Sending out wedding invitations is an important step in the wedding planning process. It’s a way to formally announce your wedding date and details to your guests and to get a headcount for catering and other arrangements. But when should you send out your wedding invitations? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some general guidelines you can follow.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to send out your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to save the date, book travel and accommodations, and make any other necessary arrangements. If you’re having a destination wedding, you may need to send out your invitations even earlier, as your guests will need more time to plan their trip.
Of course, there are also some exceptions to the 6-8 week rule. For example, if you’re having a small, intimate wedding, you may be able to get away with sending out your invitations 4-6 weeks in advance. Or, if you’re having a very large wedding, you may need to send out your invitations 8-10 weeks in advance to give your guests more time to respond.
When to Send Wedding Invitations
Sending wedding invitations at the right time ensures guests have ample notice to plan.
- 6-8 weeks before wedding
- Earlier for destination weddings
- 4-6 weeks for small weddings
- 8-10 weeks for large weddings
- Consider Save-the-Dates
- Online or printed invitations
- Allow RSVP time
- Track RSVPs
- Be organized
- Enjoy the process!
Sending wedding invitations in a timely manner helps you plan your wedding smoothly and ensures your guests can attend your special day.
6-8 weeks before wedding
Sending your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date is a good rule of thumb to ensure your guests have enough time to save the date, book travel and accommodations, and make any other necessary arrangements.
- Give guests enough notice:
This is especially important for guests who are traveling from out of town or who have busy schedules.
- Allow time for RSVPs:
You’ll need to give your guests enough time to RSVP so that you can get a headcount for catering and other arrangements.
- Consider Save-the-Dates:
If you’re having a destination wedding or a wedding during peak season, you may want to send out Save-the-Dates 6-8 months in advance to give your guests even more notice.
- Be organized:
Make sure you have a guest list finalized and that you have all of the necessary information for each guest, such as their address and email address.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are sent out in a timely manner and that your guests have plenty of time to plan for your special day.
Earlier for destination weddings
If you’re having a destination wedding, you’ll need to send out your wedding invitations earlier than 6-8 weeks. This is because your guests will need more time to plan their trip, book travel and accommodations, and get any necessary visas or vaccinations.
- Give guests more time to plan:
Destination weddings often require more planning and coordination than local weddings, so your guests will appreciate having more time to make arrangements.
- Consider Save-the-Dates:
For destination weddings, it’s a good idea to send out Save-the-Dates 8-12 months in advance. This will give your guests plenty of time to save the date and start planning their trip.
- Be clear about travel and accommodation details:
Make sure to include information about travel and accommodation options in your wedding invitation or on your wedding website. This will help your guests to plan their trip more easily.
- Be flexible with your RSVP deadline:
Since your guests will be traveling from out of town, you may need to be more flexible with your RSVP deadline. Consider giving your guests 4-6 weeks to RSVP.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your destination wedding invitations are sent out in a timely manner and that your guests have plenty of time to plan their trip and attend your special day.
4-6 weeks for small weddings
If you’re having a small wedding with 50 guests or less, you may be able to get away with sending out your wedding invitations 4-6 weeks in advance. This is because your guests will have less travel and accommodation arrangements to make.
- Less planning required:
Small weddings often require less planning and coordination than large weddings, so your guests will have less to do to prepare for your wedding.
- More flexibility with RSVPs:
Since you’re inviting fewer guests, you can be more flexible with your RSVP deadline. Consider giving your guests 2-4 weeks to RSVP.
- Consider Save-the-Dates:
Even for small weddings, it’s a good idea to send out Save-the-Dates 2-3 months in advance. This will give your guests plenty of notice, especially if they’re traveling from out of town.
- Be clear about the details:
Make sure to include all of the important details in your wedding invitation, such as the date, time, location, and dress code. You may also want to include information about the reception and any other events that you’re having.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your small wedding invitations are sent out in a timely manner and that your guests have enough time to plan for your special day.
8-10 weeks for large weddings
If you’re having a large wedding with 100 guests or more, you’ll need to send out your wedding invitations 8-10 weeks in advance. This will give your guests plenty of time to save the date, book travel and accommodations, and make any other necessary arrangements.
Here are some additional tips for sending out wedding invitations for large weddings:
- Consider Save-the-Dates:
For large weddings, it’s a good idea to send out Save-the-Dates 6-8 months in advance. This will give your guests even more notice, especially if they’re traveling from out of town. - Be clear about the details:
Make sure to include all of the important details in your wedding invitation, such as the date, time, location, and dress code. You may also want to include information about the reception and any other events that you’re having. - Be organized:
Make sure you have a guest list finalized and that you have all of the necessary information for each guest, such as their address and email address. You may also want to create a spreadsheet to track RSVPs. - Be flexible with your RSVP deadline:
Since you’re inviting more guests, you may need to be more flexible with your RSVP deadline. Consider giving your guests 4-6 weeks to RSVP.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your large wedding invitations are sent out in a timely manner and that your guests have plenty of time to plan for your special day.
Consider Save-the-Dates
Save-the-Dates are a great way to give your guests advance notice of your wedding date, especially if you’re having a destination wedding or a wedding during peak season. Save-the-Dates typically include the following information:
- The couple’s names
- The wedding date
- The wedding location (city and state)
- A brief message, such as “Save the Date for Our Wedding!”
Save-the-Dates can be mailed, emailed, or even sent via social media. You can find Save-the-Dates in a variety of styles and designs, so you can choose a design that matches your wedding theme.
Here are some additional tips for using Save-the-Dates:
- Send Save-the-Dates 6-8 months in advance:
This will give your guests plenty of notice, especially if they’re traveling from out of town. - Include a website or email address:
This will allow your guests to learn more about your wedding and RSVP online. - Be clear about the details:
Make sure to include all of the important details in your Save-the-Date, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding. - Consider using Save-the-Dates for destination weddings:
Save-the-Dates are especially helpful for destination weddings, as they give your guests more time to plan their trip and book travel and accommodations.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Save-the-Dates are sent out in a timely manner and that your guests have plenty of notice of your wedding date.
Online or printed invitations
When it comes to sending out wedding invitations, you have the option of sending online invitations or printed invitations. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the option that’s best for you.
- Online invitations:
Online invitations are a great option for couples who are looking for a more affordable and eco-friendly option. Online invitations can be sent via email or social media, and they can be customized to match your wedding theme. Some online invitation services also allow you to track RSVPs and manage your guest list.
- Printed invitations:
Printed invitations are a more traditional option, and they can add a touch of elegance to your wedding. Printed invitations can be ordered online or through a local printer. You can choose from a variety of styles and designs, and you can also add personal touches, such as箔 stamping or calligraphy.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to send online or printed invitations is up to you. Consider your budget, your wedding theme, and your personal preferences when making your decision.
Allow RSVP time
Once you’ve sent out your wedding invitations, you’ll need to give your guests enough time to RSVP. The amount of time you give your guests to RSVP will depend on a few factors, such as the size of your wedding and the formality of your invitation.
- For a small, informal wedding:
You can give your guests 2-3 weeks to RSVP.
- For a large, formal wedding:
You may need to give your guests 4-6 weeks to RSVP.
- For a destination wedding:
You may need to give your guests even more time to RSVP, as they will need to make travel and accommodation arrangements.
- Consider online RSVPs:
Online RSVPs can make it easier for your guests to RSVP and can also help you to track RSVPs more easily.
No matter how much time you give your guests to RSVP, it’s important to be clear about the RSVP deadline on your wedding invitation. You should also include a contact email address or phone number so that your guests can easily get in touch with you if they have any questions.
Track RSVPs
Once your guests start RSVPing, it’s important to track their responses so that you can get a headcount for catering and other arrangements. You can track RSVPs using a spreadsheet, a wedding planning app, or even a simple list. Be sure to include the following information for each guest:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Attending or not attending
- Meal choice (if applicable)
- Any dietary restrictions
As you receive RSVPs, be sure to update your tracking system so that you always have the most up-to-date information. This will help you to stay organized and to ensure that everything is in order for your wedding day.
Here are some additional tips for tracking RSVPs:
- Set a deadline for RSVPs:
This will help you to get a more accurate headcount. Be sure to include the RSVP deadline on your wedding invitation. - Send out a reminder:
A few weeks before the RSVP deadline, send out a reminder to your guests. This will help to ensure that everyone has had a chance to RSVP. - Follow up with guests who haven’t RSVPed:
If you have guests who haven’t RSVPed by the deadline, follow up with them to see if they’re planning to attend. You can call them, email them, or send them a text message.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re tracking RSVPs effectively and that you have a good headcount for your wedding day.
Be organized
When it comes to wedding planning, organization is key. This is especially true when it comes to sending out wedding invitations. Here are some tips for staying organized:
- Create a guest list:
The first step is to create a guest list. This will help you to determine how many invitations you need to send out. - Get the necessary information from your guests:
Once you have a guest list, you’ll need to get the necessary information from your guests, such as their names, addresses, and email addresses. You can do this by sending out a Save-the-Date card or by creating a wedding website. - Choose a wedding invitation design:
Once you have all of the necessary information from your guests, you can start choosing a wedding invitation design. There are many different styles and designs to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that matches your wedding theme. - Order your wedding invitations:
Once you’ve chosen a wedding invitation design, you can order your invitations. Be sure to order enough invitations for all of your guests, plus a few extra in case of any last-minute additions. - Send out your wedding invitations:
The final step is to send out your wedding invitations. Be sure to send them out well in advance of your wedding date so that your guests have plenty of time to save the date.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re organized and that everything is in order for sending out your wedding invitations.
Here are some additional tips for staying organized:
- Use a wedding planning binder:
A wedding planning binder is a great way to keep all of your wedding planning information in one place. You can use it to store your guest list, wedding invitation design ideas, and other important documents. - Create a wedding planning timeline:
A wedding planning timeline will help you to stay on track and to ensure that everything is completed on time. You can use a wedding planning app or a simple spreadsheet to create your timeline. - Delegate tasks:
Don’t try to do everything yourself! Delegate tasks to your family and friends so that you can focus on the most important things.
By following these tips, you can stay organized and ensure that your wedding planning process is as stress-free as possible.
Enjoy the process!
Wedding planning can be a lot of work, but it’s also a time to celebrate and enjoy the journey to your big day. Here are a few tips for enjoying the process of sending out your wedding invitations:
- Choose a design that you love:
Your wedding invitations are the first glimpse that your guests will get of your wedding day, so it’s important to choose a design that you love. Take your time browsing different designs and find one that matches your wedding theme and style. - Make it personal:
Add personal touches to your wedding invitations to make them unique and memorable. You can include a photo of you and your partner, a quote that is special to you, or a poem that you love. - Send them out early:
Sending out your wedding invitations early will give your guests plenty of time to save the date and make travel arrangements. It will also help you to get a more accurate headcount for your wedding. - Be excited!
Sending out your wedding invitations is a major milestone in the wedding planning process. Take a moment to celebrate this special moment and enjoy the anticipation of your big day.
Remember, wedding planning is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process and savor every moment leading up to your wedding day.
Here are some additional tips for enjoying the process of sending out your wedding invitations:
- Involve your partner:
Make sending out your wedding invitations a joint effort. This is a special time in your relationship, and it’s a great way to bond and work together as a team. - Make it a party:
Invite your friends and family over to help you address and stuff your wedding invitations. Turn it into a party with food, drinks, and music. - Take breaks:
Wedding planning can be overwhelming at times, so it’s important to take breaks when you need them. Step away from the planning process and do something that you enjoy, such as taking a walk, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the process of sending out your wedding invitations and make it a truly memorable experience.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about when to send wedding invitations, along with their answers:
Question 1: How far in advance should I send out my wedding invitations?
Answer: Generally speaking, you should send out your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to save the date, book travel and accommodations, and make any other necessary arrangements.
Question 2: What if I’m having a destination wedding?
Answer: For destination weddings, you may need to send out your wedding invitations earlier, such as 8-10 weeks in advance. This will give your guests more time to plan their trip and book travel and accommodations.
Question 3: What if I’m having a small wedding?
Answer: For small weddings with 50 guests or less, you may be able to get away with sending out your wedding invitations 4-6 weeks in advance. However, it’s still a good idea to send them out early to give your guests enough notice.
Question 4: Should I send out Save-the-Dates?
Answer: Save-the-Dates are a great way to give your guests advance notice of your wedding date, especially if you’re having a destination wedding or a wedding during peak season. Save-the-Dates typically include the couple’s names, the wedding date, and the wedding location.
Question 5: Can I send out online wedding invitations?
Answer: Yes, online wedding invitations are a great option for couples who are looking for a more affordable and eco-friendly option. Online invitations can be sent via email or social media, and they can be customized to match your wedding theme.
Question 6: How do I track RSVPs?
Answer: You can track RSVPs using a spreadsheet, a wedding planning app, or even a simple list. Be sure to include the following information for each guest: name, email address, phone number, attending or not attending, meal choice (if applicable), and any dietary restrictions.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about when to send wedding invitations. If you have any other questions, be sure to consult with your wedding planner or a trusted friend or family member.
Now that you know when to send your wedding invitations, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you send out your wedding invitations on time and without any stress:
Tip 1: Get organized early.
The first step is to get organized and create a timeline for sending out your wedding invitations. This will help you to stay on track and ensure that everything is completed on time. You can use a wedding planning binder or a wedding planning app to create your timeline.
Tip 2: Choose a wedding invitation design that you love.
Your wedding invitations are the first glimpse that your guests will get of your wedding day, so it’s important to choose a design that you love. Take your time browsing different designs and find one that matches your wedding theme and style.
Tip 3: Order your wedding invitations early.
Once you’ve chosen a wedding invitation design, order your invitations early. This will ensure that you have enough time to address and mail them out to your guests. Be sure to order a few extra invitations in case of any last-minute additions.
Tip 4: Send out your wedding invitations early.
The final step is to send out your wedding invitations early. This will give your guests plenty of time to save the date and make travel arrangements. It will also help you to get a more accurate headcount for your wedding.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are sent out on time and that everything is in order for your big day.
Now that you know when to send wedding invitations and have some tips for getting started, you’re well on your way to planning a successful wedding.
Conclusion
Sending out wedding invitations is an important step in the wedding planning process. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are sent out on time and that your guests have plenty of notice.
Here are the main points to remember when it comes to sending wedding invitations:
- Send out your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date.
- Send out Save-the-Dates for destination weddings or weddings during peak season.
- Choose a wedding invitation design that you love.
- Order your wedding invitations early.
- Send out your wedding invitations early.
- Track RSVPs so that you can get a headcount for catering and other arrangements.
- Be organized and enjoy the process!
Sending out wedding invitations can be a lot of work, but it’s also a time to celebrate and enjoy the journey to your big day. By following the tips in this article, you can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
So relax, enjoy the process, and savor every moment leading up to your wedding day. Congratulations!