Wedding invitations are usually sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. However, if your wedding is a destination wedding or requires guests to travel, it is best to send out invitations at least eight to twelve weeks in advance.
Save-the-date cards are typically sent out six to twelve months before the wedding. This gives guests ample time to prepare and change their plans if needed.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
When to send save-the-date cards | 4-6 months before the wedding, or earlier for destination weddings |
When to send wedding invitations | 6-8 weeks before the wedding, or 3 months for destination weddings |
When to send wedding invitations without save-the-date cards | 6 months before the wedding |
When to send wedding invitations for shorter engagements | 2-3 months before the wedding |
When to send wedding invitations to international guests | 9-10 weeks before the wedding |
RSVP deadline | 2-3 weeks before the wedding |
What You'll Learn
Invitations should be sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding
Sending out wedding invitations at the right time is an important part of wedding planning. Etiquette and timing are key considerations, and getting it right will ensure your guests have enough time to plan and attend your special day.
It is generally recommended that wedding invitations be sent to guests six to eight weeks in advance of the wedding. This is the ideal time frame as it gives guests enough time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements, and book any necessary accommodations. Sending invitations within this time frame also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to finalise your seating chart and share the necessary details with your vendors.
If you are planning a destination wedding or have a large number of international guests, it is advisable to send invitations earlier—around 12 weeks in advance. This will give your guests ample time to plan their trip and make the necessary arrangements.
On the other hand, sending invitations too early may cause your wedding to slip your guests' minds as the day draws closer. It is best to avoid sending invitations more than three months in advance.
If you are not sending save-the-date cards, the recommended timeline changes slightly. In this case, invitations should be sent around six months in advance for couples with a standard engagement length. For shorter engagements, invitations should be sent two to three months before the wedding.
Regardless of the type of wedding or guest list, it is important to give your guests enough time to plan and respond, while also ensuring that your special day remains at the forefront of their minds.
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Invitations for destination weddings should be sent 3 months in advance
Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, and there are many details to consider, big and small. One of the most important details is the wedding invitation, which not only announces the upcoming nuptials but also sets the tone for the entire event.
The timing of sending out wedding invitations is crucial, as it ensures that your loved ones can join you on your big day. As a general rule, wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This allows guests enough time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements if needed, and respond to your RSVP.
However, if you are planning a destination wedding, it is recommended that invitations be sent out three months or 12 weeks in advance. This is because destination weddings often require guests to request time off work, secure accommodation, and make travel plans. Sending the invitations earlier shows consideration for your guests and gives them ample time to plan their trip and make any necessary arrangements.
Additionally, it is advisable to send out "Save the Date" cards for destination weddings. These should be sent out six to 12 months before the wedding date. This early notification is crucial, especially if your wedding falls on a busy time of year or if there are multiple weddings in the same season. It ensures that your guests mark their calendars and gives them a heads-up to start planning their attendance.
When sending out invitations for a destination wedding, it is essential to include crucial details such as accommodation options, dress code, and any other relevant information. This helps your guests kick-start their planning process and ensures they have all the information they need to attend your special day.
In conclusion, by sending out invitations three months in advance for a destination wedding, you can ensure that your guests have enough time to plan and attend your wedding, making it a memorable event for all.
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Save-the-date cards can be sent up to a year in advance
If you're planning a destination wedding, it's best to send out your save-the-date cards as soon as you have a confirmed date. This gives guests ample time to plan their trip and make it a family holiday if they wish. Setting up a wedding website is also beneficial for destination weddings as it allows for easy updates and gives guests the opportunity to RSVP for each activity.
If you're not sending save-the-date cards, it's recommended to send out your wedding invitations six to eight months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. It's also enough time for them to purchase a gift from your registry.
For couples with a shorter engagement, the timeline changes slightly. If you've been engaged for only a few months before tying the knot, aim to send out your invitations two to three months in advance.
It's important to note that save-the-date cards are not required, but they are a fun way to get your guests excited about your wedding. They are especially helpful when many of your guests have to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near the wedding site are limited.
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RSVPs should be requested by 1 month before the wedding
When it comes to wedding planning, there are many details to consider, and one of the most important is the timing of your wedding invitations. While the style of your invitations may vary depending on whether your wedding is formal or casual, the basic etiquette for sending invitations remains the same.
So, when should you request RSVPs for your casual wedding? It is recommended that you set the RSVP deadline for one month before your wedding date. This timeline is supported by several wedding planning sources and is considered proper wedding invitation etiquette. Here are some reasons why requesting RSVPs a month in advance is beneficial:
- It allows your guests enough time to receive the invitation, make travel arrangements if necessary, and respond to your invitation.
- You will have ample time to finalise the head count and provide this information to your vendors for necessary preparations.
- You can create a seating chart and finalise other wedding details with a confirmed guest list.
- There is some leeway for stragglers who may not send their RSVPs by the deadline. You can follow up with a quick call or email to remind them and ensure you have their response.
- If you have a B-list of guests, you will have time to invite them in case you do not receive as many acceptances as expected.
To ensure you receive the RSVPs by this deadline, it is recommended to send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to respond and allows you to make any necessary preparations with a confirmed guest list.
In summary, to stay organised and ensure a smooth process, it is best to request RSVPs by one month before your casual wedding. This will give you and your guests enough time to plan and finalise the details for your special day.
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Invitations should be hand-addressed for a personal touch
Wedding invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding date. If you're planning a destination wedding, it's best to send out invitations three months in advance.
If you're sending out save-the-date cards, these should be mailed six to twelve months before the wedding.
If your handwriting isn't the best, you can hire a calligrapher to address your envelopes. This is a good option if you want to add a touch of elegance to your invitations. You can also print the addresses on your envelopes, but make sure the envelopes look like they've been hand-addressed.
When hand-addressing your invitations, use ultra-fine point markers so the ink doesn't smudge or leak through the envelope. Take your time and order extra envelopes in case of mistakes.
The address on a wedding invitation should be handwritten; printed labels are not appropriate. Spell out all words in the address, including "Street", "Post Office Box", and "Apartment". House numbers smaller than twenty should also be written out.
Your guests' names should be written out in full, preceded by social titles like "Mr." and "Ms.".
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Frequently asked questions
Casual wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date.
Wedding invitations should not be sent out less than six weeks before the wedding.
Invitations for destination weddings should be sent out three months before the wedding date.
Invitations for international guests should be sent out nine to ten weeks before the wedding date.
If there are no save-the-dates, casual wedding invitations should be sent out six months in advance.