Wedding Invite Timing: A Calculator For Your Big Day

Wedding planning is a busy and sometimes stressful time, and knowing when to send out your wedding invitations is a crucial step in the process. The general rule of thumb is to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, allowing guests ample time to clear their schedules and for you to receive RSVPs. However, there are several factors to consider, such as the number of international guests, the need for save-the-date cards, and the time required for printing and shipping invitations.

Sending out invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out your wedding invitations around six to eight weeks before the wedding is considered the best practice. This timeline is widely regarded as the proper wedding invitation etiquette, allowing your guests ample time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. It also means that you can request RSVPs sooner, enabling you to get a final headcount and make necessary adjustments to your guest list. Sending invitations within this timeframe ensures that your wedding will be at the forefront of your guests' minds without being too early.

To ensure everything goes smoothly, it's essential to plan and prepare before sending out your invitations. Here are some key considerations:

Assembly and Addressing:

Take the time to assemble and address your invitations properly. This includes adding postage and, if desired, decorative elements such as a crest card design, information card, accommodations card, or a map of the area.

Printing and Shipping:

Factor in the time required for printing and shipping your invitations. If you're ordering custom designs, allow for additional time to finalise and receive your order. It's a good idea to order some extra invitations in case of last-minute guest additions or lost invitations.

RSVP Management:

Request RSVPs with a deadline of about one month before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to respond and allows you to update your guest list and reach out to anyone who hasn't responded yet.

Save-the-Dates:

If you're sending save-the-dates, these should go out around four to six months before the wedding. Save-the-dates are especially helpful for destination weddings or when many guests need to make travel arrangements. They give your guests a heads-up to mark their calendars and ensure they're available.

International Guests:

For guests from outside the country, it's advisable to send invitations about nine to twelve weeks in advance. This extra time accounts for shipping and delivery and allows international guests to make the necessary travel plans.

Remember, while six to eight weeks is the recommended timeline, it's not set in stone. If your wedding falls on a holiday or you have a large number of out-of-town guests, you may want to send invitations a little earlier. However, avoid sending them too early, as guests may forget or misplace the invitation.

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

If you're planning a destination wedding or getting married on a major holiday, it's recommended that you give guests extra notice by sending your save-the-date cards out six to eight months, or even nine months to a year, in advance. This will give your guests enough time to book flights and reserve a hotel room. It's also a good idea to include hotel information on your save-the-date cards for destination weddings.

It's important to be clear about who is invited when sending save-the-date cards. Include the actual names of every intended guest on the envelope to avoid any confusion. If you know that you want one of your guests to bring a plus one, add this to your save-the-date card as well.

Save-the-date cards should include the date of the wedding, the city of the event, and the name of the couple. You can also include a note that a formal invitation will follow and your wedding website.

Sending invitations 9-10 weeks before the wedding if no save-the-date cards are sent

Sending out wedding invitations is an exciting step in the planning journey. It's important to send out invitations with enough time for your guests to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary.

If you're not sending save-the-date cards, the best time to send out wedding invitations is 9 to 10 weeks before the wedding. This is just two weeks more than the standard 6- to 8-week timeline, which is also considered acceptable etiquette. Sending invitations 9 to 10 weeks in advance gives your guests a little more indication to plan and prepare for your big day.

It's worth noting that sending invitations too early can lead to guests forgetting to RSVP or even misplacing the invitation. On the other hand, sending them too late may not give your loved ones enough time to take time off work or make travel plans.

Therefore, the sweet spot of 9 to 10 weeks for sending out invitations (without save-the-date cards) strikes a balance between giving your guests ample notice and maintaining the excitement and anticipation for your upcoming nuptials.

To ensure a smooth process, it's advisable to have your invitations ready for ordering at least 12 weeks before you intend to send them out. This extra time allows for any unforeseen delays and gives you some leeway in case of last-minute changes or lost invitations.

Additionally, it's recommended to request RSVPs no later than one month before your wedding date. This timeline allows you to receive responses, update your guest list, and make the necessary arrangements with your vendors.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your wedding invitation timeline, ensuring that your guests have sufficient notice while also maintaining the excitement leading up to your special day.

Sending save-the-date cards 6-12 months before a destination wedding

Planning a destination wedding comes with a unique set of considerations, and sending out save-the-date cards is one of the first steps to ensure your big day goes smoothly. While it's an exciting time, it's important to give your guests ample time to prepare for the event, especially if they need to travel. Here are some instructive guidelines and etiquette tips for sending save-the-date cards 6-12 months before your destination wedding:

Timing is Everything

As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to send out your save-the-date cards for a destination wedding anywhere between 6 to 12 months in advance. This early notice is crucial as it allows your guests to make the necessary arrangements, such as requesting time off from work, confirming travel plans, and saving funds for the trip. It's a thoughtful way to show your guests you care and ensures a smoother guest experience, especially for out-of-towners.

Be Clear About the Who and the What

It's essential to provide clear information about who is invited. Include the names of each invited guest on the envelope to avoid any confusion. If you intend to invite someone's plus one, it's a good idea to add this to the save-the-date card, making it easier for them to plan accommodations and travel. Being transparent about the guest list also gives parents time to arrange childcare if needed.

Location, Location, Location

When it comes to destination weddings, the location plays a starring role. Be sure to include the city and state of your wedding celebration. Even local guests may want to reserve a room at a nearby hotel, so they don't have to worry about transportation on the day of the event. If you have a wedding website or have blocked rooms at a specific hotel, include this information as well. This helps your guests plan their travel and accommodations accordingly.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

While the recommended timeline for sending save-the-date cards is 6 to 12 months in advance, there's no harm in sending them even earlier, especially for a destination wedding. Giving your guests that extra time can make all the difference in their ability to attend. It's a simple step that can generate excitement and ensure a memorable celebration with your loved ones.

Don't Forget the Formal Invitation

Save-the-date cards are just the first step. It's essential to follow up with formal wedding invitations closer to the date. The standard timeline for sending these invitations is 8 weeks before the wedding, giving your guests ample time to RSVP and make any final arrangements.

Remember, when it comes to destination weddings, your guests will appreciate all the advance notice they can get. Sending out save-the-date cards 6-12 months in advance is a thoughtful and practical way to kickstart your wedding planning journey.

Sending invitations 12 weeks before the wedding if many guests are international

Sending out your wedding invitations is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. It's the first glimpse your guests will have of your big day and will get the excitement going for everyone involved.

If you're inviting a lot of international guests, it's a good idea to send out your wedding invitations 12 weeks before the wedding. This is slightly earlier than the recommended timeline for weddings with mostly local guests, which is 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. However, for destination weddings or weddings with many international guests, sending invitations 12 weeks in advance is considered courteous and gives your guests ample time to plan their travel and accommodations.

It's important to note that sending out invitations too early can backfire, as guests may forget to RSVP or even misplace the invitation. On the other hand, sending them out too late can cause issues for your guests, who may not have enough time to take time off work, book accommodations, or make travel arrangements.

If you're sending out invitations 12 weeks in advance, it's a good idea to set an RSVP deadline of around 4 weeks before the wedding. This will give you plenty of time to chase up any stragglers and finalise your guest list, seating chart, and catering numbers.

To ensure your international guests have enough time to plan their travel, it's recommended to send out "save the date" cards even earlier, around 9 to 12 months before the wedding. This will ensure your guests can reserve your wedding date on their calendars and start planning their trip.

Frequently asked questions