September Nuptials: When To Send Out Wedding Invites

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and there are a lot of details to consider when it comes to sending out invitations. The general rule of thumb is to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, but there are a few things to keep in mind. If you're having a destination wedding or inviting international guests, it's a good idea to send out invitations 12 weeks in advance to give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements. Sending out save-the-date cards 4-6 months before the wedding is also a good idea, especially if you're having a destination wedding or if many of your guests need to make travel plans. This will give your guests plenty of time to block off the date on their calendars and make the necessary arrangements. When it comes to RSVPs, it's best to set a deadline of one month before the wedding date so that you and your vendors can have ample time to prepare.

Destination weddings: 8-12 weeks' notice

Planning a destination wedding? It's important to give your guests plenty of notice. Aim to send your invites around 8-12 weeks before your wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to finalise and book their travel plans.

If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or will take place in a far-off destination, it's a good idea to send out your save-the-dates early – we're talking 6 to 12 months before your wedding date. This gives your guests plenty of time to block off the date and make any necessary travel arrangements.

You'll also want to give yourself enough time to choose your dream invitation suite, gather addresses, and assemble envelopes. So, begin the process of designing and ordering your invitations 4 to 5 months before your wedding. This timeline will allow you to get a sense of what you like, personalise your design, and order a sample kit if you wish.

Once you've sent out your invites, give your guests a deadline of around one month before your wedding date to RSVP. This will give you and your vendors ample time to finalise your wedding planning details, such as the seating chart, final menu selections, and cake size.

Happy planning!

International guests: 6-12 weeks' notice

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, and there are many details to consider when it comes to sending out invitations. While it's an exciting part of the process, it's important to get it right. Here are some instructive tips to help you navigate the process of sending out invites to your international guests, with a focus on giving them enough notice.

Save the Dates

It is customary to send out Save the Dates around 6-12 months before the wedding. This gives your international guests plenty of time to plan their travel and accommodations. Sending Save the Dates early is a considerate gesture, especially for those travelling from abroad, and it ensures that your wedding date is secured in their calendars. It's also a good idea to give your international guests a heads-up about the wedding by calling or emailing them the details, including information on booking accommodations.

Invitations

The general rule of thumb for sending out invitations is 6-8 weeks before the wedding. However, for international guests, it is recommended to send out invitations 6-12 weeks in advance. This allows for longer delivery times and gives your guests extra time to prepare for their trip. If you have a large number of international guests, it's advisable to send out invitations closer to the 12-week mark. This ensures that your invitations aren't lost or forgotten, as they might be if sent out too early, and it gives your guests ample time to finalise their travel plans and make any necessary arrangements.

RSVPs

It is recommended that you request RSVPs no later than one month before the wedding. This gives you and your vendors enough time to make the necessary preparations. It's also a good idea to follow up promptly with international guests who haven't responded, so you can get a final headcount and complete your seating charts.

Other Considerations

When sending out invitations, it's a good idea to have all the information available on your wedding website. This includes details such as hotel room blocks and transportation options. Having this information readily available will make it easier for your international guests to plan their trip and will help you stay organised.

Additionally, when choosing your invitations, consider the time it will take to research, design, and order them. Custom-made invitations can take longer, so it's best to start the process early to ensure you have enough time to receive and send them out.

No save-the-dates: 8-12 weeks' notice

If you're not sending out save-the-date cards, you should send your wedding invitations around six months in advance. This is especially important if you're planning a destination wedding or if many of your guests have to make travel arrangements. Sending your invitations early will give your guests a heads-up and allow them to start making travel plans.

However, if you're only engaged for a few months before tying the knot, you should aim for two to three months in advance. This will give your guests enough time to get excited about your big day and make any necessary travel plans.

It's important to note that sending your invitations too early can lead to guests forgetting about the wedding or having their plans change. On the other hand, sending them too late may not give your guests enough time to plan and could hurt your guest attendance.

To ensure your guests have enough time to plan and increase the likelihood of positive RSVPs, it's best to send your invitations eight to twelve weeks before your September wedding. This timeline will also allow you to request RSVPs sooner and give you more time to plan your seating chart and other wedding details.

• Start designing and ordering your invitations early, especially if you're opting for custom designs, as this process can take several weeks or even months.
• Finalize your guest list and ensure you have everyone's up-to-date addresses.
• Create a wedding website to share additional details about your big day, such as hotel blocks, travel recommendations, and your registry.
• Choose any finishing touches for your invitations, such as belly bands, wax seals, or vintage stamps.
• Weigh your assembled invitations at the post office to ensure you have the correct postage, especially if your invitations are bulkier than average.
• If your invitations are bulkier, ask the postal worker to hand-cancel each one to protect them from being torn by the canceling machine.

Bespoke invites: order 7-8 months in advance

Planning a wedding can be a busy and sometimes stressful time. There are so many details to arrange, and knowing when to send out your wedding invitations is crucial. It's essential to give your guests enough notice, especially if they need time to RSVP, book travel, or make other arrangements.

If you're ordering bespoke invitations, it's best to start the process 7-8 months in advance. This timeline ensures you have enough time to finalise the design and receive the invitations before sending them out. Here are some steps to help you navigate the process:

• Research and select a stationery designer: Start by researching stationery designers who can create bespoke invitations. Explore their portfolios, compare prices, and reach out to your favourites to discuss your vision and ideas. It's essential to choose a designer who understands your style and can create invitations that reflect your wedding and your personalities as a couple.
• Communicate your vision: Once you've chosen a designer, clearly communicate your vision, theme, and any specific requirements. This includes deciding on the number of invitations, the type of paper, and any additional elements such as envelopes, RSVP cards, or details cards. Be sure to ask about the designer's timeline and expected delivery date to ensure it aligns with your schedule.
• Finalise the design: Work closely with the designer to create a unique and special invitation suite. This may involve several revisions and back-and-forth communication to ensure the design is exactly what you want. Be sure to proofread all the details, including dates, times, and locations, to avoid any errors.
• Place the order: After finalising the design, place your order and confirm the delivery date. It's a good idea to order a few extra invitations in case you need to invite additional guests or if any invitations get lost in the mail.
• Assemble and send: When you receive the invitations, set aside time to assemble them. This includes stuffing the envelopes, adding any finishing touches like ribbons or wax seals, and addressing the envelopes. If you have a large number of invitations, this process may take several evenings or weekends, so be sure to plan accordingly. Finally, take the assembled invitations to the post office, ensuring you have the correct postage, and send them off to your guests!

Remember, giving yourself ample time to order, receive, and send out bespoke wedding invitations will help reduce stress and ensure a smooth process.

RSVPs: request one month before the wedding

When planning a wedding, it's important to give guests ample time to RSVP and make travel arrangements. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sending out invitations, here are some instructive guidelines and considerations for ensuring your guests have enough time to respond before your September wedding:

Timing is Key

It is generally recommended that wedding invitations be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline is supported by wedding etiquette experts and allows your guests sufficient time to plan and respond. Sending invitations within this timeframe also means you can request RSVPs sooner, enabling you to finalise seating charts and other details before the wedding crunch.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. If you're planning a destination wedding or have a large number of international guests, it's considerate to provide more advance notice. In these cases, sending invitations 12 weeks before the wedding is advisable. This gives your guests extra time to finalise travel plans and make any necessary arrangements.

On the other hand, if you're only inviting a few international guests, it's perfectly fine to send their invitations at the same time as everyone else, but be sure to communicate the wedding details to them ahead of time.

Save the Dates

Before sending out official invitations, it's customary to send "Save the Dates" to your guests. These are typically sent out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings. "Save the Dates" give your guests a timely heads-up, allowing them to mark their calendars and make any necessary travel arrangements.

Requesting RSVPs

When it comes to RSVPs, it's recommended to set a deadline of one month before the wedding. This timing offers a brief window for guests to receive and respond to the invitation while also providing your vendors with enough advance notice to prepare. The sooner you receive RSVPs, the sooner you can finalise details such as the seating chart, menu selections, and cake size.

Additionally, a one-month deadline provides some flexibility for guests who may need a little extra time to respond. It's important to remember that plans can change, and some guests may need to adjust their responses closer to the wedding date.

Other Considerations

When planning your invitation timeline, keep in mind that choosing the perfect invitation suite, gathering addresses, and assembling envelopes can take longer than expected. Therefore, it's advisable to begin the process of designing and ordering invitations at least four to five months in advance. This lead time ensures you have everything ready to send out within the recommended timeframe.

Additionally, it's essential to consider the weight of your invitation suite, especially if it includes multiple pieces or special finishes. Bulky invitations may require additional postage, so it's a good idea to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required.

Final Thoughts

While there are general guidelines for sending out wedding invitations, the timing may vary depending on your unique circumstances. The key is to give your guests enough notice, especially if they need to plan travel. Remember, your guests' timely responses are essential for finalising your wedding plans, so setting a clear RSVP deadline is crucial.

Frequently asked questions