The Perfect Timing For Sending Out Wedding Invitations

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's also an exciting opportunity to showcase your personal style and creativity. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is deciding when to send out invitations. While there is no exact science to this, it's generally recommended to send invitations around six to eight weeks before the wedding, or even four to six months in advance if you're planning a destination wedding or one that requires significant travel for your guests. This gives your guests ample time to plan, especially if they need to make travel arrangements or find childcare. It's also important to consider budgeting for postage, choosing the right type of invitation, and including all the necessary information, such as the wedding date, time, location, and attire suggestions. Sending out invitations early ensures your guests have enough time to respond and make any necessary preparations for your big day.

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations around 6-8 weeks before the wedding is generally considered good timing. This gives your guests ample time to plan and prepare for your big day. Here are some reasons why sending invites 6-8 weeks in advance is a good idea:

Travel Arrangements

If your wedding is in a location that requires travel, whether it's a destination wedding or not, your guests will need time to arrange their transportation and accommodations. Sending the invites 6-8 weeks in advance allows them to book flights, hotels, or make other necessary arrangements. This is especially important if your wedding falls during a busy travel season or if your guests have limited vacation days and need to plan their time off.

Save-the-Date Cards

If you've sent out save-the-date cards earlier, usually around 6-8 months in advance, sending the official invitation 6-8 weeks before the wedding serves as a helpful reminder for your guests. It gives them a nudge to start making concrete plans and ensures your wedding remains on their radar.

Guest Preparation

Your guests will likely want to buy gifts, plan their outfits, and make any necessary arrangements for attending your wedding. Sending the invites 6-8 weeks in advance gives them enough time to choose gifts, decide on attire, and take care of any personal commitments or tasks before your big day.

RSVP Management

By sending invites in this timeframe, you can expect to receive most of the RSVPs within a few weeks. This allows you to have a more accurate headcount for catering purposes and helps you finalise other wedding-related details that depend on the number of confirmed guests. It's a good idea to set the RSVP deadline about 2-3 weeks before the wedding to give yourself enough time for planning.

Holiday Season Consideration

If your wedding is during a holiday season, it's a good idea to send out invites a little earlier than the typical 6-8-week timeframe. This is because travel plans and schedules tend to fill up quickly during these periods, and your guests will appreciate having more time to make arrangements. Sending invites 2-3 months in advance during these busy times ensures your guests can plan their holidays and your wedding without clashes or last-minute hassles.

Include postage in your budget

When budgeting for your wedding invitations, it's important to factor in the cost of postage, which can vary depending on the weight and size of your invitations, as well as the number of guests you're inviting from other countries. Here are some tips to consider:

• Budget allocation: Approximately 2-5% of your total wedding budget should be allocated to wedding invitations, including postage, printing costs, and the invitations themselves.
• Weight and size matter: The weight and size of your invitations will impact the postage cost. Thicker invitations with multiple inserts, such as RSVP cards, maps, and reception cards, will be heavier and require more postage. To qualify for a lower postage rate, keep your invitations within specific size and weight limits. For example, a standard domestic stamp in Canada requires the invitation to be rectangular or square, within standard measurements, no thicker than 5mm, and no heavier than 30g.
• International postage: If you're inviting guests from other countries, you'll need to consider international postage rates. You can use multiple domestic stamps or purchase specific international stamps from your local postal service.
• Pre-stamp RSVP cards: It's considerate to include pre-stamped RSVP or reply cards with your invitations. This saves your guests the trouble of finding the correct postage and ensures a higher response rate.
• Local postage for international guests: If you're inviting international guests, consider including local postage with their reply cards. However, note that you can't use Canadian stamps for mail replies from another country.
• Weigh and measure: Before sending your invitations, take a complete sample invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and measured. This will help you determine the exact cost of postage and avoid any issues with underpaying.
• Factor in other mailings: Don't forget to include postage costs for other wedding-related mailings, such as engagement announcements, "save the date" cards, and bridal shower invitations. These additional mailings can add up, so be sure to allocate enough budget for them.

Choose printed invites

Printed wedding invitations are a great way to showcase your personal style and give your guests a lasting keepsake. They can be customised to highlight your wedding theme and colours, and even include photos and beautiful images. Receiving a printed invitation in the mail will make your guests feel special and excited to celebrate with you. Here are some tips to consider when choosing printed invites:

Customisation Options

Printed invitations offer endless customisation options to make your invites unique and memorable. You can choose heavy paper stock with embossed details, lined envelopes, and a separate inner envelope for a touch of elegance. If you're having a less formal wedding, you can opt for creative print and paper choices, such as using a postcard for replies to give a casual feel. You can also include personal touches, such as photos or monograms, to make your invitations truly yours.

Timing and Budgeting

It's important to send your invitations out early, ideally eight weeks before the wedding, to give your guests enough time to plan and respond. If you're having a destination wedding or getting married during a holiday season, consider sending them even earlier. Budgeting is also crucial when it comes to printed invitations. Printing costs can vary, so be sure to factor in the cost of postage, especially if your invitations include inserts or are heavier or larger in size.

Providing Necessary Information

Your wedding invitations should include all the essential details your guests need to know. This includes the bride and groom's names, wedding date and time, ceremony and reception locations, and requested attire. If possible, include additional information such as directions, parking, and accommodation options to make it convenient for your guests.

RSVP Instructions

Be sure to provide clear RSVP instructions and include a stamped and addressed envelope with each invitation to make it easier for your guests to respond. Set an RSVP deadline of two to four weeks before the wedding to give yourself enough time to finalise details with your caterer and venue.

Addressing Etiquette

Pay attention to the proper etiquette when addressing your guests on the invitations. This includes using full names and proper titles, such as "Miss", "Ms.", or "Mrs." for women and "Mr." for men. If you're inviting a married couple, use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the last name. For an unmarried couple living together, use "Ms." for the woman and "Mr." for the man, followed by their names.

Adding Personal Touches

Consider adding personal touches to your printed invitations to make them even more special. This could include choosing a beautiful stamp that complements your wedding theme or including a personal message or photo. You can also opt for DIY invitations if you want to add a truly unique and creative touch.

Remember, printed wedding invitations are a timeless and thoughtful way to invite your loved ones to share in your special day. They allow you to showcase your style and give your guests a tangible reminder of your upcoming celebration.

Send save-the-date cards 6-8 months before

Save-the-date cards are a great way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date, especially if you are inviting guests from far away or abroad. Sending these out 6-8 months in advance gives your guests plenty of time to plan, make travel arrangements, and request time off work. This is especially important if you are having a destination wedding or your wedding falls during a busy holiday season.

Sending save-the-date cards in advance is a considerate gesture, as it allows your guests to clear their schedules and make any necessary preparations for attending your wedding. It also gives them a chance to start making travel plans, which can be particularly helpful for those coming from far away or for those who have limited vacation days and need to plan their time off in advance.

If you are inviting guests from abroad, it is a good idea to include in-depth information about accommodation and the local area along with your save-the-date cards. This can help them feel more prepared and excited about attending your wedding. It also shows that you are thinking about their comfort and convenience, which is always appreciated.

When creating your save-the-date cards, consider including some basic information such as the wedding date, your names, and the location of the wedding. This will give your guests a good idea of what to expect and will allow them to start making the necessary arrangements. You can also include a wedding website link with more detailed information about the event.

Sending save-the-date cards 6-8 months in advance is a thoughtful way to ensure your guests have ample time to plan and prepare for your special day. It shows that you value their presence and want to give them enough notice to make the necessary arrangements. This simple step can help ensure that your guests feel valued and excited about celebrating with you.

Include RSVP instructions

When it comes to including RSVP instructions on your wedding invitations, there are several key points to consider and include. Here are some detailed and instructive guidelines to ensure your guests have clear and effective instructions:

Response Deadline

It is essential to provide a deadline for your guests to respond by. Typically, this deadline is set for two to three weeks before the wedding day. This buffer allows you to finalise numbers for catering and other arrangements.

Response Methods

You can opt for a digital or print invitation suite, or a combination of both. For print invitations, include a reply card and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. If you prefer digital RSVPs, provide a phone number, email, or a dedicated URL with clear instructions on how to respond.

Contact Person

If providing a phone number or email, ensure you include the name of the point of contact who is managing responses. This person should be organised and readily available to receive and track responses.

Timely Reminders

Consider sending timely reminders to your guests as the deadline approaches. This is especially useful for digital RSVPs, where a simple email or text reminder can be sent. This reduces the chance of guests forgetting to respond and helps to ensure an accurate headcount.

International Guests

For guests located outside of your country, it is considerate to provide the option of a digital RSVP. This avoids potential delays in receiving responses via international mail services.

Early Responses

Some guests may respond almost immediately upon receiving their invitation. It is a good idea to anticipate this and have a system in place to track early responses, ensuring no one is left hanging.

Late Responses

On the other hand, some guests may forget or be late in responding. It is a good idea to build some flexibility into your plans to account for late responses and last-minute changes. You may need to gently chase some guests for their responses, so a clear record of who has and hasn't responded is essential.

Final Numbers

Communicate the deadline for responses clearly to your caterers and other vendors. It is essential that they have an accurate headcount to finalise their preparations.

B-List Guests

If you have a B-list of guests, you may want to consider the timing of your invitations and responses carefully. You don't want to leave too little time between receiving responses and sending out new invitations.

Save-the-Date Cards

While not mandatory, sending save-the-date cards can be a helpful precursor to the formal invitations. These are typically sent six to twelve months in advance and give guests an early heads-up to mark their calendars.

Venue Details

Be sure to include clear details about the wedding venue and any relevant information, such as parking or accommodation options. This helps your guests in their planning and reduces the need for additional questions later.

Online Platforms

Consider creating a wedding website or using an online event management platform. These can be excellent central hubs for all the information your guests may need, including RSVP instructions and responses.

Postage Delays

Be mindful of potential delays with postal services. This applies to both the sending of invitations and the return of responses. Some guests may appreciate the option of digital invitations and RSVPs to avoid these potential delays.

Guest Considerations

Remember that some guests may have complex considerations when it comes to responding. For example, they may need to arrange travel, accommodation, or childcare. Giving them ample time to plan and respond reduces the chance of last-minute changes.

Clear and Concise

Finally, ensure your RSVP instructions are clear and concise. Avoid cluttering the invitation with excessive information, but provide all the essential details. A well-organised and straightforward approach will be appreciated by your guests.

Frequently asked questions