The planning of your wedding is exciting but also overwhelming; with so many moving parts to a wedding, it’s easy to overlook the small details or have certain things be delayed in the planning process.
One of the most crucial aspects of this journey is sending out wedding invitations. Knowing when to send out your invitations is essential to ensure your guests have enough time to make arrangements and mark their calendars. In this blog, we’ll explore the ideal timeline for sending out wedding invitations to ensure that all of your guests have ample time to plan their arrival at your special day.
Plan Ahead
Wedding planning begins months, if not years, in advance; we’re now seeing enquiries for 2025 and 2026!
To determine when to send your wedding invitations, you should start by setting a date for your big day and working backwards from there. While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for when to send out wedding invitations, the following timeline can serve as a general guideline:
Save the Dates
Save the dates can be sent as soon as your wedding venue is secure and are typically sent out 6 to 12 months before your wedding. These cards serve as a heads-up for your guests, especially if you have many out-of-town guests. They don’t need to include all the details, but they should provide enough information for guests to plan accordingly.
Formal Invitations
Your formal wedding invitations should be sent out 4 to 6 months before your wedding date. These invitations include all the essential details, such as the date, time, location, RSVP information, and any additional event details. Here’s a breakdown of what to include:
- Wedding date and time
- Venue address
- RSVP deadline
- Accommodation information (if necessary)
- Dress code (if any)
- Gift registry information (if applicable)
- Any other relevant details, such as transportation or parking instructions
- RSVP Deadline (6-8 Weeks Before) and how to RSVP
To help you finalise the details with us as your venue and our caterers, it’s crucial to set an RSVP deadline that falls approximately 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding day. This will give you enough time to follow up with guests who haven’t responded and make the necessary arrangements.
Extra Considerations
Consider your specific circumstances when determining your invitation timeline:
Holiday and Peak Seasons: If your wedding falls during a holiday season or in a peak wedding month, you might want to send ‘save-the-dates’ and formal invitations a bit earlier to accommodate guests’ busy schedules and family holidays during the school year.
Online RSVPs and wedding websites: Many couples are now opting for online RSVPs, which can make the process more efficient and sustainable. You create a website just for the event and guests can fill out a form to choose their food at the same time. Just ensure that your guests are comfortable with this method and provide clear instructions.
Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of your wedding planning journey. Once you’ve secured your date with your wedding venue you can send out ‘save the dates’ and/or formal invitations, but the most important thing is to give your guests enough time to get your important day in their calendars!
For more help planning your special day please get in touch with our wedding planner here.