The Perfect Timing For Wedding Invitation Delivery

Wedding invitations are one of the most significant keepsakes of your lifetime. They are the first glimpse your guests will have into your wedding day, so you want to get them right. But when is the best time to send out your wedding invitations?

The general consensus is that invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. It's also worth sending out save-the-date cards in advance of the invitations, especially if your wedding is a destination wedding – these can be sent out anywhere between four to six months and a year before the wedding.

Timing: Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding, or 3 months for destination weddings

The timing of sending out wedding invitations is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. It is recommended that wedding invitations be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline allows guests to make the necessary arrangements, such as clearing their schedules and planning travel if needed.

However, for destination weddings, it is advisable to send out invitations three months in advance. Giving guests an earlier notice for destination weddings is essential as it provides them with ample time to plan their travels and accommodations.

Save-the-date cards are also commonly sent out before the official invitations. These are typically mailed four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings, to give guests a heads-up to mark their calendars. Sending save-the-date cards is especially important for destination weddings or if there are limited accommodations near the wedding venue.

It is also important to consider the timing of when to send out other wedding-related invitations, such as bridal shower invitations. These are usually sent out six to eight weeks before the event, depending on the number of out-of-town guests.

Overall, timely sending of wedding invitations is crucial to ensure that guests have sufficient time to plan their attendance and make the necessary arrangements.

RSVP deadline: Set a date 3-4 weeks before the wedding

When it comes to wedding planning, timing is everything. Sending out invitations too early or setting RSVP dates too soon can be a costly mistake. So, when is the right time to set your RSVP deadline?

Allow Enough Time for Planning

It's important to give your guests enough time to plan for your big day, especially if they live far away or have busy schedules. By setting your RSVP deadline 3-4 weeks before the wedding, you provide them with ample time to review their schedules, make travel arrangements, and coordinate with their families and friends. This reduces the pressure on your guests and increases the likelihood of accurate responses.

Finalize Details with Confidence

With an RSVP deadline 3-4 weeks in advance, you'll have more accurate information about the number of guests attending. This is crucial for finalising details with your venue and caterer. It's standard practice to provide final numbers to your caterer one week before the event, and having a clear headcount will make seating arrangements and place cards easier to manage.

Efficiently Manage Non-Responses

Even with a well-planned timeline, you may encounter guests who don't respond by the deadline. By setting the deadline 3-4 weeks before the wedding, you allow yourself enough time to follow up with these guests without added stress. A quick call or email reminder can help ensure you have all the information you need to finalise the guest list and make any necessary adjustments.

A Well-Planned Timeline

Here's a suggested timeline to help you plan:

• Send out save-the-date cards: 6-8 months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings.
• Mail invitations: 6-8 weeks before the wedding for local weddings, and 3 months for destination weddings.
• Set the RSVP deadline: 3-4 weeks before the wedding.
• Finalise guest list and provide numbers to the caterer: 1 week before the wedding.

By following this timeline, you'll be well-prepared for your big day, and your guests will have the information they need to plan and attend your wedding.

Format: Digital or physical invites?

There are several factors to consider when deciding between digital or physical wedding invitations. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each option to help you make an informed decision:

Digital Invites

Pros:

• Cost-effective: Digital wedding invitations are typically more affordable than physical invitations, with prices ranging from free to a few dollars per invite.
• Eco-friendly: Choosing digital invitations is an environmentally friendly option as it eliminates the need for paper, reducing waste and saving trees.
• Time-saving: Sending digital invitations saves time as there is no need for envelope stuffing, stamping, or addressing.
• Instant delivery and RSVP: Digital invitations can be sent and received instantly, making them ideal for last-minute plans or when you need a shorter RSVP deadline. They are also convenient for overseas guests, eliminating the hassle of international postage.
• Design consistency: It is easier to maintain a cohesive design across digital platforms, including save-the-dates, invitations, wedding websites, and thank-you cards.
• RSVP management: Online RSVP management is more efficient for both the couple and their guests. Guests can easily respond, and the couple instantly receives the responses, all in one place.

Cons:

• Potential inaccessibility: Digital invitations may not be accessible to less tech-savvy recipients, and there is a risk of them ending up in spam folders.
• Contact information: Collecting email addresses for all invitees can be time-consuming, especially if multiple people from the same household have different email addresses.
• Design limitations: Digital invitations may offer fewer bespoke design options compared to physical invitations, where you can work with professionals to create custom designs.
• Lack of formality: Some guests may perceive digital invitations as less formal or proper, especially for more traditional or formal weddings.

Physical Invites

Pros:

• Formality and tradition: Physical invitations are considered more formal and traditional, setting the tone for an elegant and upscale wedding.
• Keepsakes: Many guests cherish physical invitations as mementos of the special occasion.
• Design options: Physical invitations offer a wider range of design options, allowing you to create a unique and bespoke invitation suite.
• No contact information required: There is no need to collect email addresses, and physical invitations can be easily distributed to multiple people in the same household.

Cons:

• Cost: Physical invitations can be expensive, with average costs ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 for a full suite.
• Time-consuming: Preparing and sending physical invitations is a time-intensive process, requiring envelope stuffing, stamping, and addressing.
• Environmental impact: Physical invitations have a higher environmental impact due to paper waste and the use of resources for production and delivery.
• Slower delivery and RSVP: Physical invitations take longer to deliver and receive responses, which can be inconvenient for last-minute plans or when a shorter RSVP deadline is preferred.

Ultimately, the decision between digital or physical invitations depends on your personal preferences, the level of formality you wish to convey, and your budget. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so consider your priorities and choose the format that best aligns with your wedding vision and guest expectations.

Design: Reflect the wedding's formality and theme

The design of your wedding invitation is an important aspect that can reflect the weddings' formality and theme. Here are some tips to help you create elegant and informative invitations that match your wedding style:

Formal or Casual Wording:

Decide on the tone of your invitation wording based on the style of your wedding. If you're having a traditional and formal wedding, opt for formal phrasing. This is also appropriate if you want to give guests a subtle hint that your wedding will be upscale and elegant. On the other hand, if you're hosting a more casual and relaxed wedding, you can use casual and friendly language in your invitations.

Basic Information:

Regardless of the tone, there are some essential details that you should include in your invitations:

• Full names of the couple
• Date and time of the ceremony
• Names and full addresses of the wedding venues
• Dress code (optional)
• RSVP information, including the deadline date

Invitation Suite:

While the invitation itself should only contain key details, you can include additional information in your invitation suite. This can be in the form of enclosure cards or a separate details card. Here are some ideas of what to include:

• A map or directions to the venue
• Accommodation options and suggestions
• Transport arrangements, if provided
• Parking availability and instructions
• Cashless payment methods at the venue
• Specific arrival and end times for the event
• Menu options and dietary requirements
• Gift list or wish poem
• Child attendance specifications

Design and Colour Scheme:

The design of your invitations can also reflect the theme and formality of your wedding. Consider using colours and design elements that tie into your wedding theme. You can incorporate floral, rustic, boho, or minimalist styles, or match your wedding colours. If you have a motif, you can also include it in your invitation design.

Personal Touches:

Add a personal touch by choosing invitations with uploaded photos or incorporating text overlays. You can also hand-deliver your invitations to your nearest and dearest to show your excitement and make it more special. Additionally, consider choosing a wedding envelope colour that complements your wedding theme.

Digital or Physical Invitations:

While physical invitations are traditional, you can opt for digital invitations if you prefer an eco-friendly approach. You can include a QR code that guests can scan to access digital RSVP options. However, it's a good idea to offer physical invitations as well, especially for older guests who may be less tech-savvy.

Information: Include who, when, and where

Who?

The wedding invitation should include the full names of the couple getting married, as well as the full names of the hosts if you're using formal phrasing. If the couple is hosting, their names should be listed first on the invitation. If a few people are chipping in, it's appropriate to write something like "together with their parents" or "together with their families" on the invites.

The invitation should clearly list the time, date, month, and year of the wedding. It's also important to include the RSVP deadline date, which should be at least two to four weeks before the wedding date. This allows enough time to receive a final headcount for the caterer and finalise the seating chart.

Where?

The invitation should include the full address of the venue, including the postcode for Sat Nav users. If the venue is in a remote location, consider including brief directions on a separate details card. It's also a good idea to include the websites of the venues if they offer useful information like maps and directions.

Frequently asked questions