When to send out wedding invitations? This is one of the most asked questions that I get from brides. Planning a wedding involves a whirlwind of tasks, from choosing the perfect venue to finding the ideal dress. One of the most important elements of your wedding preparation is sending out invitations. Your wedding invitations not only give your guests essential details about your special day but also set the tone for the celebration itself. However, timing is everything when it comes to mailing out these important pieces of stationery. In this blog, we’ll cover when to send out wedding invitations, how far in advance you should plan, and the various timelines to consider for different types of weddings.
Wedding Invitation Timeline: The Basics
While the exact timing for sending out wedding invitations depends on a variety of factors, the general rule of thumb is to send invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the big day. This gives your guests enough time to plan their attendance, make travel arrangements if necessary, and RSVP.
However, wedding timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the event, your guest list, and whether you’re planning a destination wedding or a local celebration. Here’s a breakdown of when to send invitations based on different wedding circumstances.
1) Traditional Weddings
For most couples planning a traditional wedding, the 6 to 8-week window works well. This is especially true for local weddings where guests can easily attend without needing to arrange long-distance travel.
- Save the Date: 6 to 8 months before the wedding.
- Wedding Invitations: 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.
Similar to the question, “When to send out wedding invitations”, Save-the-Dates also have a timeline. The Save the Date cards are sent first, typically around 6 to 8 months prior to the wedding, especially if you’re planning during a busy season, like summer or the holidays. This allows guests ample time to clear their schedules and make necessary travel plans. Wedding invitations, on the other hand, should follow about 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to RSVP and finalize their own travel or accommodation plans, while still keeping the excitement high as the date approaches.
2) Destination Weddings
Destination weddings come with their own set of timing considerations. These weddings typically require more advanced planning, since many of your guests will need to book travel and accommodations.
- Save the Date: 9 to 12 months before the wedding.
- Wedding Invitations: 3 to 4 months before the wedding.
For a destination wedding, it’s recommended to send out Save the Date cards much earlier—around 9 to 12 months before your wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to plan their travel and work out logistics. After that, you can send the wedding invitations about 3 to 4 months in advance. This allows time for final RSVPs and any last-minute changes that might come up.
3) Weddings with a Long Engagement
If you have a longer engagement—say, over a year—it’s still important to follow the general rule of sending out invitations 6 to 8 weeks in advance. However, it’s a good idea to send out Save the Date cards as soon as you’ve secured a wedding date and venue, which could be as early as 12 months in advance.
- Save the Date: 12 months before the wedding.
- Wedding Invitations: 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.
Even though you might have more time leading up to your wedding, it’s still best to stick to the 6 to 8-week recommendation for sending out the formal wedding invitations to give guests the necessary time to RSVP.
4) Holiday Weddings
Weddings that fall around major holidays—such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Eve—require extra planning. These are busy times of the year, and many guests may already have travel plans or other commitments.
- Save the Date: 9 to 12 months before the wedding.
- Wedding Invitations: 8 to 10 weeks before the wedding.
To ensure your guests can attend, you should send Save the Date cards at least 9 to 12 months ahead of time. This gives them ample time to adjust their schedules and travel plans, especially if you’re holding the wedding during peak holiday season. For the formal wedding invitations, aim for 8 to 10 weeks before the wedding to allow guests enough time to RSVP and make arrangements.
5) Intimate Weddings or Elopements
If you’re having a smaller, intimate wedding or an elopement, the timeline for sending out invitations can be a bit more flexible. Since your guest list will be much smaller, many of your guests may already be aware of the event, and you won’t need to give as much lead time.
- Save the Date: Optional (if you’re planning on letting people know in advance).
- Wedding Invitations: 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding.
When to send out wedding invitations for intimate weddings or elopements? You can typically send out invitations closer to the date—around 4 to 6 weeks in advance. The fewer guests you have, the more casual your approach can be, especially if most of your guests are close family or friends.
Considerations for Special Circumstances
In some cases, you might face special circumstances that could require sending your invitations even earlier. For example:
- Guest Travel: If many of your guests will be traveling from out of town, send invitations early to give them time to arrange accommodations and transportation.
- Large Guest List: If you have a large guest list, particularly for a wedding during peak wedding season, give guests ample time to RSVP and plan. This might require sending invitations closer to 8 weeks out to avoid logistical issues.
- Vendor or Venue Availability: If your wedding date or venue is hard to book, or if you’re working with specific vendors with limited availability, letting guests know earlier can help with RSVP timing.
Conclusion: Perfecting the Timing
While every wedding is unique, keeping the general timeline in mind will ensure your guests have enough time to prepare and attend your celebration. The key is balancing the time needed for your guests to plan with maintaining the excitement and anticipation for your big day. Whether you’re having a destination wedding, a traditional celebration, or a small, intimate gathering, remember that your invitations are one of the first glimpses of your wedding style, so take care to send them at the right time for maximum impact!
Promises West has been a wedding stationer for 27 years! Please visit my website Promises West and make an appointment – I’m located in Playa del Rey, CA. We make wedding planning simple and fun!
All the best,
Diane
promiseswest.com