to start planning their travel and accommodations.

A Quick Heads-Up

If you are only inviting a few international guests, it is a good idea to give them a quick call, email, or text to let them know about the wedding details in advance. This way, they can start making their travel arrangements, and you can ensure they have all the information they need, such as booking hotel rooms.

RSVP Options

When inviting international guests, consider giving them the option to RSVP digitally. This will save time compared to waiting for their responses to arrive by mail. You can also follow up promptly with anyone you haven't heard from to ensure they received the invitation and have enough time to prepare for their trip.

Invitation Suite Details

Your invitation suite can include important details to assist your international guests in their travel plans. Consider including information on the appropriate attire, a map to the event location, accommodation options, and any wedding-related activities they may wish to participate in.

Destination Weddings

If you are having a destination wedding, it is courteous to give all your guests, especially those travelling internationally, plenty of time to plan. It is recommended to send out invitations for a destination wedding at least three months in advance.

Remember, sending out invitations on time is crucial to ensuring your international guests have a smooth and stress-free experience in attending your wedding. Happy planning!

Wedding website

When to Send Out Your Wedding Invitations

The first step in the wedding invitation process is to send out "save the date" cards. These should be sent out 4-6 months before the wedding, or even earlier if your wedding is on a holiday weekend, in a far-off destination, or requires extensive travel arrangements. Save the dates should include your wedding website, wedding registry, and venue details.

The next step is to send out the official wedding invitations. These should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements, and you enough time to receive RSVPs and finalise your seating chart. If your wedding is a destination wedding, or if many of your guests are international, it is recommended to send out invitations 12 weeks before the wedding.

Finally, you should ask for RSVPs no later than one month before the wedding. This will give you and your vendors enough time to make the necessary preparations.

Frequently asked questions