When should you send out wedding invitations?

Planning a wedding takes a lot of time and effort. One important task is sending out wedding invitations. Timing is key. You don’t want to send them too early or too late. Here is some guidance to help you know when to send them.

Six to Eight Weeks Before Your Wedding

The best time to send out your wedding invitations is about six to eight weeks before the big day. This gives guests enough time to make plans and RSVP. They will appreciate the heads-up to book flights, hotels, or take time off work if needed.

Save the Dates First

Before sending formal wedding invitations, it’s a good idea to send a “Save the Date” card. This can go out 8 to 12 months before the wedding. It is especially helpful for guests who will need to travel. A Save the Date is a simple notice to let them know the wedding date.

What If You Have a Destination Wedding?

If you are having a destination wedding, send your invitations even earlier. Aim to send them around 3 to 4 months before the event. Guests will need time to plan travel and book accommodations.

Things to Consider for Timing

A few factors affect when you should send your wedding invitations:

1. Seasonal Weddings: If your wedding is during a busy holiday season, such as Christmas or summer, send invites earlier. Guests may have other plans or need more time to RSVP.
2. Venue Restrictions: Some venues require a headcount much earlier. If this is the case, make sure to send your invitations early enough for your guests to reply.
3. Guests Traveling Long Distances: For guests coming from far away, sending the invites earlier helps them make travel arrangements and plan ahead.

RSVP Date

You should give your guests at least two to three weeks to respond. This will give you time to finalize your plans. When setting the RSVP date, consider the time needed for catering, seating, and other logistics.

Late Invitations

In some cases, you may need to send invitations late. This could happen if someone important to you could not be contacted earlier. Or, if plans change last minute. While it’s best to avoid this, it happens. Just be sure to send these late invitations as soon as you can.

Why Timing Matters

Sending invitations at the right time is key to having your wedding go smoothly. You don’t want to rush guests, but you also want to give them enough time to prepare. This shows respect for their time and helps you avoid last-minute stress.

The Bottom Line

To sum up, sending wedding invitations at the right time helps everyone. Send them six to eight weeks before the wedding. If you are hosting a destination wedding, send them earlier. Always consider your guests’ needs and your own wedding plans. Proper timing can make your wedding day more enjoyable for everyone involved.