The Perfect Timing For Sending Out Wedding Invitations

Wedding planning can be stressful, and there are a lot of details to consider, from the big things to the small. One of the most important details is the wedding invitation, which sets the tone for the entire event. So, when is the best time to send out wedding invitations?

The general consensus 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 that you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to get a final headcount and complete your seating chart before the week of the wedding.

If you're planning a destination wedding or have a large number of international guests, it's advisable to send out invitations earlier, around 12 weeks in advance. This gives guests ample time to plan their trip and make the necessary arrangements.

On the other hand, sending out invitations too early may result in your wedding not being at the top of guests' minds as the day approaches. It's important to find a balance and give guests enough time to plan without letting too much time pass between receiving the invitation and the actual wedding.

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

Save-the-date cards are an exciting part of wedding planning. They are a fun way to get your guests to mark their calendars and ensure their presence at 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.

Save-the-date cards should typically be sent out six to twelve months before your wedding day. Sending them out at the eight-month mark is ideal as it gives your guests ample time to prepare and change their plans if needed. There is no reason to delay sending out save-the-date cards once your venue and wedding date are confirmed.

If your wedding falls on a busy time of year, such as peak summer season, or a holiday weekend, it is advisable to send out your save-the-date cards even earlier, nine to twelve months before your wedding date. This is also applicable if you are planning a destination wedding or have a large number of international guests, as it allows them enough time to make travel arrangements.

It is important to note that save-the-date cards are only sent to guests who are invited to the entire wedding day. They should not be sent to guests who are only invited to the evening reception, as it can be misleading and awkward.

Send invites 6-8 weeks in advance

Sending your wedding invitations around six to eight weeks in advance is considered the "sweet spot". This timeframe allows your guests to clear their schedules and also means you can request RSVPs sooner, while still adhering to proper wedding invitation etiquette. Sending invites in this window will allow you to get a final headcount, invite any guests on your B list, and complete your seating plan before the week of the wedding.

If you send your invites too early, you run the risk of guests forgetting about your wedding, and if you send them too late, you may not give your loved ones enough notice to take time off work, book accommodation, or make travel arrangements. Sending invites six to eight weeks in advance strikes a balance between these two extremes, giving your guests enough time to plan without being too early.

If you are inviting a lot of international guests, or if you are planning a destination wedding, it is best to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim to send your invites around 12 weeks in advance. If you are only inviting a few international guests, it is fine to send their formal invitation at the same time as other guests, but make sure to give them a heads-up about the wedding details ahead of time.

If you are concerned about the timing of your invites, it is worth remembering that most of your guests will already know the date of your wedding and will have planned ahead. This is because it is common to send out 'Save the Date' cards around four to six months before the wedding.

Send invites 3 months ahead if destination wedding

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but sending out your invitations on time doesn't have to be! The general rule of thumb is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. However, if you're planning a destination wedding, it's a good idea to give your guests a little more notice. So, how far in advance should you send invitations for a destination wedding?

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's important to give your guests ample notice. This will allow them enough time to plan their trip, make travel arrangements, and request time off work. The recommended timeline for sending out invitations for a destination wedding is around three months, or 12 weeks, in advance. This gives guests plenty of time to plan without being too early that they forget about your wedding.

While it may seem early, sending invitations three months in advance is considered the sweet spot for destination weddings. It strikes a balance between giving guests enough time to plan and not being so early that they lose track of the date. It's also a good idea to send out save-the-date cards even earlier, around six to 12 months in advance, especially if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or requires extensive travel. This will ensure that your guests have marked the date on their calendars and can start making the necessary arrangements.

When sending invitations for a destination wedding, it's also a good idea to include additional information such as accommodation options, travel details, and any wedding-related activities. This will help your guests plan their trip and make it a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

So, if you're planning a destination wedding, send out those invitations three months in advance, and don't forget to include all the necessary details! This will ensure that your guests have enough time to plan and that your special day is well-attended.

Send invites 12 weeks ahead if many international guests

Sending out wedding invitations is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. It's also one of the most important, as it gives your guests crucial details about your big day. If you're having a lot of international guests, it's a good idea to send your invitations 12 weeks in advance. Here's why:

Allow Enough Time for Travel Arrangements

International guests will likely need to book flights and possibly accommodation for your wedding. Sending your invitations 12 weeks in advance gives them ample time to make these arrangements. It also allows them to take time off work if needed.

Avoid Last-Minute Changes

While sending out invitations closer to the date may seem like a good idea, it can actually increase the chances of guests changing their plans. Sending invitations 12 weeks in advance reduces the likelihood of unexpected changes and gives you a more accurate guest count.

Be Mindful of Shipping Times

If you're sending invitations by post, especially to international guests, it's important to factor in shipping times. Sending invitations 12 weeks in advance ensures they have enough time to reach your guests, even if there are delays.

Give Guests a Heads-Up

If you have a lot of international guests, it's a good idea to give them a heads-up about your wedding date and details in advance. Consider sending a "save the date" notification or giving them a quick call or email. This will give them a chance to start making travel arrangements early.

Request RSVPs Earlier

When sending invitations 12 weeks in advance, you can also request that guests RSVP earlier, such as 1 month before the wedding. This gives you more time to finalize details with your vendors and make any necessary adjustments.

In conclusion, sending wedding invitations 12 weeks in advance is a thoughtful gesture that shows your international guests you want to ensure their attendance. It gives them enough time to plan their travels and makes it less likely that they will have to change their plans later. Happy planning!

Ask for RSVPs no later than 1 month from the date

Asking for RSVPs no later than one month from your wedding date is an important step in the wedding planning process. This step is crucial for both you and your vendors to have ample time to make the necessary preparations for your big day. It is also a key part of wedding invitation etiquette.

RSVPs are an essential part of wedding planning as they provide a final headcount, allowing you to invite guests on your B list if needed and complete your seating charts. It is also important for you to give your caterers a final number so that they can prepare the appropriate amount of food and drinks. Asking for RSVPs a month in advance gives your guests enough time to respond while also providing you with enough time to chase down late responses.

If you are inviting international guests or having a destination wedding, it is advisable to give these guests a heads-up by calling, texting, or emailing them with the wedding details. This will allow them to start making travel arrangements. You can also send their formal invitations earlier, with some sources recommending sending invitations to international guests nine to ten weeks in advance, and others suggesting twelve weeks.

It is also important to note that you should not send out your invitations too early. This may cause your wedding to slip your guests' minds as the day draws closer. Sending your invitations six to eight weeks in advance is generally recommended, with the RSVP deadline being around one month before the wedding. This timeline can be adjusted depending on how far your guests will need to travel and when your final headcount is due.

Frequently asked questions