Wedding invitations are more than just a piece of paper. They set the tone for your big day and make sure your guests have all the information they need to attend. Sending out invites at the right time is crucial for a smooth wedding planning process and a well-attended event. After all, if your guests don’t receive the invitation on time, they won’t know the details like time and place and so won’t be able to make the necessary plans. The good news is that we have perfected the various timelines for when to send out wedding invitations for different types of weddings, so no one can say the invitation arrived too late.
Table of contents:
- Why timing matters
- When to send out wedding invitations
- Timeline for sending wedding invitations
- The benefits of sending invitations early
- VistaPrint custom wedding products
Why timing matters
Timing is everything when it comes to sending out wedding invitations. Leaving it too late can mean guests don’t have all of the information needed to attend, while sending invites too early can mean it’s too early for them to make necessary arrangements. Well-considered timing helps ensure that your guests can attend your special day.
Source: Boho wedding invitation via VistaPrint
When to send out wedding invitations
How far in advance to send wedding invitations depends on who you are inviting to your wedding and how far they will have to travel. You should have already sent out your save the dates by this point, so guests will know when your wedding is happening but not all of the other details.
For destination weddings: 3 to 4 months
Destination weddings require more planning on the part of your guests. If your wedding is happening abroad, aim to send out invitations three to four months in advance to allow guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements and secure accommodation. Some guests may also need advance warning in order to save funds or confirm time off with their employer.
Source: Destination wedding save the dates via VistaPrint
For weddings with international guests: 4 to 6 months
If you’re inviting guests who live abroad to your wedding, it’s best to send out invitations four to six months before the event. This allows time for your loved ones to apply for visas, arrange travel and book accommodation without last-minute stress.
For weddings during busy periods: 3 to 4 months
If your wedding falls during a busy period, such as peak summer, wedding season or the holidays, send out invitations at least nine weeks in advance. This helps guests navigate their busy schedules and make any necessary travel plans. It also increases the chances of your invitation getting to them ahead of any other events that they might attend during this busy time.
For local weddings: 2 to 3 months
It’s standard to send out invitations around two to three months before the wedding date if you’re having a local wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules without being so far in advance that they don’t remember where and when the wedding is taking place.
Source: Wedding welcome sign via VistaPrint
Timeline for sending wedding invitations
Creating a schedule for when to send out wedding invitations is the key to a smooth planning process. For a more detailed timeline for organizing your big day, check out our guide to how to plan a wedding.
Send save the dates: 6 to 9 months before
Before you send your official wedding invites, you need to send save the date cards so your guests can put your wedding date in their calendars. In regards to when to send out save the dates, six to nine months in advance helps your guests mark their calendars early on, which is especially necessary for destination weddings or weddings happening during busy seasons.
Source: Wedding invitation suite via VistaPrint
Design and order invitations: 4 to 6 months before
You should try to start designing and ordering wedding invitations around six months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to decide how you want your invites to look, for any design revisions and to order any additional stationery you might need. You can also build on wedding invitation templates with DIY touches.
Source: Elegant wedding invitation via VistaPrint
Send invitations: 2 to 6 months before
Send your invitations at least two months before the wedding. This is especially important for destination weddings or if you have a large number of out-of-town guests. If your wedding is happening locally and you’ve already sent out save the dates, then you can send out invites closer to the wedding day, but don’t leave it later than six weeks beforehand to give guests enough time to make necessary plans.
Follow up on RSVPs: 4 to 8 weeks before
Request RSVPs at least one month before the wedding and provide a cut-off deadline on invitations. This gives you time to follow up with guests who haven’t responded and to finalize your seating arrangements and catering numbers.
Tracking RSVPs carefully will lead to a smoother invitation process. It also helps you avoid last-minute surprises such as extra plus-ones or cancelations.
Source: Wedding invitation suite via VistaPrint
Considerations for digital invitations
Digital invitations are becoming increasingly popular as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to paper invites. They can be sent instantly with a QR code or link to your wedding website to RSVP, which makes it easier for guests to respond, helping to build your finalized guest list. You should still make sure to send out digital invites a few months in advance and set up a form to track your RSVPs digitally.
Source: Fun wedding invitation color palette via VistaPrint
The benefits of sending invitations early
Arranging travel and accommodation
Sending out wedding invitations well in advance allows guests to book travel and accommodation that may get booked up or become more expensive closer to the time. It also means they have more time to plan the rest of their trip, including securing time off, researching transport and arranging childcare.
Purchasing outfits and gifts
Early invitations mean guests can think about what they’re going to wear as well as purchase a gift ahead of time, avoiding last-minute rushes.
Finalizing guest numbers
The benefits of early invites aren’t just for guests. Having an accurate guest list early on helps the bride and groom or wedding planner create a seating plan and the caterers and other vendors to prepare for an accurate number of guests.
Including all necessary information
Make sure your invitations include all the essential details about your wedding. The venue, date, time, dress code and RSVP information are key. But if there are any other unique details, like changing venues or transport information, make sure they’re on your invite too. If you’re not sure how to word your invites, read our complete guide to wedding invitation wording.
Source: Custom wedding menus via VistaPrint
VistaPrint custom wedding products
Custom wedding stationery and decor will make your wedding more unique. Design and order stunning prints for your big day with a printing service you can trust.
- Handy save the date cards mean your guests can mark the date in their calendars well in advance.
- Beautifully designed wedding invitations are the perfect way to set the tone for your special day.
- Wedding signs and seating plans help direct guests to where they need to go and keep things flowing.
- Individual place cards add a personal touch to your reception, making guests feel special.
- Put menus on tables that complement your wedding theme and let guests know what they’ll be eating.
- Wedding programs and itineraries keep guests informed about the proceedings and provide them with a memorable keepsake.
- Custom napkins with your wedding logo add a special touch to your reception.
- Personalized wine bottle labels with names and the wedding date are a fun addition.
Sending out wedding invitations at the perfect time can make all the difference in the wedding planning process. It can also enhance guests’ experience in the lead-up to your big day. By following these recommended timelines and considering the circumstances of all your guests, you can make sure that everyone is as prepared and excited for your special day as you are.
