Inviting Guests: Timing For Sending Out Wedding Invitations

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, and there are many details to consider, from the venue to the guest list. 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 distribute wedding invitations?

The general rule of thumb is to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. It also allows the couple to receive RSVPs and finalize their head count before the big day. For destination weddings or weddings with a large number of international guests, it is recommended to send out invitations three months or even up to a year in advance to account for travel planning.

To ensure that guests have enough time to plan, it is also common to send out save the date cards four to six months before the wedding. These give guests a heads-up about the wedding date so they can block their calendars.

So, while there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to distribute wedding invitations, sending them out six to eight weeks in advance is generally considered appropriate, with adjustments made as needed based on the specific circumstances of the wedding.

Save-the-date cards: 4-6 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are a fun and simple way to let your guests know that your wedding is on the horizon and that they should keep the date free. They are especially helpful when many of your guests have to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near the wedding site are limited. They are also a great way to set the tone for your big day, from your wedding theme to formality and more.

The general rule of wedding etiquette states that save-the-date cards should be sent to your guest list around four to six months before your wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to plan and book any necessary travel or accommodations without making them feel that the wedding is too far away. Sending your save-the-date cards too early might mean that your wedding isn't at the top of your guests' minds as the day draws closer.

However, if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or will take place in a far-off destination, it is highly advisable to send your save-the-date cards even earlier (6-12 months in advance). This will give your guests ample time to prepare and make the necessary arrangements.

When creating your save-the-date cards, you can include the names of the couple, the city and state where the ceremony will take place, and, of course, the date. Many couples also include an engagement photo, a fun design, or a personal message. You can also include your wedding website, so guests can easily access all the information they need.

Remember, save-the-date cards are not required, but they are a great way to get your guests excited about your upcoming nuptials!

Invitations for destination weddings: 3 months in advance

Planning a destination wedding comes with its own set of considerations and challenges. It takes longer than a wedding in your home country and requires more planning for your guests, so it's important to give them plenty of notice.

It is recommended that invitations for destination weddings are sent to guests three months in advance. This is to allow guests enough time to plan and make the necessary travel arrangements. Sending out your invitations at this time will also allow you to request RSVPs sooner, which is helpful when it comes to finalising details with vendors and suppliers.

If you are planning a destination wedding, it is advisable to send out Save the Dates even earlier—around 6 to 12 months before the wedding date. This will give your guests plenty of notice and allow them to start making travel plans and saving up for the trip.

When sending out your invitations, it is important to include all the key details, such as the full names of the couple, the date, time, and address of the wedding, and an RSVP card. You may also want to include a map, accommodation suggestions, and information about any wedding-related activities.

It is also a good idea to set up a wedding website that includes travel and accommodation details, local maps, airport information, predicted weather, and registry details. This will be a helpful resource for your guests as they plan their trip.

Sending out invitations for a destination wedding three months in advance will give your guests enough time to prepare and ensure that you have an accurate headcount for your big day.

Finalising the guest list

Start Early

It's essential to begin finalising your guest list as early as possible. This will give you a clear idea of how many invitations you need to send out and will help you stay organised. It's also a good idea to sort your guests into categories, such as wedding-reception attendees, all-event attendees, and so on. This will ensure that you have a clear plan for who is invited to each event and will help with managing the overall guest count.

Save-the-Dates

Sending out save-the-date cards is a considerate way to give your guests a heads-up, especially if they need to make travel arrangements. These are typically sent out 4-6 months before the wedding, but for destination weddings, it's advisable to send them even earlier (6-12 months in advance). This will allow your guests to block off the dates on their calendars and make the necessary plans to attend.

Finalise Details

Before sending out invitations, ensure that you have all the necessary details confirmed, such as the date, time, venue, and any other relevant information. This includes finalising the design and wording of your invitations, which should be ready at least 5 months before the wedding. It takes time to print and address the invitations, so starting early will help you stay on track.

Send Invitations

The recommended timeline for sending out wedding invitations is 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements if needed, and RSVP. However, for destination weddings or if a large percentage of your guest list lives abroad, it's advisable to send invitations 12 weeks in advance.

Request RSVPs

When sending out your invitations, be sure to include an RSVP card with a deadline of about one month before the wedding. This will give your guests enough time to respond and provide you with a final headcount to finalise seating charts and other details.

Be Mindful of Cultural and Regional Differences

It's worth noting that the timing of sending out invitations can vary depending on cultural and regional norms. For example, in Sweden, it's common to send out wedding invitations a year in advance, while in the US and UK, 2-3 months before the wedding is considered normal.

Remember, timely distribution of your wedding invitations is essential to ensure your guests have adequate notice and can plan their attendance accordingly.

Choosing the style of invites: digital or physical

The wedding invitation is the first glimpse your guests will have of your special day, so it's important to get it right. The style of invite you choose will depend on your personal preference, your wedding style, and your budget.

Digital invites are a more modern approach and have several benefits. They are often a more cost-effective option, and they are also more environmentally friendly, reducing paper waste. They can be a good way to get all the necessary information to your guests quickly and efficiently, and it's easy to track RSVPs digitally.

However, there are some downsides to digital invites. They may be seen as less formal, and older guests may not be as tech-savvy, which could cause confusion. There is also a risk of invites ending up in spam folders and not being seen.

Physical invitations are a more traditional option and are often seen as more elegant and formal. They can be kept as mementos, displayed on fridges, or added to scrapbooks. Sending and receiving physical invitations can also be a fun event for couples and their families, marking the start of wedding festivities.

On the other hand, physical invites are usually more expensive, and you'll need to factor in the cost of paper, printing, and postage. There is also a risk of delays or losses in the mail.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, and both options have their advantages and disadvantages. If you're environmentally conscious or working with a tight budget, digital invites may be the way to go. If you want to stick to tradition and give your guests a keepsake, physical invitations could be the better option.

Remember, it's important to send your invitations at the right time – too early, and your wedding might not be at the top of your guests' minds; too late, and they may not be able to make the necessary arrangements. The sweet spot is usually considered to be around six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Sending invites: 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out your wedding invitations is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. It's important to get the timing right, though, to ensure your guests have enough time to plan and aren't left waiting around for the big day.

The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements, and book accommodation. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to finalise your headcount, seating chart, and any other last-minute adjustments.

If you're inviting a large number of international guests, it's a good idea to give them a heads-up about the wedding date and details in advance, either by calling, texting, or emailing. This will give them enough time to plan their travel. You can then send their formal invitations 12 weeks before the wedding.

For destination weddings, it's customary to send invitations three months in advance to give guests enough time to book their travel and accommodation.

If you're sending out save-the-date cards, these should go out four to six months before the wedding. This ensures your guests can block out the date and are more likely to be available to attend.

So, to recap, send your save-the-dates four to six months in advance, and your invitations six to eight weeks before, with some flexibility depending on your guest list and wedding location.

Frequently asked questions