If you’re asking yourself, “When should I send out wedding invitations?”—you’re not alone. Timing is a key part of wedding planning, and sending your invites at just the right moment ensures guests have ample time to RSVP, make travel plans, and celebrate your big day. Whether you’re planning a local ceremony or a destination wedding, this guide breaks down exactly how far in advance to send wedding invitations—with expert tips for different types of weddings.
Jump to:
- When to Send Save the Dates
- When to Send Wedding Invitations
- When to Request RSVPs
- Additional Tips on Wedding Invitation Timing
When to Send Save the Dates
Save the dates are typically sent 6 to 12 months before your wedding. This gives your guests ample time to mark their calendars and start planning, especially if your wedding is a destination event or takes place during a busy season like the holidays. You don’t need to worry about RSVPs yet—save the dates are just for guests to reserve the date on their calendars.
Why You Should Send Save the Dates Early:
- Out-of-town guests or those with busy schedules will appreciate the extra notice.
- They give your guests time to book travel and accommodations in advance.
- Save the dates are especially helpful for destination weddings, holiday weddings, or events requiring extensive travel plans.
When Should Wedding Invitations Be Sent Out?
For most weddings, the best time to send out invitations is 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding date. This gives your guests plenty of time to RSVP and finalize their plans. But why this window? It’s enough time for guests to check their schedules, make travel arrangements, and get organized without feeling rushed. It’s also early enough for them to RSVP by your deadline and allow you to finalize seating arrangements.
Why 6 to 8 Weeks is Ideal:
- Guests can check their schedules and arrange travel or accommodations.
- You can receive timely RSVPs for your guest list management.
- It prevents last-minute scrambling or confusion for both you and your guests.
When to Send Wedding Invitations if You Didn’t Send Save the Dates
If you skipped the save the dates, you’ll want to give your guests more time to make plans. In this case, send your wedding invitations 10 to 12 weeks in advance. This longer timeline helps guests prepare, especially if they’re coming from out of town or need to make special travel arrangements.
Why More Time Is Needed Without Save the Dates:
- Without a heads-up from save the dates, guests will need extra time to plan, book accommodations, and make travel arrangements.
- The longer notice helps ensure that your guests are available to attend.
When to Send Wedding Invitations for Destination Weddings
For destination wedding invitations, the timeline changes significantly. Since your guests will likely need to travel and make hotel arrangements, sending invitations much earlier is a must. You’ll want to make sure they have plenty of time to finalize their plans.
Ideal Timing for Destination Weddings:
- Save the dates: 8 to 12 months before your wedding
- Wedding invitations: 3 to 4 months before the wedding
- RSVP deadline: At least 6 to 8 weeks in advance
Why More Time Is Needed for Destination Weddings:
- Guests need ample time to book travel, flights, and accommodations—especially if it’s international.
- Sending invitations 3 to 4 months ahead gives your guests enough time to adjust their schedules and plan accordingly.
When to Send Wedding Invitations for Holiday Weddings
Holiday weddings come with their own set of challenges. If you’re getting married around the holidays—like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Thanksgiving—you’ll need to send out wedding invitations earlier than usual. Plan to send your invites at least 12 weeks before your wedding to give your guests plenty of time to navigate the busy season.
Why Send Invitations Early for Holiday Weddings:
- The holiday season often fills up quickly for your guests, so an earlier invitation ensures they can clear their schedules.
- Guests may need time to make travel arrangements if your wedding falls during peak holiday travel periods.
When Should You Send Invitations for a Weekday Wedding?
Weekday weddings are becoming more popular, but they can require a different timeline. For these events, send your wedding invitations 8 to 10 weeks in advance. This gives your guests enough time to request time off work or adjust their schedules accordingly.
Why Weekday Weddings Need More Time:
- Guests may need to arrange time off work or childcare for weekday weddings.
- Sending invites earlier gives people time to plan around their work and personal schedules.
When to Request RSVPs
RSVPs are crucial to your wedding planning, as they help you determine your headcount for the venue, catering, seating arrangements, and more. Typically, you should request RSVPs 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding. This allows you to finalize all details in advance.
Why 3 to 4 Weeks is Ideal for RSVPs:
- It gives you ample time to confirm the guest list and finalize arrangements.
- It ensures your vendors and venue have the exact number of guests in advance.
- It helps you plan your seating chart and meal preferences.
How to Follow Up on Missing RSVPs:
Not everyone will RSVP on time, so it’s always a good idea to follow up with those who haven’t responded by the deadline. A quick text, email, or phone call is all it takes to confirm their attendance.
Additional Tips for Wedding Invitation Timing
Double-Check the Address List:
Before mailing out your wedding invitations, take a moment to review your guest list and ensure all addresses are up to date. Mistakes in addresses can delay your invitations and cause confusion. For easy tracking, use Shutterfly’s free online address book to save your guests’ info.
Timing for Non-Traditional Weddings:
If you’re hosting a non-traditional or intimate wedding, such as an elopement, you have more flexibility. Sending invitations 4 to 6 weeks before may be sufficient, especially for smaller guest lists.
Related Resources on When to Send Out Wedding Invitations
Knowing how far in advance you need to send wedding invitations is a key part of your wedding planning process. By adhering to these timelines, you can help ensure your guests have all the information they need to join in your special day. With proper planning and communication, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and stress-free wedding celebration.
For more tips and ideas on wedding planning, visit these additional resources:
