When Should We Send Our Wedding Invitations?
Planning a wedding involves a whirlwind of decisions, timelines, and logistics. One crucial part of the process is deciding when to send your wedding invitations. Your stationery set the tone for your big day and help guests prepare for the event, especially if it’s a destination wedding. Here’s a detailed timeline to guide you, ensuring that your friends and family have all the information they need to celebrate with you.
Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations are the centerpiece of your wedding correspondence. These include all the important details: the venue, time, dress code, RSVP information, and any additional events. The timing for sending invitations depends on whether your wedding is local or a destination affair.
When to Send Wedding Invitations
For local weddings, send your invitations about 2-3 months before the wedding. This timing allows guests to finalise their plans without feeling rushed.
For weddings that require travel, send invitations 3-4 months before the wedding. Guests need more time to book flights, secure accommodation, and prepare for the trip.
What to Include in Your Invitations
- The names of the couple getting married.
- The wedding date, time, and venue.
- A reply card or RSVP instructions.
- Dress code (if applicable).
- Additional details like transportation, accommodation, or directions if your wedding is in a remote location.
Why Timing Matters
Sending your wedding invitations at the right time is about more than just being organised. It shows consideration for your guests’ schedules and helps them plan accordingly. Here’s why timing is crucial:
- The earlier you inform guests, the better chance they have of avoiding conflicts with other plans.
- Advance notice is critical for guests traveling from out of town or abroad. Flights, accommodation, and annual leave often require early planning.
- Sending communications at the right time builds anticipation and keeps your wedding top of mind without overwhelming guests.
Special Considerations for Destination Weddings
Destination weddings add an extra layer of complexity, so your timeline needs to reflect the additional planning required.
Guests attending a destination wedding must coordinate travel, accommodation, and potentially childcare or pet care. These logistics require a longer lead time to plan effectively. Here is a handy timeline:
12+ Months Before the Wedding: Send save the dates. Include the destination and encourage guests to book travel and accommodation early.
6-8 Months Before the Wedding: Provide travel information. Share flight recommendations, hotel blocks, and details about local attractions on your wedding website.
3-4 Months Before the Wedding: Send formal invitations with all the details.
RSVP Deadlines
Setting a clear RSVP deadline is crucial for finalising headcounts and other arrangements. Here’s a quick guide to setting RSVP timelines:
- For local weddings, set the RSVP deadline about four weeks before the wedding.
- For destination weddings, set the RSVP deadline about six to eight weeks before the event. This allows you to confirm travel arrangements and finalize catering numbers.
If guests don’t respond by the deadline, don’t hesitate to follow up with a polite reminder.