Wedding planning comes with a ton of tough decisions. What venue should you choose? Should you hire a wedding planner? Should you do a destination wedding or plan something at home? Luckily, one of the aspects of wedding planning that’s a no-brainer is when to send wedding invitations.
While there are some quick and easy answers regarding when to send out wedding invitations, there are also some caveats. However, we have you covered with everything you need to know about when to send invitations for wedding guests, when to send save-the-date cards, and when you might need to change up your schedule to give guests ample time to RSVP.
Here is your ultimate guide to when to send wedding invites.
What You Will Learn
When to Start Sending Save the Dates
But! Before you can begin thinking about how far in advance to send wedding invites, you need to think about your save the dates.
The general rule is to send out save the dates at least six months before the wedding date but no more than a year before the wedding day. This gives your guests, including out-of-town guests and international guests, ample time to anticipate the wedding, make travel arrangements, and otherwise prepare to attend your big day.
That said, do you need to send save the dates?
There are pros and cons to sending save the dates.
Whatever you decide, if you send out, save the dates before you send wedding invitations, and do so no later than six months before your wedding.
When Should You Send Wedding Invitations?
Even if you don’t send out save the dates, when do you mail wedding invitations?
It depends on a few factors, but, in general, you don’t want to send invitations more than 12 weeks in advance of your wedding. Ideally, you should send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, with some slight differences depending on what kind of wedding you’re holding.
For example, you would want to:
- If you have many out-of-town guests or are planning a destination wedding, send wedding invites eight weeks in advance.
- Send wedding invites six weeks in advance if you have a local wedding.
Do note that if you’re not sending out save the dates, you might want to opt for sending your invitations a few weeks prior to the dates listed above. This gives everyone enough advance time to RSVP and make the proper arrangements. While six weeks might sound like a lot of time in wedding planning, it’s not that long, especially if many guests need to make travel arrangements or set aside time for a lengthy, multi-day event.
As you send out your invitation suite, be sure to set your RSVP date on your RSVP card so that you’ll have enough time to amend your wedding plans based on your final guest count, if needed. The general RSVP time is at least four weeks before the wedding.
When to Send Your Wedding Invitations a Little Earlier
There are certain circumstances in which you might want to send your wedding invitations a little earlier than eight weeks in advance.
For example, if you’re inviting many international guests, you want to give them plenty of time to find good deals on their travel. Likewise, if you’re holding a wedding around the holidays, when many people will be exceptionally busy, consider sending out your invitations in advance, too. You want to be sure you get on your guests’ calendars before they fill up.
As mentioned, sending invitations a few weeks earlier than usual may be appreciated if you’re not sending save-the-dates.
When Should You Send Engagement Party Invitations?
But let’s say you’re not even to the point of thinking about wedding invitation etiquette or when to send out wedding invites. If you’re just to the point of thinking about your engagement party, plan to send those invites out about four weeks in advance of that party.
When to Send Invites for Wedding FAQs
TL;DR? Here are all the details and fast facts about sending invites for a wedding and when you need to do so.
What are the timeline recommendations for sending out wedding invitations?
Plan to send your wedding invitations out six to eight weeks before your wedding date.
Should you send out wedding invitations to some guests sooner?
If you know a guest needs more time or have other guests traveling for your big day, time is key for your wedding invitations—when to send out will be on a case-to-case basis. You want to allow them extra time to make the proper travel arrangements.
When do you send out digital wedding invites?
Whether you have physical or digital wedding invites, when to send them will remain the same—you’ll want to aim for that six-to-eight-week timeline for sending invitations.
Do you have to send out wedding invites earlier if you didn’t send out save the dates?
Yes, if you do not send any save-the-dates, plan to send out your wedding invitations a few weeks earlier to give your guests plenty of time to plan your big day.
How much time should I give my guests to RSVP?
Plan to have your guests RSVP three to four weeks before the wedding. This will give you enough time to plan your final guest count with your vendors accordingly.
Here’s to Your Wedding Going Off Without a Hitch—But Are You Covered?
Now that you know when to send out invitations for wedding guests, you may assume that you have everything covered and your wedding will be smooth sailing from here on out. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can get by without wedding insurance. From inclement weather to natural disasters to just plain cold feet, BriteCo’s comprehensive wedding insurance can ensure your wedding investment doesn’t go down the drain if the unfortunate happens.
Learn more and get your quick quote today.
Related Articles:
Top Four Traditional Types Of Wedding Bands
What to wear to a black tie wedding?
How Do I Upgrade My Wedding Ring?
How Much Does a Wedding Cost?
Do I Need Wedding Event Insurance?
What Wedding Insurance Do I Need?
How to Get Wedding Insurance
How to Write Wedding Vows?
How to Gracefully Make A Wedding Postponement Announcement
Affordable Wedding Insurance: More Coverage, Less Cost!
UP NEXT: 5 of the Best Ideas for Bridal Showers
Author
