It’s official! You’ve booked the venue, you’ve ordered the cake, and the DJ has been hired. Now the only thing left to do is send out the invitations. But when is the best time to send them? The timing of your wedding invitations can make all the difference in ensuring your big day is a success. In this post, we’ll go through everything you need to know about when to send out your invites.
How Far in Advance Should Invitations Be Sent?
Most couples start planning their wedding at least a year in advance, but when it comes to invitations, how far in advance is too far? Typically, wedding invitations should be sent out 4 to 5 months before the wedding day. This will allow your guests enough time to plan for the event, particularly if they need to make travel arrangements or request time off work.
Destination Weddings
If you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s important to send out “save the date” cards at least 6-12 months before the wedding. This will give your guests enough time to secure travel arrangements, book accommodation, and request time off work. Remember, not all guests will be able to afford the trip or be available on the dates selected, so make sure to give as much notice as possible.
The Exceptions
There are some circumstances in which you may want to send your invitations sooner rather than later. For example, if you’re planning a holiday wedding (e.g. Christmas, New Year’s Eve), you may want to consider sending out your save the dates or invitations 6-9 months in advance so that your guests can make alternative plans if they are unavailable.
The RSVP Deadline
Your invitations should include an RSVP deadline, typically around 4-6 weeks before the wedding day. This will give you enough time to finalize your guest list, confirm your headcount with your vendors, and make any last-minute adjustments. It’s essential that you stick to your RSVP deadline to ensure the smooth running of your wedding day.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to planning a wedding, timing is everything. Invitations should be sent out 4 to 5 months in advance to give your guests enough time to plan for the event. If you’re planning a destination wedding, send “save the date” cards at least 6-12 months beforehand. Remember, give as much notice as possible, particularly if you are planning a holiday wedding.
When it comes to RSVPs, set a deadline of around 4-6 weeks before the wedding day and stick to it. Following these simple guidelines, your guests will have plenty of time to make arrangements, and you can focus on enjoying your special day.
Conclusion
The timing of your wedding invitations is crucial when it comes to planning a successful event. Be sure to send out your invites 4 to 5 months beforehand and give your guests plenty of notice if you’re planning a destination wedding or a holiday wedding. Stick to your RSVP deadline to finalize your guest list and ensure the smooth running of your wedding day. With careful planning and attention to detail, you’re sure to have a day to remember.
FAQ
Is 3 months too early to send out wedding invitations?
When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most important things to consider is the timeline for sending out invitations. While traditional etiquette suggests sending invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding, many couples are wondering if 3 months is too early to send out their wedding invitations.
The truth is that there is no hard and fast rule about when invitations should be sent out. As little as 3 months before and as early as 12 is also perfectly acceptable. This timeline can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location of the wedding, the size of the guest list, and the couple’s personal preferences.
If the wedding is taking place in a popular destination spot or during peak travel season, it’s a good idea to send out invitations earlier than usual to give guests plenty of time to plan ahead. This is also true for large weddings where guests may need to make travel arrangements or request time off work.
On the other hand, if the wedding is taking place close to the couple’s hometown and most guests are local, 3 months might be a bit too early to send out invitations. In these cases, waiting until closer to the wedding date might be more appropriate.
One alternative to early invitations is to send out save the date cards instead. Save the date cards typically go out 6-12 months before the wedding and are a great way to give guests a heads-up about the date and location of the wedding without committing to all of the information that is included in a formal invitation. This can be especially helpful for guests who may need to make travel arrangements or plan around work or school schedules.
In the end, the decision about when to send out wedding invitations is up to the couple. As long as they are considerate of their guests and give them enough time to plan accordingly, sending invitations 3 months before the wedding can be perfectly acceptable.
How long do you give guests to RSVP for wedding?
When planning a wedding, one of the most important things a couple needs to consider is the guest list and RSVPs. As the big day approaches, confirming the number of guests that will attend is crucial for venue reservations, catering, and seating arrangements. This is why it’s crucial to plan and set a deadline for RSVPs.
To give guests ample time to plan and respond, you’ll want to send your invitations out at least eight weeks before your big day. This gives guests time to coordinate their schedules and make necessary travel arrangements. Additionally, invitations should contain clear and concise instructions for RSVPs, such as the preferred method of response (email, phone, or mail) and the deadline for reply.
RSVP etiquette dictates that it’s ideal for guests to reply at least four weeks before your ceremony, allowing you time to confirm the numbers with your caterer and venue. This also gives you the chance to follow up with guests who haven’t responded by the deadline, either through a friendly reminder phone call or email. Keep in mind that some guests may have last-minute conflicts or unexpected events that may force them to cancel. Therefore, be sure to ask for alternative contact information in case of emergency or unexpected changes to their response.
Setting a deadline for RSVPs is essential for wedding planning. The timeline for RSVPs should be strategically planned and communicated clearly to guests. By following these etiquette guidelines, couples can ensure a stress-free and unforgettable wedding day.
Can I send out wedding invites early?
Yes, you can send out wedding invitations earlier than the standard 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding day, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind before doing so.
The standard timeline for sending out wedding invitations is 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. This allows guests enough time to plan their schedules, make travel arrangements if necessary, RSVP to the wedding, and give the couple ample time to finalize their guest count and other details. However, if you are having a destination wedding or getting married over a holiday weekend, it is generally acceptable to send out invitations at least three months in advance to give guests more time to plan and arrange travel accommodations. The earlier notification ensures that guests who are interested in attending the wedding, but need time to arrange the necessary travel plans, have enough time to block their schedules and make reservations.
Additionally, if you have not sent out Save the Dates, you may want to consider sending the invitations earlier than the standard timeline. Save the Dates are most often sent out six months to a year in advance, so if you do not send them, consider sending the invitations out a couple of months earlier than the standard timeline. This will give guests ample time to make arrangements and ensure the maximum number of guests can attend.
Whether or not you should send out wedding invitations earlier than the standard timeline depends on a few factors. If you’re planning a destination wedding or getting married over a holiday weekend, sending invitations earlier is a good idea. If you’re not sending out Save the Dates, it is also good to consider sending the invitations out earlier. Otherwise, sticking to the standard timeline of 6-8 weeks before the wedding date is generally appropriate.