Wedding Invitations: Where To Send Them

Sending out wedding invitations is an exciting step in the planning journey. It's important to get the timing right so that guests have enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. The recommended timeline for sending out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding. This also means that you can request RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount before completing your seating chart. It's also a good idea to give international guests a little more time by sending their invitations nine to ten weeks in advance.

Timing: send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations is one of the most exciting steps in the planning journey. It's important to get the timing right so that your guests have enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. So, when is the best time to send out wedding invites?

The general rule of thumb is to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to respond, allowing you to get a reliable head count a week or two before the event. Sending your invites in this timeframe also means that you can request RSVPs sooner while staying in line with proper wedding invitation etiquette.

If your wedding falls around a major holiday, such as Christmas, it's a good idea to give guests more time to plan and send out invitations earlier. At the very latest, guests should receive formal invitations around one and a half months in advance.

For couples who are only engaged for a few months before tying the knot, the timeline shifts slightly. In this case, aim to send out invitations two to three months before the wedding.

International Guests

If you're inviting guests from outside the country, it's a good idea to give them even more advance notice. Send international invitations eight to ten weeks before the wedding to allow for customs clearance and shipping delays. Consider providing a digital RSVP option for international guests so that they can respond quickly without having to worry about international postage.

Save-the-Dates

Sending out save-the-dates is a fun way to give your guests a heads-up, especially if many of them need to make travel arrangements. Save-the-dates can be sent out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if you're planning a destination wedding. While they're not required, they are a helpful way to boost the number of positive RSVPs you receive.

Weighing: weigh invites to determine postage

Weighing your wedding invitations is an important step in determining how much postage you'll need. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

• Take a fully assembled invitation, including all enclosures and RSVP cards, to your local post office. They will weigh your invitation and let you know how much postage is required. This is the most accurate way to determine postage, as weight is not the only factor affecting postage cost.
• The weight of your invitation can be affected by the thickness of the paper, the number of cards included, the use of pocket-folds or multiple layers, and any embellishments such as ribbons, twine, or wax seals.
• If your invitation weighs more than one ounce but less than two ounces, you will need a 2-ounce stamp, which costs more than a standard Forever stamp.
• Square-shaped invitations are considered irregular and will require additional postage due to their non-standard dimensions. They must be hand-cancelled, which means they are sorted manually rather than by machine.
• If your envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may also require additional postage. This is often the case when using a ribbon tie or a thick knot for the envelope liner.
• It is recommended to add sufficient postage before dropping off your invitations at the post office. This avoids the risk of not having your desired stamps available and ensures a smoother interaction with the postal clerk.
• Consider asking the post office to hand-cancel your invites, especially if they are bulky or have embellishments on the outer envelope. Hand-cancelling involves marking or crossing out the stamp to prevent reuse, and it helps prevent wear and tear caused by sorting machines. However, there may be an additional fee for this service.

Addressing: spell out all words in addresses

When addressing your wedding invitations, it's important to spell out all words in the address on your envelopes. This means writing out "Street" instead of "St.", "Post Office Box" instead of "P.O. Box", and "Apartment" for "Apt.". The same goes for city and state names; for example, write "Saint Paul, Minnesota" and "Washington, District of Columbia" in full. House numbers smaller than twenty should also be written out as words.

The return address should be printed on the envelope's back flap. Traditionally, this was done with blind embossing (colourless raised lettering), but this is now discouraged by the United States Postal Service as it is difficult to read.

The outer envelope should include all the information the postal service needs for delivery. The inner envelope should have the names of the invited guests in the household (including children, whose names are omitted from the outer envelope).

Organising: number RSVP cards to track responses

When organising your wedding invitations, it's important to number your RSVP cards so you can track responses and finalise your guest list. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

Numbering your RSVP cards

Number your RSVP cards to match the number on your guest list. This will make it easier to keep track of responses and ensure that no one is missed. You can number the cards discreetly in pencil or use a small sticker with a number on it.

Setting a deadline

Give your guests a deadline to respond by, usually about four weeks before the wedding. This will help you finalise numbers for catering and other arrangements. Make sure to include this deadline on your RSVP cards and wedding website, if you have one.

Tracking responses

Create a spreadsheet or use a guest list app to track responses as they come in. Record the date the response was received, the number of guests attending, and any other relevant information such as dietary requirements. Update this regularly so you can keep an eye on your numbers.

Following up

Don't be afraid to follow up with guests who haven't responded by the deadline. It's better to have a definite answer than to assume they aren't coming. Send a polite text or email to remind them of the RSVP deadline and ask if they can let you know their plans.

Accounting for extras

When numbering your RSVP cards, it's a good idea to add a buffer of about 5-10% to account for any unexpected guests or last-minute additions. This will give you some flexibility and ensure you don't go over budget.

Finalising numbers

Once the deadline has passed, finalise your guest list and numbers. Communicate these numbers to your caterers, venue, and any other relevant vendors. It's a good idea to have a few backup options for seating or food choices in case of any last-minute changes.

Stamping: include a stamp on RSVP envelopes

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many steps to take to ensure that your invites are sent out without a hitch. One of the most important steps is to include postage for the RSVP cards. Here are some tips and advice for stamping and sending out your wedding invitations:

It is customary to include postage on the RSVP envelopes for your wedding invitations. This is not only a convenient way for your guests to respond, but it is also considered proper etiquette. By providing a pre-stamped envelope, you are making it easier for your guests to reply in a timely manner. It is important to note that the cost of postage may vary depending on the weight and size of your invitation suite, so it is recommended to check with your local post office to determine the exact amount of postage required.

When addressing the RSVP envelopes, be sure to include the name and address of the recipient, usually the couple getting married or their wedding planner. It is also traditional to use proper courtesy titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss when addressing the envelopes.

In addition to the postage, you may also want to consider including a return address on the RSVP envelopes. This will ensure that any lost or misdirected responses can find their way back to you. Another option is to include an email address or phone number as an alternative method for guests to RSVP, especially for international guests.

Timing: Send Invitations Out Early

It is recommended to send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding date for non-destination weddings and 12 weeks in advance for destination weddings. This will give your guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary travel arrangements. Keep in mind that you may need to send out invitations earlier if you are ordering custom stationery or if your wedding is during a busy travel season.

Proofreading: Double-Check All Details

Before sending out your invitations, it is crucial to proofread all the details, including addresses, dates, and times. This will help ensure that your invitations reach the correct destination and that your guests have all the information they need. It is also a good idea to have someone else review your invitations to catch any potential mistakes.

Assembly: Secure the Envelopes Properly

When assembling your wedding invitations, make sure that all the components are securely placed inside the envelopes. You can moisten the envelope adhesive with a cotton swab or paintbrush instead of licking the envelopes, which can be tiring and unhygienic. For bulky invitations or envelopes with adhesive issues, consider using additional adhesive such as a glue stick or double-sided tape.

Post Office: Hand-Deliver Your Invitations

Instead of dropping your wedding invitations in a mailbox, it is recommended to hand-deliver them to your local post office. This will ensure that your invitations are properly handled and that you have the correct postage. You can also request hand-canceling, which means the stamps will be marked or crossed out to prevent reuse, adding a layer of protection for your invitations. Keep in mind that hand-canceling may incur an additional fee and take more time for processing.

Frequently asked questions