The Perfect Timing For Wedding Invites

Wedding invitation etiquette is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, certain guidelines can help ensure your guests have the necessary information and are given ample time to plan for your big day. The timing of sending out wedding invitations is essential, with the recommended timeline being six to eight weeks before the wedding. This allows guests to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. However, it is not uncommon for couples to hand-deliver wedding invitations, especially to those they see regularly, as a more personal and cost-saving alternative to mailing.

Hand-delivering wedding invitations

If you choose to hand-deliver your wedding invitations, it's important to make sure that you are doing it by hand and meeting the recipient face-to-face. Avoid leaving the invitation in a mailbox or on a desk. It's also a good idea to hand over the invitation when the recipient is alone, as doing so in front of someone who hasn't been invited could be awkward. Try to avoid delivering the invitation during a special event, such as a birthday party, as this could overshadow the recipient's special moment.

Be sure to include a self-addressed and stamped RSVP card in the invitation, as you can't assume that the recipient will respond in person. It's also a good idea to give the recipient a heads-up if you're inviting international guests, so they can start making travel arrangements.

The typical timeline for sending out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed.

Timing

The timing of sending out wedding invitations is crucial. Ideally, they should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. It also means that you can request RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount before the week of the wedding. Sending invitations in this timeframe also allows you to invite guests on your B list if needed and complete your seating charts.

If your wedding falls around a major holiday, such as Christmas, it is suggested to send invitations earlier, around three months in advance, as people will need to plan ahead. At the very latest, invitations should be sent out a month and a half before the wedding.

For couples with a standard engagement length of around 16 months, it is recommended to send save-the-dates six to eight months in advance and then follow up with the formal invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding.

If you are inviting international guests, it is recommended to send their invitations nine to ten weeks in advance to account for shipping and delivery times. Providing a digital RSVP option for international guests is also a good idea to speed up the response process.

It is important to note that sending invitations too early or too late can be an issue. Sending them too early might cause the wedding to slip your guests' minds, while sending them too late might not give your guests enough time to make necessary arrangements.

In terms of delivery, most invitations are mailed, but hand-delivering invitations is also an option and can be a more personal and cost-effective choice for local guests.

International guests

Planning a wedding is a tricky task, and inviting international guests adds another layer of complexity. Here are some tips to ensure your overseas guests receive their invitations on time:

Timing is Key

It is crucial to send wedding invitations to international guests early. The recommended timeline is nine to twelve months before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to make travel arrangements, sort out their finances, and plan any necessary visas or vaccinations. Sending invitations early also allows guests to find the best deals on flights and accommodation.

Save-the-Dates

Before sending out the formal invitations, consider sending Save-the-Date cards or emails. These can be sent out around nine to twelve months in advance, or even earlier if you wish. This will give your international guests a heads-up about the wedding date and location, so they can start planning their trip. It is also a good idea to include a link to your wedding website, where guests can find more detailed information.

Invitation Contents

When sending invitations to international guests, it is essential to include all the necessary information. This includes not just the date and location of the wedding but also travel and accommodation suggestions, tips on places to visit and eat, and any relevant information about the local weather to help guests pack appropriately. You may also want to include a separate information card with your invitation, detailing any pre- or post-wedding events that guests are invited to.

RSVPs

For international guests, it is advisable to offer a digital RSVP option, such as an email address or a link to your wedding website. This will ensure you receive their responses promptly, without having to worry about international mail delivery times.

Personal Touch

If you have a small number of international guests, consider giving them a call or sending a personal email with the wedding details. This extra step will ensure they feel included and valued, and it will also allow you to answer any questions they may have about travel or accommodation.

Follow-Up

Finally, don't forget to follow up with your international guests promptly if you haven't heard from them. This will give them a gentle reminder and ensure they have enough time to book their travel arrangements.

Save-the-dates

Timing is Key

As a general rule, send your save-the-dates six to eight months before your wedding. For destination weddings or holidays, it's best to give even more notice, aiming for nine months to a year in advance. This will ensure your guests have enough time to plan their travels and accommodations without rushing. However, don't send them out too early; try to keep it under a year to ensure your wedding stays on your guests' radars.

Who to Send Them To

Only send save-the-dates to those you're absolutely certain will be invited to your wedding. This includes your immediate family, wedding party, close friends and family, and anyone else you definitely want to be there. Sending a save-the-date to someone obligates you to send them a wedding invitation, so choose your list wisely!

What to Include

The most important details to include are your names, the wedding date, and the location (city and state). You don't need to include the exact venue, but it's a nice touch to add your wedding website if you have one. You can also mention if it's an adult-only event or if there's a specific dress code. Keep the information concise, as you'll be sending more details in the official invitation later.

Digital or Physical?

You can choose to send your save-the-dates via email or physical mail. Digital options are more budget-friendly and sustainable, but there's something special about receiving a physical card that your guests can put up on their notice board. Whichever method you choose, make sure you have the correct and up-to-date contact information for your guests.

Don't Forget the Details

Before sending out your save-the-dates, ensure that your wedding website is up and running, hotel blocks are arranged, and your wedding registry is started. This will help your guests make informed decisions about their travel plans and accommodations.

RSVP deadline

When it comes to wedding planning, it's important to get the timing right. The RSVP deadline should be set at least four weeks before the wedding, with two weeks being the absolute minimum. This gives you enough time to finalise the guest list, figure out who hasn't responded, and organise your seating chart.

It's a good idea to send out your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to make travel arrangements if necessary, without being too early. If you leave too much time between sending the invites and the RSVP date, you risk guests forgetting to respond.

As a guest, it's best to respond to a wedding invitation as soon as you know whether you can attend. It's fine to respond before the deadline, and this will make the couple's planning easier. If you're sending a physical RSVP card, post it about a week before the deadline.

If you're the organiser, you may need to send reminders to those who haven't responded. You can send a friendly reminder about a week before the deadline, and then follow up with those who haven't responded about a week after the deadline. It's important to get an idea of final numbers as soon as possible, as the closer you get to the wedding, the busier you'll be with other last-minute tasks.

Frequently asked questions