The Perfect Timing For Sending Out Indian Wedding Invitations

Planning an Indian wedding? One of the first things to tick off your to-do list is deciding when to send out your invitations. It's recommended that you send your wedding invitations out at least 3 to 4 months before the wedding date to give guests ample time to plan and make travel arrangements. However, some sources suggest sending them out 6 to 8 weeks in advance. If you're inviting international guests, it's a good idea to send their invitations earlier and provide them with accommodation information.

Send invitations 3-4 months before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations 3-4 months before the wedding date is considered good etiquette. This is especially important for Indian weddings, which are often multi-day celebrations with several ceremonies and rituals. Sending out invitations in advance gives guests ample time to make the necessary arrangements, such as travel and accommodation bookings.

• Create a comprehensive guest list: In Indian weddings, it is customary to invite friends of both the bride and groom's parents, as well as business acquaintances of both families. The guest list should be finalised before reserving the venue to ensure there is enough room for all guests.
• Personal invitations for close friends and family: In traditional Indian weddings, the bride and groom personally invite close friends and family members, especially elderly guests, instead of sending paper invitations. For guests who are not as close to the family, mailing a paper invitation is appropriate.
• Follow up with a phone call: After sending out the invitations, it is considerate to follow up with a phone call to ensure that the invitation was received and to remind invited guests of the upcoming wedding.
• Include all the necessary details: Indian weddings often span multiple days and venues. It is important to include an event schedule with dates, timings, and venue details for each ceremony. This allows guests to plan their participation accordingly and easily navigate between different locations.
• Provide accommodation information: For guests who need to travel for the wedding, it is helpful to include accommodation information in the invitation. This allows them to book their stay early and be aware of any hotel or lodging options near the wedding venue.
• Mention the dress code: Indian weddings often have specific dress codes for different ceremonies. Including this information in the invitation helps guests dress appropriately and participate fully in the festivities.
• RSVP details: While RSVP cards are not traditionally included in Indian wedding invitations, it is a good idea to include a phone number or other contact information for guests to confirm their attendance. It is common to follow up with guests who do not respond, as last-minute changes or additions are inevitable in Indian weddings.
• Proofread and customise: Before sending the invitations for print, it is essential to proofread the wording and customise the design to match the theme and colours of the wedding. You can use online templates and then edit them to align with your preferences and the tone you want to set for your wedding.

Include event schedule, venue details, and dress code

Indian weddings are a celebration of love and rich cultural traditions, and the invitations are a reflection of this. The invitation is the first formal announcement of your love, so it's important to include all the necessary details for your guests. Here are some instructive tips for including the event schedule, venue details, and dress code in your Indian wedding invitations:

Event Schedule

Clearly outlining the dates and timings of each ceremony is crucial. Indian weddings often span several days, with various ceremonies and events such as the Mehendi, Sangeet, Baraat, and the main wedding ceremony. Providing a detailed schedule will allow your guests to plan their participation accordingly. You can include this information in a "Schedule Block" within your invitation, ensuring that your guests are well-informed about the sequence of events.

Venue Details

It is essential to provide specific venue details to make it convenient for your guests to navigate all the festivities. Include the addresses and locations for each event, along with hall numbers and names. Consider attaching a map of the venue or providing directions, especially if the location is difficult to find. You can also include accommodation information, such as hotel and lodging details, to assist guests who need to book their stay.

Dress Code

If there is a specific dress code for any ceremony, be sure to mention it on the invitation. Indian weddings often involve traditional attire, and guests may appreciate guidance on what to wear. You can include this information in a "Dress Code" or "Attire" section within your invitation. This will help your guests feel prepared and ensure they can dress appropriately for the various events.

When creating your Indian wedding invitations, remember to allow ample time for designing, proofreading, and sending them out. It is recommended to send invitations at least 2-3 months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings. This will give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements and ensure their presence at your special celebration.

Bride and groom create the guest list together

Planning an Indian wedding? Congratulations! It's an exciting time ahead. One of the first things to do is to create your guest list, and this is a job for both the bride and groom. It's important to get a head start on this, as it will impact other decisions, such as the size of the venue.

The guest list is a collaborative effort, and it's essential to include friends of both sets of parents, as well as business acquaintances of both families. This is a union of two families, so it's a good idea to involve both sides.

Once you have a rough idea of numbers, you can start thinking about the invitations. It's customary for the bride and groom to personally invite close friends and family members, especially the elderly, rather than sending a paper invitation. For guests who are not as close, a mailed invitation is more appropriate.

The timing of your invitations is key. It's recommended to send them out at least 3 to 4 months in advance, and up to 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This gives guests ample time to plan, especially if they need to arrange travel and accommodation.

If you have guests travelling from overseas, it's a thoughtful gesture to give them a heads-up before sending out the official invitations. A 'save the date' card or email is a good idea, and these should be sent at least 10 weeks in advance, or even earlier for a destination wedding.

Now, onto the invitations themselves. In Indian culture, the return address on the envelope should be the bride's name and address, even for friends of the groom. The invitations should include the event schedule, venue details, and any specific dress code. It's also a nice touch to include religious or cultural symbols and motifs, such as lotuses, peacocks, elephants, and mango leaves.

Finally, don't forget about RSVPs. While they are not traditionally included in Indian wedding invitations, it may be a good idea to include them, especially if you have guests from other cultures who are used to responding. You can also expect to do some follow-up calls to ensure everyone received their invitation and to gently remind them to respond if they haven't already.

Include RSVP cards and contact information

Indian wedding invitations should include RSVP cards and contact information to encourage guests to respond promptly and help with the coordination of the event. Here are some tips to consider:

RSVP Cards

It is recommended to include RSVP cards in your Indian wedding invitations. This is a departure from traditional Indian wedding etiquette, where it was assumed that all invited guests would attend, and those who could not would send a polite refusal. However, including RSVP cards is now more common, especially with virtual RSVP options.

Contact Information

When including RSVP cards, it is important to provide contact information to make it convenient for your guests to respond. Here are some suggestions:

• Phone Number: Include a phone number for guests to call or text their responses, especially if you have older guests who may not be comfortable with online communication.
• Email Address: Provide an email address as an alternative option for guests to send their responses or ask any questions about the wedding.
• Mailing Address: If you prefer written responses, include a mailing address and pre-postage return envelopes with the invitations.
• Online RSVP Options: Consider using online RSVP sites or tools provided by wedding planning platforms, which can make it easier for guests to respond and for you to manage the responses.

Following Up

Regardless of the RSVP method you choose, it is important to follow up with guests who don't respond. This is a common occurrence in Indian weddings, and it is a good idea to assign this task to your parents or wedding party members. You can also include a reminder to respond in your follow-up communication with guests, such as a phone call or email, after sending the invitations.

Send save-the-date cards at least 10 weeks in advance

Save-the-date cards are an important part of the wedding planning process, especially for Indian weddings, which are often a blend of spirituality, customs, and festivities that span several days. Sending these cards at least 10 weeks in advance is crucial for ensuring your guests have ample time to plan their attendance and make the necessary arrangements. Here are some reasons why sending save-the-date cards early is beneficial:

Allows Guests to Plan Ahead

Sending save-the-date cards at least 10 weeks in advance gives your guests, especially those travelling from overseas or far-off locations, sufficient time to plan their travel and accommodation. This is crucial for Indian weddings, which often involve multiple ceremonies and festivities that guests will want to attend. By sending save-the-date cards early, you give your guests a heads-up to start making travel plans and booking their accommodations early, especially if they need to arrange time off from work or make long-distance travel plans.

Provides an Early Estimate of Guest Count

Sending save-the-date cards early also helps you get an early estimate of the expected guest count. This is valuable information when it comes to planning other aspects of the wedding, such as catering, seating arrangements, and venue capacity. It's a good idea to request a response from your guests when sending save-the-date cards, so you can get a sense of how many people plan to attend. This will help you avoid overestimating or underestimating the number of guests and ensure that your wedding plans are tailored accordingly.

Enables Timely Follow-up

Sending save-the-date cards early allows you to follow up with guests who haven't responded. It is common in Indian weddings to have to follow up with guests who may not have responded promptly. By sending save-the-date cards 10 weeks in advance, you give yourself a buffer to reach out to guests individually and confirm their attendance. This helps ensure that you have a more accurate guest count and that no one misses out on the festivities due to miscommunication.

Facilitates Smooth Planning for Additional Events

Indian weddings often involve multiple events, such as the Mehendi, Sangeet, and other pre-wedding ceremonies. By sending save-the-date cards early, you can include information about these additional events and their respective dates and timings. This allows your guests to plan their attendance for each event and ensures that they don't miss out on any of the celebrations. It also helps you plan and coordinate the logistics for these events effectively, knowing that your guests have been informed well in advance.

Provides Time for International Guests to Make Arrangements

If you have guests travelling from abroad, sending save-the-date cards at least 10 weeks in advance is crucial. International travel usually requires more extensive planning, including visa applications, flight bookings, and potentially longer stays. By giving your international guests an early heads-up, you ensure that they have enough time to make the necessary arrangements and join you on your special day.

Frequently asked questions