Destination Wedding: Sending Out-Of-State Invites

Sending out wedding invitations is an important part of the planning process. The general rule of thumb is to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to plan travel and accommodations and allows couples to get a final headcount for their big day. However, if you have a lot of out-of-town or international guests, it is recommended to send invitations a little earlier, around eight to twelve weeks in advance. This ensures that your guests have ample time to make the necessary arrangements and helps you finalize your wedding planning details.

Send out-of-state wedding invitations 8-12 weeks in advance

Sending out wedding invitations is an important part of the planning process. The timing of sending out invitations impacts not just your schedule but also that of your guests.

For out-of-state weddings, it is customary to send out invitations around eight weeks before the big day. This is still within the typical timing for sending out wedding invites, so it is advisable to send them all at once.

However, if a large percentage of your guest list lives abroad, or if you are planning a destination wedding, it is best to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim to send your invites around 10-12 weeks in advance. This will allow your guests plenty of time to plan their travel and accommodations and request time off work.

If you are only planning to invite a few international guests, it is fine to send their formal invitation at the same time as other guests, but make sure to inform them about the wedding details ahead of time so that they have enough time to prepare their travel arrangements.

To ensure your invitations end up in your guests' hands in a timely manner, it is recommended to send them out 10-12 weeks in advance if you are dealing with potential mail delivery delays.

• It is inconsiderate and may hurt your guest attendance if you send out your invites too late or too early.
• It is best to send out Save the Dates 4-6 months before the wedding date, especially if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is a destination wedding.
• Request RSVPs no later than one month before your wedding date so that you and your vendors can make the necessary preparations.

Include RSVP cards with a deadline of one month before the wedding

When planning a wedding, it's important to give your guests enough time to plan their attendance, especially if they live out of state. Sending out invitations 8-12 weeks before the wedding is generally recommended, and this timeline can be extended to 9-12 months for destination weddings.

Now, let's focus on the RSVP cards and why setting a deadline of one month before the wedding is a good idea.

The RSVP, or "répondez, s'il vous plaît" in French, is a crucial part of the wedding invitation suite. It allows your guests to confirm their attendance, and without it, you'll be left wondering how many people are coming, what their dietary requirements are, and their meal choices. Including an RSVP card with a clear deadline ensures you receive timely responses and have an accurate headcount for your venue and caterer.

Setting an RSVP Deadline

It is recommended to set an RSVP deadline of around four weeks before the wedding. This gives you and your vendors enough time to finalise the details, such as food quantities, drinks, seating charts, and any other preparations dependent on the guest count. A one-month deadline also provides a buffer for any stragglers who may forget to respond or whose responses get delayed in the mail.

Making it Easy for Your Guests

To increase the chances of timely responses, include a stamped, addressed envelope with your RSVP cards. This small gesture makes it more convenient for your guests to reply and ensures they don't have to bear the postage cost. Alternatively, you can offer digital RSVP options through your wedding website or via email/text, especially for those who may prefer a more eco-friendly or modern approach.

Wording the Deadline

When wording the RSVP deadline, be sure to make it prominent and clear. You can use phrases such as:

• "Kindly reply by [date]"
• "Please respond by [date]"
• "Your reply is requested by [date]"

Following Up on RSVPs

Even with a clear deadline, there may be guests who forget to respond or whose responses get delayed. About a week after the RSVP deadline, consider sending a friendly reminder to those who haven't replied yet. This can be done in person, over the phone, via email, or through your wedding website if it has that functionality.

By including RSVP cards with a deadline of one month before your wedding, you'll be well on your way to finalising the details and ensuring a smooth and well-organised celebration.

Send save-the-date cards 4-6 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are an essential part of your wedding planning journey. They are preliminary notifications sent to your guests to inform them about your wedding plans and ensure they reserve your wedding day on their calendars. The design, wording, and timing of sending them out convey an initial impression of what your guests should expect at your wedding.

• Timing: As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to send out save-the-date cards about four to six months before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to make the necessary travel and accommodation arrangements. However, if you're planning a destination wedding or have a large number of out-of-town guests, it is advisable to send them out even earlier, around six to twelve months in advance.
• Guest List: Only send save-the-date cards to those whom you definitely plan to invite to your wedding. This avoids any confusion or disappointment later on.
• Design and Preparation: Start designing and preparing your save-the-date cards at least a month before you plan to send them out. This allows time for addressing envelopes and accounting for any unexpected delays.
• Destination Weddings: For destination weddings, it is courteous to give your guests more time to make travel plans. Sending your save-the-dates nine to twelve months before your wedding date is highly recommended in this case.
• Setting the Tone: Remember that save-the-date cards set the tone for your wedding. They should reflect your style as a couple and give your guests an idea of what to expect.
• Website Details: Consider creating a wedding website to provide additional details about your wedding, such as travel and accommodation information. Include the website link on your save-the-date cards so that guests can easily access this information.
• Follow-up: After sending out your save-the-date cards, be prepared to answer any questions or provide additional information to your guests. Some guests may prefer to reach out to you directly instead of referring to the website.
• Etiquette: While save-the-date cards are not mandatory, they are an important part of wedding etiquette, especially when many of your guests need to make travel arrangements. Sending them out in a timely manner shows your consideration for your guests' needs.

Send invitations earlier if your wedding is during a busy holiday season

Sending out wedding invitations is an exciting part of the planning journey. However, it is important to get the timing right so that your guests have enough time to plan their attendance.

If your wedding falls during a busy holiday season, it is advisable to send out your invitations earlier than you might otherwise. This is a courteous thing to do, as it gives your guests more time to plan their travel and accommodations. It also means that you are more likely to get an accurate headcount for your venue and vendors.

For a destination wedding during a busy holiday season, it is recommended that invitations are sent out 10-12 weeks in advance. This is to account for the extra time needed for travel arrangements and to ensure that your guests have enough notice.

Even if your wedding is not a destination wedding, it is still a good idea to send out your invitations earlier if it falls during a busy holiday season. In this case, you should aim to send out your invitations around 8-10 weeks before the big day. This will give your guests enough time to plan and will also reduce the risk of unexpected things coming up that might affect their attendance.

It is also worth considering sending out 'Save the Date' cards earlier than usual. While these are usually sent out 4-6 months before the wedding, you might want to give your guests even more notice if your wedding falls during a busy holiday season. This will ensure that your guests have your wedding in mind when making their plans for the holidays.

In summary, if your wedding falls during a busy holiday season, it is important to send out your invitations earlier to give your guests enough time to plan their attendance. This will help to ensure that your special day is well-attended and that your guests have a smooth and stress-free experience.

Send invites 10-12 weeks in advance for a destination wedding

Sending out your wedding invitations is an exciting step in your planning journey. It's important to send your invites at the right time so that your guests can make the necessary arrangements and you can get an accurate headcount for your vendors.

For a destination wedding, it is recommended to send out invitations 10-12 weeks in advance. This is because your guests will need to make travel plans and accommodations, which can take more time and be more complex than for a local wedding. Sending your invitations 10-12 weeks in advance gives your guests enough notice to book their travel and take time off work if needed. It also allows for postal times, especially if you have guests coming from overseas.

If you are having a destination wedding, it is also a good idea to send out save-the-dates 9-12 months in advance. This will give your guests plenty of time to reserve your wedding date and plan their travel. The save-the-date can include the location of the wedding and a link to your wedding website, where guests can find more information.

When it comes to the invitations themselves, be sure to include the date and start time, the location of the wedding, and RSVP details. You may also want to include details of your wedding website and registry. If you are having multiple events, such as a welcome party or farewell brunch, you can include this information on a separate card.

Keep in mind that you will need to set an RSVP deadline for your guests, typically about 6-8 weeks ahead of your wedding date. This will give you and your vendors enough time to make the necessary preparations.

Sending out your destination wedding invitations 10-12 weeks in advance will help ensure that your guests have enough time to plan and that you have an accurate headcount for your special day.

Frequently asked questions