Wedding Invite Return: What's The Deadline?

Wedding invites should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date, and the RSVP deadline should be around one month before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. It also allows the couple to get a final headcount, invite guests on their B list if necessary, and complete their seating charts. If the wedding is around a major holiday, the invites should be sent out earlier to give guests more time to plan.

RSVPs should be due around one month before the wedding

When it comes to wedding planning, timing is everything. Sending out invitations too late, or even too early, can be inconsiderate to your guests. It's important to give your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed.

RSVPs should be requested no later than one month before the wedding date. This allows you and your vendors enough time to make the necessary preparations for your big day. It's also a good idea to give yourself some extra time to chase up any stragglers who haven't responded by the deadline. This is supported by a couple who are planning their wedding and asking for advice on a wedding forum, who say that "a month before your wedding gives you enough time to get in touch with those who don't RSVP by the deadline, and enough time to get your counts in".

According to wedding etiquette expert Elaine Swann, the ideal time to send out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding. This means that, if you send out your invites at the right time, you can expect to set your RSVP deadline for around one month before the wedding and still have time to finalise your seating chart and give your caterer the final headcount. In fact, 55% of couples request RSVPs within three to six weeks of their wedding, giving them ample time to prepare while staying in line with proper wedding invitation etiquette.

If you're inviting a lot of international guests, it's a good idea to send out invites a little earlier – around nine to 12 weeks in advance – to allow for extended shipping and delivery times. It's also a good idea to give these guests a heads-up by calling or emailing them with the wedding details so that they have enough time to plan their travel arrangements.

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invites at the right time is crucial. It's important to give your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary.

Ideally, wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline stays the same for out-of-town guests, but it's customary to give them a heads-up about the wedding details in advance. If you have many international guests, it's a good idea to send their invites nine to twelve weeks in advance to allow for extended shipping and delivery times.

If you're not sending out save-the-dates, the recommended time to send out invites is six months in advance for a standard-length engagement. For shorter engagements, send out invites two to three months before the wedding.

The RSVP deadline should be set at least two to three weeks before the wedding date. This gives you enough time to chase any non-responders and finalise the details with your caterer and other vendors.

Include return address on invites

It is important to include a return address on your wedding invitations. This ensures that if an invite is undelivered, perhaps due to an incorrect address, it will be returned to you. This way, you can contact the guest directly to update them on the issue and ask for an alternative address. This is especially important if you want to avoid any hurt feelings when guests hear that others have received invites and they have not.

Return addresses are usually placed on the back flap of the envelope. It is also important to include the host's address and postage on the RSVP envelopes. Guests should not be expected to provide their own postage.

If you are concerned about the aesthetics of your invitations, you can use clear labels with a script font, or even a personalised stamp with your photo. Alternatively, you can use matching labels from the company you purchased your invitations from.

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

Sending out save-the-date cards is an exciting step in the wedding planning process. They are not a requirement, but they are a fun way to get your guests to mark their calendars, especially if many of your guests have to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near the wedding site are limited.

Save-the-dates should typically be sent out 4-6 months before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. If your wedding is a destination wedding or falls on a holiday weekend, it is advisable to send out your save-the-dates even earlier (6-12 months in advance). This is a considerate gesture, especially for guests who may need to book time off work or make extensive travel plans.

Save-the-dates can be mailed up to a year in advance if you have your wedding details finalized. They are also a good idea if you are having a destination wedding, even if it is not particularly far-flung. It is a good idea to include your wedding website on your save-the-date cards so that guests can refer to it for more information.

It is important to only send save-the-dates to those you are definitely planning to invite to your wedding. This is a good opportunity to finalize your guest list and ensure you have up-to-date addresses for everyone.

Send invites to international guests 9-10 weeks in advance

Planning a wedding is an exciting time, and sending out invitations is a big part of that. It's important to give your international guests enough time to plan their travel and accommodations. Here are some tips to ensure your international guests have plenty of time to prepare and RSVP:

Send Invites 9-10 Weeks in Advance

It is recommended that you send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding date to give your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. However, if you have international guests, it's a good idea to add a few extra weeks to this timeline. Aim to send their invites about nine to ten weeks in advance. This will allow for extended shipping and delivery times, ensuring that your international guests receive their invitations on time.

Include a Digital RSVP Option

To save time, offer a digital RSVP option for your international guests. This way, you won't have to wait for their responses to arrive by mail, which can take significantly longer. A wedding website is a great way to collect RSVPs and provide additional details about the wedding.

Provide a Heads-Up

If you have a small number of international guests, it's a thoughtful gesture to give them a heads-up about the wedding before sending out the formal invitations. You can do this by giving them a quick call or sending an email with the wedding details. This way, they can start making their travel arrangements early and book hotel rooms to ensure they have accommodations.

Send Save-the-Dates Early

If your wedding is a destination wedding or requires extensive travel for most guests, it's a good idea to send out your save-the-dates early. Sending them six to twelve months in advance will give your guests, especially those travelling from abroad, ample time to plan their attendance.

Follow Up Promptly

After sending out your invitations, be sure to follow up with your international guests if you haven't heard back from them. This will ensure that they received the invitation and have enough time to book their travel arrangements.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your international guests have plenty of time to prepare for your wedding and can join you on your special day.

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