When to Send Out Your Wedding Invitations – A Detailed Timeline Guide

Wedding invitations and save-the-date cards are crucial aspects of planning a wedding. They serve as the official announcement of the big day and provide guests with all the necessary information about the event. However, timing is everything when it comes to sending out wedding invitations, and getting it wrong can lead to confusion, disappointment and even guests not being able to attend. 

To ensure that your invitations and save-the-date cards reach your guests in a timely manner, it’s important to plan ahead and consider factors such as printing and addressing time, as well as allowing for any potential delays in the postal service. By following a detailed timeline and allowing ample time for each step, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are sent out smoothly and that your guests have plenty of time to mark the date on their calendars.

In this blog post, we will explore more on when to send out your wedding invitations and provide tips on ensuring that your guests receive your save-the-date cards in a timely manner.  

Understanding the Importance of Wedding Invitation Timing 

First and foremost, it is important to understand that the timing of your wedding invitation will depend on various factors, including the type of wedding you are planning, the location of your event and the number of guests you invite. 

For example, destination and out-of-town weddings will require earlier invitations than local weddings, as guests will need more time to plan and book travel. Similarly, large weddings with many guests will also require earlier invitations, as you or the wedding planner will need more time to gather all the RSVPs and plan accordingly. 

General Time Frame to Send Your Wedding Invitations 

Generally, a wedding invitation should be sent out 8-12 weeks before the wedding date. This allows guests plenty of time to RSVP, make travel arrangements and plan for time off work or other commitments. However, it is important to note that for destination and larger weddings, invitations should be sent out even earlier, ideally 12-16 weeks in advance. 

It is also important to consider the timing of other wedding-related events when planning your invitation schedule. For example, if you are planning a bridal shower or a bachelor/bachelorette party, it is a good idea to send out the invitations for those events at least 4-6 weeks before the event, as guests will need time to RSVP and plan accordingly. 

Start Planning Wedding Invitation Timeline Before Your Wedding Date 

Once you have a rough idea of when you want to send wedding invitations, it is important to start planning early. This will allow you to order your invitations, address them and mail them out on time. It is also a good idea to order extra invitations in case of mistakes or last-minute additions to the guest list. 

When addressing your wedding invitations, it is important to be accurate and consistent. This means double-checking spellings, addresses and titles (such as Mr. and Mrs.) to ensure that your guests receive the correct invitation. 

Using a calligrapher or professional printing service is also a good idea to ensure that your save-the-date looks polished and professional.  

Sending Your Wedding Invitations in the Mail 

When mailing out your wedding invitations, it is important to do so promptly. It is also a good idea to use a tracked mailing service or post office, such as USPS Priority Mail or FedEx, to ensure that your wedding invites are delivered on time and that you can track their progress. 

Follow Up on Those Who Have Not RSVPed 

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and daunting task and one of the most important aspects of the planning process is ensuring that you have a clear headcount for your special day. One of the most common issues that couples face is trying to follow up with guests who still need to RSVP to the wedding via wedding invitation.  

Tips on How to Handle This Situation: 

You also shouldn’t miss these other informative posts when sending invites for your big day:

• How Many People Should I Invite to My Wedding?
• Creative Vintage Wedding Invitations 
• Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Wedding Invitations

Send a reminder:

 A friendly reminder can go a long way in getting guests to RSVP. Send out a reminder a week or two before the RSVP deadline, reminding them of the date and asking them to let you know if they will attend. 

Make it easy:

 Make it as easy as possible for guests to RSVP. Provide them with a clear and simple way to respond, such as an online RSVP form or a phone number they can call. 

Personalize the follow-up:

 When you follow up with guests who haven’t yet RSVPed, try to personalize your message. For example, let them know that you’re looking forward to celebrating with them and that their presence would mean a lot to you. 

Be understanding: 

Remember that some guests may have legitimate reasons for not responding, such as travel or work-related issues. Try to be understanding and give them a bit of extra time to respond. 

Make a call: 

If all else fails, give guests a call. Sometimes, a personal phone call can be the best way to get a response. 

Finally, it’s important to remember that not everyone can attend your wedding. While it’s frustrating not to have a clear headcount, try not to let it stress you out too much. Instead, focus on the guests who can make it and ensure they have a great time. 

Wedding Invitation Ideas

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of any wedding as they set the tone for the big day and give guests a glimpse of what to expect.  

Hand-drawn or calligraphy invitations: 

Give your invitations a personal touch by having them hand-drawn or calligraphed. This can add a unique and elegant touch to your invitations. 

Vintage or antique invitations: 

If you’re having a vintage or antique-themed wedding, consider using vintage or antique invitations. You can find these at antique stores or vintage markets or create your own using vintage-inspired designs and materials. 

Custom illustration invitations: 

Commission an artist to create custom illustrations for your invitations. This can be a great way to incorporate your love story or wedding theme into the invitations. 

Laser cut invitations: 

Laser cut invitations are a modern and elegant option. The intricate designs can add a touch of elegance to your invitations. 

Foil-stamped invitations:

Foil-stamped invitations are a great way to add some shine and luxury to your invitations. 

Eco-friendly invitations:

Consider using eco-friendly materials such as seeded paper, bamboo or recycled paper to create your invitations. Not only are these options better for the environment, but they also add a unique and organic touch. 

Online invitations:

With the rise of digital communication, online invitations are becoming increasingly popular. They are easy to create and send and you can include links to your wedding website or other important information. 

Etsy has a lot of fun options to choose from as well. No matter what type of invitations you choose, make sure they reflect your personal style and the theme of your wedding. 

The Bottom Line on When to Send Out Your Wedding Invitations

When it comes to sending out a wedding invitation, timing is key. As a general rule, sending them out 8-12 weeks before the wedding date is best. This gives your guests plenty of time to RSVP and make travel arrangements while also allowing you to finalize details with your vendors. 

It’s also a good idea to send save-the-date cards or emails several months in advance of when you decide to send out wedding invitations, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding or if many of your out-of-town guests will need to travel for your wedding day. Ultimately, the key is to give your guests enough time to plan but not so much that they forget about your wedding day details.  

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