Wedding Invites: Timing For Sending Save-The-Dates And Invitations

Wedding planning involves a lot of stationery and invitations, and timing is crucial. Save-the-dates are preliminary notifications sent out to inform guests about the wedding plans and ask them to reserve the date. They are typically sent out six to 12 months before the wedding, with eight to 12 months being ideal. Wedding invitations are the official request for guests to attend and are usually sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, though for destination weddings, it is recommended to send them out 10 to 12 weeks in advance.

Send save-the-dates 6-12 months before the wedding

Sending out save-the-dates for your wedding is an important step in the planning process. It is a thoughtful way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location, especially if they need to arrange travel and accommodations. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you navigate the process:

Timing is Crucial:

The general rule of thumb is to send out your save-the-dates about 6 to 12 months before your wedding day. This timeframe is ideal as it gives your guests ample time to prepare and make any necessary changes to their plans. It is best not to delay sending them out once your venue and wedding date are confirmed. Aim for sending them 8 to 12 months in advance so your guests can mark their calendars and make the necessary arrangements.

Destination Weddings:

If you're planning a destination wedding or your wedding falls during a busy holiday season, it's advisable to send out your save-the-dates even earlier. Aim for 9 to 12 months before the wedding. This advanced notice is crucial as it allows your guests, especially those travelling from afar, to plan their trips effectively and make any necessary travel and accommodation arrangements.

Finalising the Guest List:

Before sending out your save-the-dates, it's essential to finalise your guest list. Remember, once someone receives a save-the-date, they will assume they are invited to your wedding, and it can be tricky to change this later. So, be thoughtful and deliberate in your guest list decisions to avoid any confusion or drama down the line.

Providing Clear Information:

When designing your save-the-dates, ensure you include all the necessary information. At a minimum, this should include your names, the wedding date(s), and the location (city and state). It's also a good idea to be clear about who is invited, including any plus-ones, to avoid any confusion. Including your wedding website on the save-the-date is optional but can be a nice touch for guests seeking additional information.

Setting the Tone:

Remember, your save-the-dates are more than just reminders. They set the tone for your wedding and give your guests a glimpse of what to expect. The design, wording, and timing of sending them out all contribute to the first impression your guests will have of your wedding. So, have fun with the creative process and choose a style that reflects your unique taste as a couple.

In summary, sending out your save-the-dates 6 to 12 months before your wedding is a thoughtful and practical step in your wedding planning journey. It ensures your guests have the information they need to attend your special day and sets the stage for the tone and atmosphere of your celebration. Happy planning!

Send invitations 2-3 months before the wedding

Sending out your wedding invitations is an important part of the wedding planning process. The timing of your invitations impacts not only your schedule but also that of your guests. While the general rule is to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, there are circumstances in which you may want to send them out earlier. Sending your invitations 2-3 months in advance is a good idea, especially if your wedding falls into any of the following categories:

Destination Wedding

If you're planning a destination wedding or expecting many out-of-town guests, it's considerate to send invitations earlier to allow guests to plan their travel and accommodations. In these cases, mailing the invitations 10-12 weeks in advance is recommended. This gives your guests ample time to request time off from work, make travel arrangements, and secure their accommodations.

Holiday Season Wedding

If your wedding is during a busy holiday season, it's also courteous to give your guests more time to plan. Sending invitations 10-12 weeks in advance is a thoughtful gesture, ensuring your guests have the opportunity to make the necessary arrangements to attend your special day.

Large and Formal Wedding

For larger, more formal weddings, giving your guests extra notice is beneficial. Sending invitations 2-3 months in advance allows your guests to make the necessary preparations, especially if they need to travel or make special arrangements.

RSVP Management

Sending out your invitations 2-3 months before the wedding also gives you a better window for managing RSVPs. This timing allows your guests sufficient time to respond, and if needed, you can send out reminders closer to the wedding date for those who may have forgotten to RSVP.

Guest Convenience

Ultimately, sending out invitations earlier shows consideration for your guests' schedules and travel plans. It gives them the opportunity to jump on booking airfare and accommodations, especially if they live far away or need to make extensive travel arrangements. This advanced notice ensures your guests can plan their calendars and makes it more likely that they will be available to attend your wedding.

In summary, sending out your wedding invitations 2-3 months in advance is a thoughtful gesture that allows your guests to make the necessary arrangements to join you on your special day. This timing is especially important for destination weddings, holiday season weddings, or large and formal weddings. It also gives you a better window for managing RSVPs and ensures your guests have the opportunity to plan their attendance.

Send save-the-dates earlier for destination weddings

Planning a destination wedding? It's crucial to give your guests a heads-up as early as possible. Sending out save-the-dates for destination weddings earlier than for local weddings is essential for several reasons.

Firstly, your guests will need ample time to make travel arrangements. This includes booking flights and accommodation, which can be more complex and expensive if your wedding is in a popular tourist destination. Giving your guests a longer lead time allows them to find the best deals and plan their trips more effectively. It's also considerate to give them extra time to save money, especially if you anticipate that some guests may need more than a year to budget for the travel expenses.

Secondly, sending save-the-dates earlier is helpful if your wedding venue has limited accommodation options. By giving your guests a head start, they can secure their preferred choice of lodging, whether it's a hotel, Airbnb, or another option. This is especially important if your wedding coincides with a busy tourist season or local events that could further limit accommodation availability.

The recommended timeline for sending out save-the-dates for a destination wedding is eight to twelve months in advance. However, if your wedding is in a remote location or requires extensive travel, it's perfectly acceptable to send them out even earlier, especially if you already have the date and location details finalized. Just be sure to include your wedding website on the save-the-date so that guests can refer to it for updates and additional information.

While the early notice is crucial, it's also important not to send save-the-dates too far in advance. Aim to have them arrive no more than twelve to fifteen months before the wedding. Sending them too early may cause guests to forget about the event or confuse them about the year of your wedding, especially if they're receiving other wedding invitations around the same time.

In addition to the save-the-dates, it's a good idea to follow up with a formal invitation closer to the wedding date. This will provide guests with final details such as the venue, time, and RSVP information. For destination weddings, it's recommended to send invitations twelve weeks in advance to give guests ample time to plan the rest of their trip.

Include names of all invitees on the envelope

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that all your guests feel welcomed on your big day. Here is a comprehensive guide on when to send out wedding invitations and save-the-dates, with a specific focus on including the names of all invitees on the envelope.

Timing for Sending Save-the-Dates and Wedding Invitations:

• Save-the-dates: Typically sent out six to twelve months before the wedding, especially if it's a destination wedding.
• Wedding invitations: Sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. For destination weddings or weddings during busy holiday seasons, sending invitations 10-12 weeks in advance is recommended.

Including Names of All Invitees on the Envelope:

Outer Envelope (Mailing Envelope):

• Married Couple with the Same Last Name: Traditionally, use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. For same-sex couples, either name can go first. To be more inclusive, write out both spouses' full names with their respective titles.
• Married Couple with Different Last Names: Write out their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs." The order of the names can reflect whom you are closer with or alphabetical order if you are equally close to both.
• Unmarried Couple: Include both names on one or two lines, with their respective titles. List the person you are closer to first.
• Single Person: Use the appropriate title ("Mr.," "Ms.," or "Mx.") followed by their full name. If a plus-one is offered, include "and Guest" on the inner envelope only.
• Engaged Couple: Address them as unmarried or as future newlyweds.
• Family with Children: Address the outer envelope to the whole family or the parents' names followed by "& Children." If you want to specify which family members are invited, list the children's names separately inside.
• Guests with Distinguished Titles: Address them with their titles (e.g., "Doctor," "Captain," "The Honorable"). If both spouses have titles, use "The Doctors" or spell out their titles.

Inner Envelope (Optional):

• The inner envelope is more informal and may include the invitees' titles and last names or just their first names.
• For unmarried couples living together, list both names, with the person you are closer to first.
• Single guests with a plus-one: Include the invitee's name and "and Guest" if you don't know the plus-one's name.

Additional Tips:

• Give yourself enough time to organize the address list and double-check details before sending out the invitations.
• Consider using a guest addressing service or hiring a local calligrapher for a nice touch.
• If using only an outer envelope, clearly state all invited parties, including plus-ones and children, on the front.

Include a plus-one on the save-the-date if desired

Save-the-dates are an essential part of wedding planning, giving your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location, and letting them know that a formal invitation will follow. While they are not mandatory, they are particularly helpful when your guests need to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near your wedding venue are limited.

Now, when it comes to including a plus-one on the save-the-date, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is essential to understand that a save-the-date is not an official invitation, and guests should not assume they can bring a plus-one unless explicitly stated. That being said, here are some guidelines and suggestions for including a plus-one on your save-the-dates:

• Married, engaged, and cohabitating guests are typically given a plus-one. It is also a good idea to extend this courtesy to members of your wedding party.
• If you are certain that a guest will be invited with a plus-one, it is considerate to include this information on the save-the-date, especially for guests who need to make travel arrangements. This can be done by writing the guest's name and "and guest" or by including a "+1".
• If you know the name of the guest's significant other, it is more personal and preferable to include their name instead of using "and guest" or "+1". This shows that you have made an effort to include them and avoids any potential confusion or offence.
• On the other hand, some sources suggest that it is best to avoid including a plus-one on the save-the-date, especially if your guest list or budget is not finalised. By waiting until the formal invitation, you can have a better idea of your numbers and are less likely to exceed your venue's capacity.
• If you are unsure about giving a plus-one, you can always mention it verbally to your guest or include a note with the save-the-date, letting them know they are welcome to bring a date.
• For single guests, it is generally not necessary to include a plus-one on the save-the-date. However, if you are happy for them to bring a date of their choice, you can include this information on the save-the-date or mention it to them directly.
• Remember, once a save-the-date is sent, you are obligated to send a formal invitation to that guest. Therefore, it is essential to be certain about your guest list and plus-ones before sending out any save-the-dates.

Frequently asked questions